SAN ANGELO, TX— The Western New Mexico University Mustangs (1-3) fall to No. 6 Angelo State University (4-0), 56-27 at LeGrand Stadium.   Connor Ackerley (Tempe, Arizona/Corona Del Sol High School) continues to shine with 302 yards and two touchdowns but ASU's victory marked eighth consecutive wins against Western New Mexico.

The first quarter began with the Mustangs capitalizing on their possession, as Ackerley led a methodical opening drive. Ackerley's precise passing, including a pivotal 27-yard touchdown strike to Davey Morales (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High) at 10:07, set the tone for the Mustangs. However, Angelo State quickly responded with a 54-yard touchdown pass of their own, equalizing the score at 7-7 and maintaining the intensity as the quarter progressed.

The second quarter began with the Mustangs' defense stifling the Rams' Jayden Jones for a loss by Chris Kalu (Gilbert, AZ/Perry High School)-Benjamin and Diego Diaz (Frisco, TX/Fullerton College). On the offensive side, the Mustangs responded with a strategic drive, highlighted by a 23-yard touchdown pass from Ackerley to Morales at 7:07, leveling the score at 14-14. Despite a late interception return for a touchdown by the Rams' Shamareon McKinnon, the Mustangs pressed forward, with Deuce Zimmerman (Anchorage, AK/East Anchorage High School) catching a 2-yard touchdown from Ackerley with just 10 seconds remaining, although the extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the score at 28-20 in favor of the Rams at the half.

The third quarter began with the Rams quickly extending their lead after a 13-yard touchdown pass from Kaeden Smith to Donny Bishop at 12:48, followed by a successful extra point. The Mustangs responded with a drive led by Ackerley, who completed passes to Morales and Zay Savoie (Apache Junction, AZ/Red Mountain High School), but the drive stalled at the Rams' 49-yard line. Despite the persistent efforts of the Mustangs' offense, including a key 15-yard face mask penalty against the Rams, the quarter ended with the Mustangs trailing, as the Rams added another rushing touchdown by Cameron Dischler with under a minute left in the quarter.

The fourth quarter began with the Mustangs attempting to mount a comeback, highlighted by a 57-yard pass from Ackerley to Zimmerman, setting up a touchdown run by Savoie at 7:37. However, the Rams responded quickly with two touchdown passes. The Mustangs' offensive line worked to maintain possession, with Eli Wehbey (Red Bluff, CA/Shasta College) completing multiple passes, including a 16-yard gain to Jaylin Baker (San Antonio, TX/Brandeis High School), but the drive ultimately ended in a turnover on downs, concluding a determined quarter.

Ackerley completed 35 of 48 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns. Morales collected 10 receptions for 102 yards and scored two touchdowns. Zimmerman added seven catches for 102 yards, finding the end zone once. Savoie contributed a rushing touchdown on nine carries, totaling 31 yards on the ground.

Angelo State's quarterback Smith excelled with 214 passing yards and five touchdowns on 14-of-22 attempts, leading a potent offensive display. Wide receiver Corey Sandolph contributed significantly with three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Dischler powered through with 74 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Bishop made an impact in the air with four catches totaling 58 yards and one touchdown, while also adding 44 yards on two punt returns. Defensively, McKinnon stood out with a remarkable performance, recording an interception, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown.

The Mustangs fell to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play and the Rams improve to 4-0 on the season and hold a 2-0 record in conference play.

Western New Mexico will host Central Washington at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, N.M., on Saturday, September 27. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.