SILVER CITY, N.M. - The Western New Mexico Mustangs (1-3, 0-2 LSC) look to snap a losing streak against Central Washington tonight as they prepare for their seventh meeting with the Wildcats since 2003. It is Grant County Youth Sports Night at Ben Altamirano, where kids who wear their Grant County jersey get free entry to the game.
The Mustangs feature one of the most prolific passing attacks in Division II, led by quarterback Connor Ackerley (Tempe, Arizona/Corona Del Sol High School), who tops the nation with 1,382 passing yards and has thrown 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions through four games.
His arsenal of receivers has been a strength all season. Deuce Zimmerman (Anchorage, AK/East Anchorage High School) leads the way with 439 yards and 6 TDs, while Anthony Flores (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School) (265 yards, 3 TDs), Davey Morales (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High) (203 yards, 2 TDs), and Jacob Helt (Chandler, AZ/Corona Del Sol High School) (65 yards, 2 TDs in only three games) give WNMU a deep and dangerous group of playmakers
On the other side, Central Washington (2-1, 1-0 LSC) brings a more balanced attack that has powered them to wins over Colorado Mesa and West Texas A&M. Quarterback Kennedy McGill has been efficient, passing for 483 yards and 7 TDs while also rushing for 236 yards.
The Wildcats average 274 rushing yards per game, led by McGill, Justice Taylor (148 yards, 2 TDs), and Beau Phillips (149 yards, 1 TD). Their big-play ability is highlighted by wideout Mason Juergens, who averages 51 yards per catch thanks to a 153-yard, 2-TD start to the year
Defensively, CWU has been stout, allowing just 20.6 points per game and producing nine sacks and five interceptions in three games.
WNMU, meanwhile, will lean on its offensive firepower to keep pace while looking for defensive sparks from playmakers like Clayton Zenter (interception, fumble recovery) and Diego Diaz (Frisco, TX/Fullerton College) (2o tackles, forced fumble)
It's a classic contrast in styles: WNMU's air raid passing game versus CWU's ground-heavy, balanced attack. The Mustangs will try to use their tempo and explosive receivers to outscore a Wildcat team that thrives on controlling the clock and punishing defenses with its rushing depth.
Kickoff is set for Saturday at 6:00pm, with WNMU aiming for a breakthrough performance that would deliver both their first Lone Star Conference win of the season and their first victory against Central Washington.
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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).
