PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Western New Mexico University football team will remain on the road this coming Saturday as they will play at Arizona Christian University at 8:15 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the game on Cox 7 that will also be streamed online by clicking here.

ACU started their football program this season and compete in the NAIA. The Firestorm fell to Evangel (40-16) and Wayland Baptist (28-21) to start the season at home before collecting their first win this past weekend at George Fox (30-27).

Quarterback Gerrit Groenewold has thrown the most passes so far this season completing 43-of-77 for 495 yards and three touchdowns, along with six interceptions. Ryan Esslinger has completed 25-of-34 in his one game. PJ Sparks leads the rushing attack going for 67 yards on 28 attempts. Brandon Fisher has caught eight passes for 183 yards and two scores. On defense, Martin Tew has 32 tackles, 25 solo, which leads the team in both categories.

WNMU came close against the University of San Diego this past weekend falling by just six, 23-17. Redshirt freshman running back Marques Rodgers (Gardena, CA/Serra) chewed up 97 yards on 18 carries. Junior quarterback Mitch Glasmann (Temecula, CA/Chaparral) completed 26-of-51 for 280 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Donald Byrd (Long Beach, CA/Long Beach Poly) grabbed eight passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. A trio of Mustangs on defense posted six tackles each (seniors Cody Hawkins (Show Low, AZ/Show Low), Brandon Perkins (Tucson, AZ/Desert View ) and Zachary Dembrowski (Lake Elsinore/Elsinore HS)).

The Mustangs came back with a furious rally in the fourth quarter with Glasmann connecting with senior Marcus Smith (San Diego, CA/Mira Mesa HS) (13:46) and Byrd (5:19) for touchdowns early and midway through the final frame to get to within six. After the WNMU defense forced a three-and-out, the Mustangs marched all the way inside the Toreros' 20 yard line before a fourth down pass fell incomplete.

In the fourth quarter alone, the Mustang defense limited San Diego to 27 yards on 13 plays, with two of the drives netting minus yards with one going as a turnover. On the flip side, the offense was rolling for the Mustangs as they racked up 178 yards on 31 plays.

WNMU will remain on the road after this weekend's game against Arizona Christian as they will play at New Mexico Highlands University on Saturday, Sep. 20, to open Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.