ALAMOSA, CO. — Western New Mexico University (1-0) secured a decisive victory over Adams State University (0-1) with a final score of 62-45 on Thursday at Rex Field. The Mustangs dominated on the ground, rushing for 485 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
Western NM began the first quarter by deferring the kickoff to Adams St., which quickly capitalized with a 58-yard touchdown run by Andre Branch. The Mustangs responded decisively on their subsequent drive, with
Devon Nofoa-Masoe (Tacoma, WA/Lakes High School) breaking free for a 35-yard run, setting up
Joshua Gaines (Chandler, AZ/Basha High School) for a 1-yard touchdown rush, closing the gap to 7-6 after a missed extra point.
After Adams St. extended its lead to 14-6, the Mustangs mounted another strong drive. Nofoa-Masoe's 46-yard rush paved the way for a 15-yard touchdown pass from
Jase Ashley (Phoenix, AZ/Horizon High School) to Gaines. Although the extra point was missed again, the Mustangs trailed closely at 14-12 by the end of the quarter.
Western NM seized momentum early in the second quarter when Gaines scored a 2-yard touchdown at 10:06, which was bolstered by a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Adams St. Ashley further catalyzed the Mustangs' efforts with a 68-yard rush, setting up a crucial drive in the final minute of the quarter. Nofoa-Masoe capitalized on the opportunity with a 2-yard touchdown run with 38 seconds left, giving the Mustangs a 25-21 lead by halftime.
Western NM once again seized momentum early in the third quarter with Nofoa-Masoe's 61-yard touchdown run at 14:01, extending their lead. Adams St. countered with a touchdown of its own, closing the gap to 32-28. The Mustangs responded with a strong sequence, highlighted by Ashley's 18-yard touchdown pass to
Zakkarii Black (Sacramento, CA/Charter Oak High School), pushing the score to 39-28.
Sheldon Williams (Fontana, CA/Eleanor Roosevelt High School) capitalized on an interception, setting up another scoring opportunity for the Mustangs. Gaines finished the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 45-28. Despite a late push from Adams St., including a 76-yard touchdown run by Branch, Western NM held on to secure a 45-42 victory, ending the game with a narrow win.
In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs extended their lead with a decisive offensive drive. Gaines opened the period with a 3-yard touchdown run at 9:48, followed by a successful extra point from
Karsten Dombrovski (Peoria, AZ/Liberty High School). Later, Ashley's 7-yard rush brought another touchdown, with Dombrovski again converting the extra point. Adams St. managed a field goal in response, but the Mustangs continued to dominate.
Western NM secured the game with a 30-yard field goal by Dombrovski, making it 62-45. An interception by
Anthony Coleman (Destrehan, LA) halted Adams St.'s progress, allowing the Mustangs to control the clock with kneel downs to end the game. The final score was 62-45.
Ashley posted an impressive performance with 146 rushing yards and a touchdown, completing 7 of 18 passes for 92 yards and two more touchdowns. Gaines led the scoring with four rushing touchdowns and an additional receiving touchdown, accumulating 66 rushing yards on 16 attempts. Nofoa-Masoe contributed significantly with 238 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, adding 39 receiving yards on three receptions. Defensively,
Clayton Zentner (Corona, CA/Norco High School) recorded seven tackles and intercepted a pass, strengthening the team's defensive stand.
Branch led the Adams St. offense with a standout performance, rushing for 282 yards and scoring three touchdowns on 21 carries. Frank Arcuri contributed both on the ground and through the air, completing 13 of 29 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts. Gabriel McFarland added to the ground attack, amassing 105 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries. On special teams, Landon Bobo was perfect in his duties, converting all six extra point attempts and connecting on a 37-yard field goal.
Western NM has a record of 1-0. Adams St. holds a record of 0-1.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face New Mexico Highlands University on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, New Mexico.
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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).
