Silver City, NM – Western New Mexico University Football took on the Mountaineers of Western Colorado at Ben Altamirano Field, in Silver City, NM this afternoon. The Mustangs found themselves down early, taking a tough loss 49-14 in their home opener. 

WNMU Athletics introduced the Al Johnson Memorial Scoreboard to Mustang Country at Ben Altamirano Field before the game. Coach Al Johnson was at WNMU from 1950-1985 as the football coach, baseball coach, and as the athletic director during his tenure.

The Mustangs had a rough start to the game, giving up 5 touchdowns in the first half. Turnovers and costly penalties killed any momentum WNMU had. 

"We've got to continue to grow and progress. We will watch film and get better from it," said Head Coach Philip Vigil.

Sophomore RB James Hoban (Parker, AZ/Parker HS) made some great plays for the Mustang offense, totaling 58-yards on the ground with a touchdown and 8 catches for 90 yards. 

WNMU would score both of their touchdowns in the second half. QB Devin Larsen (Gilbert, AZ/Queen Creek HS) connected with David Telles (Los Angeles, CA/Franklin HS) for 53-yards in the fourth quarter, giving the Mustangs their second score of the game.

Western Colorado came out with a game plan to rush the ball. The Mountaineers RB, Josh Cummings had 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns, followed by RB Deyvon Butler rushing for 40 yards and a touchdown, with 92 receiving yards and a touchdown.

WCU's QB Connor Desch had himself a day, netting 268 passing yards with four touchdowns. Desch would find 8 different receivers including Cameron Calengo, who caught two passes for 80-yards, both for touchdowns.

Kaleb Gutierrez (El Paso, TX/Franklin HS) led all WNMU defenders in tackles with 9 and got to the QB once for a sack. Tylen Coleman (Maricopa, AZ/Maricopa HS) had a sack as well giving him 4.5 sacks in two games.

"We have to give credit to Western Colorado, they had a good game plan and executed well," said Coach Vigil. "We will regroup and get ready for West Texas this week."

The Mustangs will hit the road traveling to West Texas for an LSC match up next Saturday (9/18) for a 6:00PM MDT kickoff.

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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).