The NMHU Cowboys came out on their homecoming day and put on a show for the fans in Las Vegas, N.M. as they defeated the Mountaineers of Western State College in dramatic fashion by a final score of 32-31. In the closing seconds trailing by six the Cowboys mounted a last second drive that was capped off by a 24 yards touchdown connection between
Jordan Mendoza and
DiAmaal Holmes for the game tying score. Ernesto Guerra, who had been shaky up to this point in the season, knocked in the extra point to seal the win for the Cowboys. This is the first win this season for the Cowboys and they look to ride this wave of new found swagger as they hit the road to take on the Grizzlies of Adams State College on 10/9.
Offensively, the Cowboys looked like a totally different team. Offensive Coordinator, Ed Rifilato, called plays with surgical accuracy as quarterback
Jordan Mendoza looked like a new man on the field. Mendoza finished the day completing 15 of 25 passes for 279 yards and threw two touchdowns. Mendoza would also throw two interceptions on the day. Mendoza would also get some work done on the ground as he rushed 12 times for 24 yards.
Kevon Williams would lead all receivers with seven catches for 80 yards in the win. As a team, the Cowboys would finish the day with their highest offensive output this season with 354 yards.
Defensively, the Cowboys held the Mountaineers to 202 total yards (65 rushing and 137 passing). Defensive leaders for the Cowboys include:
Cordelle Nugent,
Mychal Leaupepe and
TJ Norris. Nugent finished the day with 13 tackles, two being for a loss of three yards. Leaupepe finished the day with three tackles and one interception that he returned five yards for a touchdown. Norris finished the night with nine tackles and one tackle for a loss of one yard.
The Cowboys have finally gotten over the hump and played a great game against a very tough opponent. Hopefully the Pokes' can continue their hardnosed play and turn some heads in the RMAC. The cow boys will be on the road this week as they travel to Alamosa, Colo. to take on the Grizzlies of Adams State College on 10/9. Kick-Off is set for 1:00 pm. If you can't make it to Alamosa, you can watch your Cowboys LIVE on the America One Network.
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GO COWBOYS!!!
