PORTALES, N.M. — Eastern New Mexico University (2-6) defeated Western New Mexico University (2-6) with a final score of 59-35 at Al Whitehead Field at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium. The Mustangs' passing game was highlighted by four touchdown passes, but it was not enough to overcome the Greyhounds' ground attack.

Western New Mexico opened the game with a decisive drive, as Connor Ackerley (Tempe, Arizona/Corona Del Sol High School) connected with Jaylin Baker (San Antonio, TX/Brandeis High School) for a 38-yard gain, setting up Ackerley's 38-yard rushing touchdown at 13:07. Talan Tinsley (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High School) successfully completed the extra point, giving the Mustangs a 7-0 lead. Eastern New Mexico responded with a touchdown drive, tying the game at 7-7.

Western quickly regained the lead as Ackerley threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Gabriel Levy (Tucson, AZ/Cienega High School) at 5:39, with Tinsley adding the extra point to make it 14-7. Eastern answered with another touchdown to level the score at 14-14. The period concluded with the score tied.

Ackerley connected with Anthony Flores (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School) for an 8-yard touchdown early in the second quarter, extending the Mustangs' lead to 21-14 after TInsley's successful extra point. Eastern quickly responded with a 71-yard touchdown run by Jarius Stewart, leveling the score at 21-21. Western capitalized on a fumble recovery by Izaiah Lucero (Pueblo, CO/Canyon Del Oro High School) to regain momentum. Ackerley then found Davey Morales (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High) for a 15-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 28-21 following another successful kick by TInsley.

Ryan Travis added a field goal for the Greyhounds, cutting the deficit to 28-24. Despite Eastern's late drive, Travis's 39-yard field goal attempt was unsuccessful, concluding the game with the Mustangs securing a 28-24 victory.

In the third quarter, Western managed a significant response to Eastern's early scoring drive. Facing a deficit, Ackerley connected with Morales for a 57-yard touchdown pass at 08:43, narrowing the gap to 38-35. Earlier, the Greyhounds had extended their lead with two touchdown runs, including a 68-yarder by Stewart, putting the Mustangs on the back foot. Despite a strong defensive effort, Eastern added another touchdown late in the period to close the third with a 45-35 lead. The game ended with the Greyhounds victorious, the final score 45-35.

In the fourth quarter, Western attempted to close the gap against Eastern with a strong drive featuring a significant 35-yard completion from Ackerley to Flores, advancing to the Greyhounds' 25-yard line. However, a subsequent intentional grounding penalty and a sack stalled the drive, forcing a punt. Despite efforts to regain momentum, including a fumble recovery by Cole Lalama (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High), the Mustangs struggled to convert opportunities into points.

Eastern capitalized on their possession, scoring two touchdowns with runs by William Reynolds and Stewart, extending their lead. The Mustangs faced challenges with penalties and turnovers, which hindered their progress. The game concluded with Eastern securing a 59-35 victory.

Ackerley completed 22 of 32 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 47 yards and a touchdown. Morales caught seven passes for 114 yards and found the end zone twice. Levy contributed with 73 receiving yards on four catches, including a touchdown. On the defensive side, Lalama recorded 15 tackles and recovered a fumble.

Stewart led Eastern with a commanding performance, rushing for 373 yards on 33 carries and scoring five touchdowns. Demarion Finch contributed significantly as well, amassing 125 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts. Reynolds added a touchdown with 37 rushing yards over four carries. On defense, Dylan Quartieri stood out with seven tackles and 1.5 sacks, while DJ Moore contributed four tackles and one sack.

The Mustangs hold a record of 2-6 overall and stand at 1-5 in conference play. Eastern shares the same overall record of 2-6 but is 2-4 in conference matchups.

In their next game, Western New Mexico will face UT Permian Basin on Saturday, November 1st at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, N.M. The game will begin at noon.