SILVER CITY, N.M. – Saturday afternoon, at Ben Altamirano Field, it was Senior Day for Western New Mexico University's football team defeated West Texas 41-37. The Mustangs have not had five wins since the 2014 season.

"Great team win today by our players. They fought until the very end against a very good WT team," said head coach Philip Vigil.

The Mustangs offense was electric this afternoon. They totaled 526 yards, including 433 yards through the air and five touchdowns. 

The Mustangs Quarterback Devin Larsen (Gilbert, AZ/Queen Creek HS) threw for 436 yards, completing 29-42, and being responsible for four total touchdowns. Larsen would throw for two and rush in two.

Tobi Sonaike (Belle Mead, NJ/Oak Hill Academy) led the Mustangs in receptions with eight, totaling 97 yards. Charles Byers (Towson, MD/Concordia Prep) added six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. Vincent Rankin (Los Angeles, CA/Alexander Hamilton HS) also scored a touchdown on three catches for 98 yards. Jamon Chambers caught four passes for 67 yards. 

The Mustangs ground attack was led by Larsen's 41 yards and two touchdowns. Maurice Smith () added 39 yards and a touchdown. Chambers had 38 yards. 

"The offense was clicking today. It was fun to watch all of them go out and make plays," said Vigil.

The Mustangs would commit two fumbles in the contest, losing one of them.

On defense the Mustangs would force three fumbles, recovering two of them. Cauy Oropeza (El Paso, TX/Del Valle HS) forced two fumbles, recovering one of them. Travis Gammage (Phoenix, AZ/South Mountain HS) would force the other fumble to be recovered by Xavier Pulea (Lakewood, WA/Clover Park HS).

"The defense forcing turnovers was huge today. Especially in the second half when they caused that fumble by the goal line," said Vigil.

Kaleb Gutierrez (El Paso, TX/Franklin HS) led the team with eight tackles. Oropeza and Algideon Folau snuffed out five tackles each. Three different Mustangs would record a pass breakup.

The Mustangs would strike after forcing a "3-and-out" on the Buffs. Larsen would connect to Rankin for a 30 yard touchdown.

With 3:11 left in the first quarter the Buffs would finally get on the board with a 23 yard field goal. WNMU led 7-3.

After the Mustangs failed to move the ball on their next possession, the Buffs would march down with a 21 yard touchdown run. WTAM would take their first lead 10-7.

The Mustangs would respond with a 21 yard field goal from Adrain Zamudio. Tying the game at 10.

The Buffs would fumble the ensuing kickoff deep in their own territory. This would led to a 27 yard touchdown pass from Larsen to Byers. WNMU led 17-10.

WTAM would respond immediately with a 64 yard touchdown pass, notching things up at 17.

With 4:53 left in the half the Mustangs would try to run out the clock, kicking a 21 yard field goal with 21 seconds left in the half. Taking a 20-17 lead.

With three timeouts the Buffs quickly marched into field goal range, nailing a 45 yarder as the time expired in the half, making the score 20-20.

To start off the second half, the Mustangs would retake the lead 27-20 off a Smith three yard touchdown run. 

After the Mustangs missed a 42 yard field goal, the Buffs would capitalize. A 61 yard touchdown pass from the Buffs would tie things up at 27.

The Mustangs would waste no time responding to the Buffs with a one yard touchdown run from Larsen. WNMU would retake the lead 34-27.

Not to fall too far behind the Buffs would utilize their next possession with a 38 yard field goal. The Buffs would trail the Mustangs 34-30 with 13:24 left in the game.

After stopping the Mustangs, the Buffs would retake the lead off a 28 yard touchdown pass. WNMU trails 37-34.

With 6:42 left in the game the Mustangs would take the clock all the way down to seven seconds before reclaiming the lead off a two yard Larsen touchdown run. WNMU 41, WTAM 37.

WT's Quarterback Nick Gerber was 18-28 for 336 yards, had three touchdowns, 57 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Noah Bogardus led the Buffs in receiving with three catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Jarrod Compton had 15 rushes for 56 yards. Tyler Sweet added three catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.

"We have the opportunity to secure the first winning season here since 1993 next week against a very good UTPB team. We will have to be at our best!! These guys are hungry and they believe," said Vigil.

WNMU Athletics would like to thank the seniors for the diligent work and making WNMU  a priority to them. From all of us at WNMU, we wish the seniors nothing but the best in their future endeavors.

November 5th, the Mustangs will play at UT Permian Basin. Kickoff is at 5:00pm MDT.

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, TikTok & Instagram).