SILVER CITY, N.M. – Western New Mexico University's football team is now (2-1) for the first time since 2015, after defeating Western Oregon 35-30, at Ben Altamirano Field.

"All Glory to God. The kids played hard!" said Head Coach Philip Vigil. "Our emphasis all week was on playing for four quarters. The first two games [of the season] we played great in the first half and struggled in the second. Tonight, they played for four quarters against a good Western Oregon team."

The Mustangs and Quarterback Devin Larsen (Gilbert, AZ/Queen Creek HS) passed for 369 yards, completing 37 of 64 attempts, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Jamon Chambers (Tacoma, WA/Stadium HS) led the receiving corps with seven catches for 90 yards. David Telles (Los Angeles, CA/Franklin HS) led all receivers with nine receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown. Charles Byers (Towson, MD/Concordia Prep) caught seven passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Allen Ortiz (Lakewood, CO/Green Mountain HS) also had seven catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.

"Proud of our defense and how they answered the call," said Vigil. "They got some big turnovers that the offense was able to turn into points."

Kenny White (Gibsonia, PA/Pine-Richland HS) and Clavon Caine (Long Beach, CA/Lakewood HS) led the defense with nine tackles. Tylen Coleman (Maricopa, AZ/Maricopa HS), Cervantes Reed (Memphis, TN/Ridgeway HS), Naszir Mallory (Scheraw, SC/Scheraw HS), and Wallen Te'o (Honolulu, HI/St. Louis HS) all registered a sack. Coleman and Thomas Webb Jr both forced a fumble. Jordan Davis () snagged a 96-yard interception for a touchdown, and Jeremiah Hartfield (Montebello, CA/Schurr HS) had his first interception as a Mustang. 

WNMU struck first with a Devin Larsen (Gilbert, AZ/Queen Creek HS) to Jamon Chambers (Tacoma, WA/Stadium HS) for 56 yards. The Wolves answered right back with two scores of their own. Gannon Winker found Damon Hickok for 48 yards and then Andrew Valladares for four yards.

With WOU threatening to go up two touchdowns, Jordan Davis () had a 96-yard interception tying the game up at 14-14.

Continuing the momentum, Larsen connected with Ortiz for 28 yards, giving the Mustangs a 21-14 lead.

The Wolves would continue to battle, having three plays for 93 yards before Kainoa Jones would rush six yards to the end zone. WOU kicked a field goal, putting the Wolves up 27-21 at half.

In the second half, Larsen threw an interception and the Wolves would capitalize with a field goal.

The Mustangs had a 17 play drive, ending with a Larsen to Byers touchdown. The Mustangs trailed 30-28.

WOU had a chance to extend their lead but missed a field goal to start the fourth quarter. The Mustangs used that momentum and marched down the field on 12 plays before ending with an eight yard touchdown grab by Byers.

The Mustangs defense had two huge stops later in the quarter. WOU was threatening deep in Mustang territory but failed to convert on 4th down. WNMU's Hartfield ended WOU's hopes with an interception with 0:46 left in the game.

"We have a lot to improve on. We have to clean up the personal fouls. That really hurt us tonight. We have to develop our run game to help take pressure off of our pass game and on defense we need to limit the big plays," said Vigil.

WOU's Quarterback Gannon Winker was 15-34 for 199 yards, threw two touchdowns and two interceptions. Omari Land rushed for 171 yards on 22 attempts. Leading the Wolves in receptions and yards, Thomas Wright had six catches for 119 yards and a touchdown.

"I'm proud of the way our team battled tonight" concluded Vigil. "They played their tails off! I'm excited about the future of this team!"

The Mustangs will play at Division I Abilene Christian, next Saturday, at 6:00pm MDT. The game will be on ESPN+.

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 & Instagram).