Silver City, NM – The Green Chile Bowl ends in a thriller, as Western New Mexico University Football loses the instate rivalry to Eastern New Mexico University 50-47. WNMU was up 47-36 in the fourth quarter before ENMU took the lead with 58 seconds left.

The Mustangs had the offense cooking, throwing for 6 touchdowns. Devin Larsen (Gilbert, AZ/Queen Creek HS) threw for 294 yards and 5 touchdowns. Brandon Ziarno (Melbourne, FL/Melbourne Central Catholic HS) got into the game and threw a touchdown as well.  

Three Mustangs would get two touchdowns each. David Telles (Los Angeles, CA/Franklin HS) led the team in receiving yards, having 5 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Bryce Coleman (Tucson, AZ/Mountain View HS) also had two receiving touchdowns, catching 7 passes for 84 yards. Jacob Wallace (Marion, TX/Marion HS) had a great game, finding the end zone twice, catching 6 balls for 49 yards.

WNMU rushed only 18 times but made the most of it, rushing for 140 yards. Oly Ta'ase (Pago Pago, American Samoa/Fagaitua HS) had four rushes for 69 yards.

The Mustangs tallied up the sacks, having five total sacks. Tylen Coleman (Maricopa, AZ/Maricopa HS) adds three more to his season, leading the NCAA with 10.5 on the year. Jeremiah Tyler (Detroit, MI/Chandler HS) and Steven Winn would also have a sack.

The Webb brothers, Thomas and Isaiah both tallied 9 tackles. Kaleb Gutierrez (El Paso, TX/Franklin HS) wasn't far behind totaling 7.

The Mustangs were trailing late in the first quarter before Larsen would find Coleman for a one yard touchdown. Early in the second quarter, the Mustangs tied up the Greyhounds 14-14, by a Larsen to Wallace 9 yard connection.

The next offensive possession, Brandon Ziarno (Melbourne, FL/Melbourne Central Catholic HS) would throw a 68 yard strike to Telles. ENMU would block the PAT and run it back for two points making the score 20-16. 

Before the half ended, Larsen would find Coleman for 29 yards. The PAT was blocked again, making the Mustang lead 26-16. With 1:11 left on the clock, ENMU's Nathan Valencia found Zachery Fields, cutting WNMU's lead to 26-23.

Starting the 3rd quarter, Larsen connected with Telles for a 15 yard touchdown. WNMU recovered the kickoff right after, and marched down the field before fumbling. ENMU's next play fumbled the ball and Gutierrez would pick up the ball and run it in for a touchdown, making the lead 40-23.

The slugfest between them continued as ENMU's next possession resulted in a Howard Russell 46 yard rush for a touchdown. Before the quarter ended, the Greyhounds cut the lead to 40-37 after Justin Manyweather would receive a 16 yard touchdown grab.

As the fourth quarter was winding down, Larsen found Wallace for the second time putting the score 47-37. 

The Greyhounds were not done. Valencia connected with Fields yet again making it a 47-44 game. ENMU would recover a muffed kickoff. A couple plays later Manyweather caught a 19 yard reception, putting the Greyhounds on top 50-47.

ENMU's QB, Nathan Valencia threw for 329 yards and 5 touchdowns. Howard Russell rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown. WR Just Manyweather finished the night with 16 catches and 234 yards.

WNMU heads to Texas A&M-Commerce next weekend. Kickoff is at 3pm MT at the beautiful Memorial Stadium. The Mustangs next home game is October 23rd, playing against Texas A&M-Kingsville for a Noon kickoff.

This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!          

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 Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).