Silver City, NM – It was Senior Day at Ben Altamirano Field for the Western New Mexico University Football team as they battled in the La Batalla Bowl against New Mexico Highlands University Saturday afternoon. The Cowboys defeated the Mustangs 31-28 in overtime.

8 Mustang seniors walked off the field for the final time this afternoon. Western New Mexico University Football and Athletics Department would like to thank #1 Mark Jackson (Cibolo, TX/Bryon P. Steele II High School), #6 Brandon Ziarno (Melbourne, FL/Melbourne Central Catholic HS), #7 Bryce Coleman (Tucson, AZ/Mountain View HS), #9 Oly Ta'ase (Pago Pago, American Samoa/Fagaitua HS), #13 Jacob Valdez (Sierra Vista, AZ/Buena HS), #19 Kenny Allen (Los Angeles, CA/Fairfax HS), #29 Jack Lacy (San Antonio, TX/William Howard Taft HS), and #92 Jordan McBride (Oxnard, CA/Rio Mesa HS).

Two Mustang receivers recorded two touchdowns apiece. Allen Ortiz (Lakewood, CO/Green Mountain HS) was the hot target catching four balls four 95 yards, with two touchdowns. Joshua Powell (St. Louis, MO/Hillcrest HS) had two touchdowns, with 4 catches for 43 yards.

Devin Larsen (Gilbert, AZ/Queen Creek HS) had four touchdowns, three picks, and threw for 220 yards. Larsen had two critical interceptions, one inside the Cowboys endzone and one with momentum in Cowboys territory.

Bryce Coleman (Tucson, AZ/Mountain View HS) was WNMU's leading rusher, gaining 77 yards and catching five balls and 55 yards.

The Mustangs had 71 tackles, 11 came from Kaleb Guiterrez and 8 from Isaiah Webb (Tucson, AZ/Cienega HS). Webb also had an interception and a fumble recovery.

David Melendez (Las Cruces, NM/Las Cruces HS), Tylen Coleman (Maricopa, AZ/Maricopa HS), and Webb all register a sack on the afternoon.

WNMU scored three times in the first half and once in the third quarter. NMHU scored twice in the first half, including a touchdown with 3 seconds left in the second quarter. The Cowboys scored two touchdowns in the second half. Their game tying touchdown came in the fourth quarter with 5:09 left on the clock. NMHU would win the game in 2nd overtime with a field goal.

Larsen connected with Ortiz for the first two scores. One being a 12-yard TD, and the next being a 41-yard TD. Larsen and Powell linked up twice. Once in the second for a 12-yard TD grab, and in the third quarter a 15-yard touchdown catch.

NMHU's quarterback, Eldine Dorvil threw for 189 yards, 3 TDs, and an interception. Kamari Mosby, Ramone Atkins, and Cameron High all rushed for 59 yards. Atkins was the only Cowboy rusher to have a touchdown.

CJ Sims had two touchdowns on 7 catches for 94 yards. Lou Dorsey also had a touchdown on four catches for 32 yards.

WNMU finishes the year 1-10. WNMU Football would like to thank all their fans who supported the Mustangs along the way. The Mustangs will be back at Ben Altamirano in the Fall of 2022!

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 & Instagra