PORTALES, N.M. – Saturday afternoon, it was the annual Green Chile Bowl at Al Whitehead Field at Greyhound Stadium where the Western New Mexico University's football team would defeat Eastern New Mexico 38-24. The Mustangs break a 16 year drought against the Greyhounds. WNMU has a winning record (6-5) to end the regular season, for the first time since 1993.
"This win is huge for this program!" said Head Coach Philip Vigil. "This is the first winning season in almost 30 years and to do it in the LSC is even more special. This is a great foundation for us to build on in the future."
The Mustangs starting Quarterback Paul Armijo Jr., threw for 217 yards, had one touchdown. Grant Patterson (Folsom, CA/Vista de Lago HS) later came in the game and threw for two touchdowns for 99 yards.
Jamon Chambers (Tacoma, WA/Stadium HS) pounded the ball, having two touchdowns for 91 yards. David Telles (Los Angeles, CA/Franklin HS) led the Mustangs in receptions with seven, totaling 113 yards and a touchdown. Tobi Soniake had five catches for 112 yards, and a touchdown. Allen Ortiz (Lakewood, CO/Green Mountain HS) also had a touchdown.
The Mustangs defense forced a fumble and had an interception. Naszir Mallory (Scheraw, SC/Scheraw HS) .and Jordan David led the defense in tackles with eight. Mallory had a sack, forced fumble, and a pass breakup. Davis nabbed an interception in consecutive weeks. Quentron Gallow (Crowley, LA/Crowley HS) also had an interception. David Melendez (Las Cruces, NM/Las Cruces HS) and Wallen Te'o (Honolulu, HI/St. Louis HS) were both credited for a sack in the endzone, giving the Mustangs a safety.
The Mustangs offense scored on both of their opening possessions. Jamon Chambers (Tacoma, WA/Stadium HS) would rush into the endzone for both scores.
Later in the first quarter, the Greyhounds would later score on a two yard reception by Campbell Keithley.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs got the Greyhounds on their heels. Melendez and Te'o sacked the quarterback in the endzone, giving the Mustangs a safety. WNMU led 16-7.
Before the half ended, Armijo Jr. threw a 59 yard pass to David Telles (Los Angeles, CA/Franklin HS) for the score. The Mustangs went for two and David Melendez (Las Cruces, NM/Las Cruces HS) rushed in to convert.
Beginning the second half, ENMU didn't back down scoring two touchdowns. Howard Russell had an 84 yard rushing touchdown and Jace Martin had a catch and score. WNMU led 24-21.
Early in the fourth quarter, Patterson connected with Ortiz and Ortiz broke loose for a 34 yard touchdown. The Mustangs extended their lead to 31-21.
ENMU answered with a field goal cutting the lead to 31-24, but the Mustangs would not back down and score again. Patterson found Tobi Soniake for 57 yards, giving the Mustangs a 38-24 lead.
ENMU rushed the ball well. Howard Russell rushed for 212 yards and a touchdown. Asa Wandeh had five catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Kason Martin had 200 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
"I am so proud of these guys and their belief! The biggest difference with this year compared to last year is that these guys believe they can win every time we step on the field," conclude Vigil.
The Mustangs are bowl eligible and will wait to see if they will have a chance to play in the postseason.
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).
