SILVER CITY, N.M. — Western New Mexico University (1-4) suffered a defeat at the hands of Central Washington University (3-1), falling 91-31 on Saturday evening at Ben Altamirano Field. The Mustangs are now 0-7 against the Wildcats since 2003.

Central Washington dominated early, scoring 35 points in the first quarter. The Mustangs responded with a strong passing game, recording 430 yards and four touchdowns, but Central Washington's ground attack was too much with 334 rushing yards and five touchdowns. 

The first quarter began with Western New Mexico receiving the kickoff and starting on offense. A promising opening drive was stalled by a penalty and ultimately led to a punt after three downs. Central Washington capitalized on the field position, scoring on a 30-yard touchdown run by Justice Taylor, quickly taking a 7-0 lead. 

WNMU's second drive showed some potential as Connor Ackerley (Tempe, Arizona/Corona Del Sol High School) connected with Anthony Flores (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School) for a nine-yard gain, but an interception on the next play handed possession back to Central Washington. The Wildcats extended their lead to 14-0 with a 53-yard touchdown pass. The Mustangs struggled to maintain momentum on subsequent drives, and Central Washington continued to execute efficiently, closing the quarter with a 35-0 lead.

The second quarter began with a challenge for the Mustangs as Ackerley's pass was intercepted by Mika Roberson, setting up Central Washington at the 5-yard line. CWU capitalized with a short rushing touchdown to extend their lead. The Mustangs responded with a drive that moved efficiently downfield, highlighted by Ackerley's 26-yard completion to Gabriel Levy (Tucson, AZ/Cienega High School). This drive culminated in a 23-yard field goal by Talan TInsley, putting the Mustangs on the board. 

Despite a kickoff return touchdown by Central Washington, the Mustangs managed to find momentum with Ackerley connecting on deep passes, including a 36-yard strike to Davey Morales (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High). Ackerley later found Deuce Zimmerman (Anchorage, AK/East Anchorage High School) for a 9-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap. Central Washington countered with another kickoff return touchdown but Western New Mexico continued to press, as Ackerley found Zimmerman again for a 10-yard touchdown. The quarter closed with Central Washington scoring once more, bringing the score to 63-17.

The third quarter began with the Mustangs kicking off to Central Washington, who capitalized on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Christensen to Mason Juergens, extending their lead to 70-17. Western New Mexico's next possession was cut short when Ackerley's pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Trishion Sullivan, further increasing Central Washington's advantage to 77-17.

WNMU responded as Ackerley connected with Zimmerman for a 24-yard touchdown pass, trimming the deficit to 77-24. The Mustangs continued their momentum with Ackerley finding Morales on a 24-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 77-31. Later in the quarter ended, Central Washington was positioned at the Western New Mexico 1-yard line, maintaining their lead.

The fourth quarter commenced with Central Washington extending their lead as Beau Phillips scored with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point, bringing the score to 84-31. The Mustangs then took possession, but a series of incomplete passes and a penalty stalled the drive, leading to a punt by Benjamin Crouch. Central Washington capitalized on their next possession, culminating in a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Bo Gionet, with an extra point making it 91-31.

Western New Mexico responded with Eli Wehbey (Red Bluff, CA/Shasta College) connecting on a significant 25-yard pass to Gavin Placencio (Silver City, NM/Cobre High School), advancing to Central Washington's 45-yard line. Despite an effort to gain further ground, the drive ended as time expired, leaving the final score at 91-31 in favor of Central Washington.

Central Washington capitalized on a strong rushing attack to dominate the first quarter against the Mustangs, leading 35-0. Justice Taylor's 30-yard and 40-yard touchdown runs highlighted a ground game that amassed 169 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Central Washington capitalized early in the second quarter with a 37-yard interception return by Roberson, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Kennedy McGill to extend their lead. The Mustangs responded with a determined passing attack, as Ackerley completed a series of passes culminating in a 9-yard touchdown to Zimmerman at 9:29. Despite these efforts, Central Washington's special teams delivered a significant blow with Beau Phillips returning two kickoffs for touchdowns, maintaining their commanding edge. At the end of the second quarter, Central Washington led 63-17.

Central Washington capitalized on a pivotal turnover to widen their lead in the third quarter, as Sullivan's interception returned for a touchdown at the 11:54 mark pushed them ahead 77-17. Western New Mexico responded with resilience, orchestrating two scoring drives, highlighted by Ackerley's 24-yard touchdown pass to Zimmerman at 7:07 and another to Morales at 2:38. Despite these efforts, the Mustangs trailed 77-31 at the end of the third quarter.

Ackerley threw for 378 yards and four touchdowns on 29-of-51 passing attempts, despite three interceptions. Zimmerman made an impact as he hauled in seven receptions for 96 yards and scored three touchdowns. Morales contributed with 12 catches totaling 143 yards and added a touchdown to his performance. Bradly Harris (Lancaster, CA/Mt Sac) led the defense with seven tackles.

Central Washington's offensive efforts were spearheaded by Taylor, who carried the ball 17 times for 169 yards and scored three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to break through defenses. Juergens, the sophomore wide receiver, contributed significantly with two receptions for 65 yards, both resulting in touchdowns. Quarterback McGill added to the scoring with two passing touchdowns, completing 3 of 5 passes for 84 yards, and rushing for 71 yards with a touchdown on the ground.

On the defensive side, Roberson led the team with seven tackles and an interception, demonstrating his impact in the secondary. Logan Lisherness contributed eight tackles.

Western New Mexico falls to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in conference play. The Mustangs will travel to Monmouth, Oregon, to face Western Oregon at McArthur Field. Kickoff is set for Saturday, October 4th at 2:05 pm MT.
 

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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).