ELLENSBURG, WASH.. – Western New Mexico University's football team fell to Central Washington 24-13, at Tomlinson Field on Saturday night.
The Mustangs ground game rushed for 128 yards, led by Maurice Smith's () 14 carries for 53 yards. Quarterback Devin Larsen (Gilbert, AZ/Queen Creek HS) connected on 14-35 for 141 passing yards.
Allen Ortiz (Lakewood, CO/Green Mountain HS) led the receiving corps with three catches for 60 yards. David Telles (Los Angeles, CA/Franklin HS) led all receivers with five receptions and 41 yards. Vincent Rankin (Los Angeles, CA/Alexander Hamilton HS) caught two passes for 14 yards and the sole touchdown.
Kaleb Gutierrez (El Paso, TX/Franklin HS) led the defense with 10 tackles. Clavon Cain also set a career best with nine tackles and a fumble recovery. David Melendez (Las Cruces, NM/Las Cruces HS), Sam Moala (Reno, NV/Hug HS), and Cervantes Reed (Memphis, TN/Ridgeway HS) all registered a sack. Tylen Coleman (Maricopa, AZ/Maricopa HS) and Nazir Mallory also recorded a half sack. Jordan Davis () snagged an interception, the first of his career at WNMU.
Between the two teams there were 12 punts. WNMU's Jack Rasmussen (Baltimore, MD/Catonsville HS) put one inside the 20-yard line and had a long off 66 yards.
Central Washington struck first with a field goal in the quarter. The Mustangs answered right back with a field goal of their own on the next possession.
In the second quarter, Devin Larsen (Gilbert, AZ/Queen Creek HS) connected with Vincent Rankin (Los Angeles, CA/Alexander Hamilton HS), giving the Mustangs a 10-3 lead. After trading defensive stops, the Wildcats found the end zone, tying the game 10-10. With 0:54 seconds left in the half, the Mustangs retook the lead with a field goal. Going into the half, WNMU led 13-10.
The Wildcats regained the lead 17-13, in the third quarter with a Tre'Jon Henderson one-yard rushing touchdown. Henderson scored again in the fourth quarter, extending the CWU lead to 24-13.
Henderson had a night, rushing for 154 yards on 26 attempts, including three touchdowns. Quarterback Quincy Glasper was 14-29, with 196 passing yards and an interception.
The Mustangs come back home next Saturday, playing against Western Oregon. Kickoff will be at 6:00pm MDT.
This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!
***
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).
