SILVER CITY, N.M. — Western New Mexico University (2-5) edged out Sul Ross State University (0-7) with a 45-42 victory at Ben Altamirano Field, highlighted by Western N.M.'s six successful trips to the red zone. The game, dubbed the Battle of the Golden Tumbleweed, was especially momentous for the Mustangs as they celebrated their win on homecoming night.

Western New Mexico began the first quarter with a strong defensive effort, halting Sul Ross State's opening drive at midfield. Chris Kalu (Gilbert, AZ/Perry High School)-Benjamin recorded a key sack, pushing the visitors back, and DJ Jones (Temecula,CA/Rancho Christian High School) capitalized by recovering a fumble at the opponent's 4-yard line. This turnover set up a short field for Western New Mexico, and Connor Ackerley (Tempe, Arizona/Corona Del Sol High School) punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to put the home side ahead 7-0. After Sul Ross managed to tie the game following a punt return touchdown, Western New Mexico responded with a methodical drive. Ackerley connected with Jaylin Baker (San Antonio, TX/Brandeis High School) on a 42-yard pass, and Gabriel Levy's (Tucson, AZ/Cienega High School) successive runs brought the home team to the 3-yard line. Ackerley then secured his second rushing touchdown of the quarter, restoring Western New Mexico's lead to 14-7. 

The Mustangs opened the second quarter in favorable field position, converting a fourth down with Ackerley's 3-yard rush to extend the drive. Although the drive stalled, Talan TInsley successfully added three points with a 16-yard field goal, increasing the lead to 17-7. Western New Mexico then executed a 95-yard drive, highlighted by significant rushing gains from Zay Savoie (Apache Junction, AZ/Red Mountain High School) and Levy. The drive culminated in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Ackerley to Anthony Flores (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School), bringing the score to 24-7. Sul Ross managed to answer back with a 5-yard touchdown pass and a successful PAT, cutting the deficit to 24-14. As the quarter ended, the Mustangs maintained their lead, fending off further advances with effective defensive plays and maintaining possession to close out the half.

In the third quarter Sul Ross had a quick strike, a 72-yard pass that set up a short rushing touchdown, narrowing the lead to 24-21. Western New Mexico responded with a 41-yard kickoff return by Javon Buckley (DeRidder, LA/Cy-Fair High School), but the drive stalled, leading to another punt. Sul Ross took advantage of the defensive stand, orchestrating a 96-yard drive capped by a 5-yard touchdown run to take the lead, 28-24. Western New Mexico's defense then made a pivotal play when Eddie Byrd III (Pasadena, CA) intercepted a pass and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 31-28. However, Sul Ross quickly countered with a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown, moving back ahead 35-31. Western New Mexico had one more possession but could not score before the quarter ended, leaving the team trailing as the quarter closed.

In the fourth quarter, Western New Mexico began with a promising 21-yard completion from Ackerley to Brian Coyle (Las Cruces/Mayfield High School), but the drive shifted as a fumble was recovered by Sul Ross. Sul Ross's subsequent drive stalled, resulting in a turnover on downs after a crucial defensive effort by Joshua Hopphaus. Western New Mexico capitalized on the stop, with Ackerley leading a drive that included a 31-yard pass to Davey Morales (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High) and a 14-yard rush by Savoie. Ackerley then connected with Morales for a 7-yard touchdown, pushing Western New Mexico ahead 38-35. Sul Ross responded with a scoring drive, regaining the lead at 42-38. With time winding down, Ackerley orchestrated a decisive drive, highlighted by an 18-yard touchdown pass to Flores, reclaiming the lead at 45-42. Western New Mexico's defense held firm, with Amare Thomas (San Tan Valley, AZ/ALA Gilbert North) intercepting a pass at the WNMU 16-yard line, allowing the team to run out the clock and secure the victory. The game concluded with Western New Mexico on top, 45-42.

Connor Ackerley (Tempe, Arizona/Corona Del Sol High School) completed 21 of 28 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding two rushing touchdowns despite a net loss of eight yards on the ground. Zay Savoie (Apache Junction, AZ/Red Mountain High School) contributed significantly with 122 rushing yards on 14 attempts. Anthony Flores (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School) was effective in the air, securing five catches for 41 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side, Eddie Byrd III (Pasadena, CA) intercepted a pass, returning it 67 yards for a touchdown.

Darryl Minor Jr. led the Sul Ross defensive effort with 18 total tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. On the offensive side, Kye Callicoatte recorded 203 passing yards on 16 completions from 29 attempts, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed for 77 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground. Taribbean Ramirez was a standout in the receiving corps, amassing 117 yards on eight receptions. Jose Trevino contributed significantly to the rushing attack, gaining 89 yards on 14 carries and scoring one touchdown.

In their next game, Western New Mexico will face Eastern New Mexico on Saturday, October 25th for the Green Chile Bowl. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. at Al Whitehead Field at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium in Portales, N.M.

Western N.M. improved to 2-5 overall with a conference record of 1-4 after their recent game. Sul Ross remains winless on the season with an overall record of 0-7 and a conference record of 0-5.