SILVER City, N.M. - Western New Mexico University football opened its 2025 season in thrilling fashion Saturday night, storming back from a 14-point deficit to defeat Adams State 35-21 at Ben Altamirano Field. The Mustangs now have a 6-game win streak against the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies struck first, building a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter behind a 40-yard touchdown run by Elijah Harris III and an earlier scoring pass from Tyson Smith to Devin Dawkins. The Mustangs fought back and found their rhythm later in the first half. Running back Gabriel Levy (Tucson, AZ/Cienega High School) punched in a 1-yard score with 5:11 ;left in the second quater. Quarterback Connor Ackerley (Tempe, Arizona/Corona Del Sol High School) connected with Anthony Flores (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School) on a 21-yard strike as the clock expired to halftime, cutting the deficit to 14-13 at halftime.

Coach Hickman talked about the team being down 14-0 saying, "I never lost confidence in our group. I know who we are and who we are what we have put into it, and I felt  confident our players would play their game for the remaining 40 minutes."

Adams State briefly regained control in the third quarter when Smith hit Gevonni Ribalta for a 27-yard touchdown, making it 21-13. From there, Western New Mexico dominated both sides of the ball. Ackerley capped a 72-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Deuce Zimmerman (Anchorage, AK/East Anchorage High School), who finished with 115 yards receiving on five catches.

The Mustangs' defense then forced a fumble deep in their own territory and turned it into a 93-yard march, capped by Zay Savoie's (Apache Junction, AZ/Red Mountain High School) 1-yard scoring run to give WNMU its first lead at 28-21. Flores got his second touchdown of the game after ba 2-yard run with 5:46 left in game.

"It's awesome to begin the season with a win, because of what all goes into with the work from January through August" said Hickman. "There's so much to grpw with, but those problems are certainly palatable after a win."

Ackerley led the way offensively, throwing for 228 yards and two touchdowns on 12-of-18 passing. Levy paced the ground game with 82 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Diego Morales (Queen Creek, AZ/ALA Queen Creek) rushed for 50 yards on 10 carries.

Defensively, the Mustangs forced four fumbles and intercepted two passes, turning turnovers into 22 points. Clayton Zentner (Corona, CA/Norco High School) highlighted the effort with a fumble recovery and an interception.

The Mustangs had 9 penalties for 102 yards. "It felt like any struggle we had was self-inflicted" said Hickman.

Western New Mexico had 405 total yards to Adams State's 274. The Mustangs converted on four fourth downs and finishing a perfect 4-for-4 in the red zone.

"Our coaching staff was amazing tonight. Coaches Clift, Lutman Laurel, and Delgado coached their butts off for the last month and it showed" said Hickman. "Our kids were prepared, focused, and comfortable...That';s how you crawl out of a deficit like that. Having a good plan, and players execute the plan."

On Septemeber 6th, Western New Mexico will look to build on the momentum next week as they play in the La Batalla Bowl against in-state rival, New Mexico Highlands. Kick off will be at 6:00pm MT, in Las Vegas, NM.
 

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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).