LAS VEGAS, N.M. --- The New Mexico Highlands football team used a strong offensive first half and the defense did the rest in defeating CSU Pueblo 28-21 Saturday at Sanchez Family Stadium to snap the Cowboys' five-game losing streak.
The Cowboys (2-5 overall, 2-4 RMAC) took a 21-10 lead at halftime after Ramone Atkins hit Quavon Beckford for a 40-yard touchdown pass with 11:50 left in the first, Cameron High scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 9:28 in the second and Atkins scored on a 1-yard touchdown run on the last play of the half to make it 21-10.
The score remained that way until High scored his second touchdown early in the fourth quarter - this one from 18 yards out - to make it 28-10 with 14:19 left in the contest.
CSU Pueblo (4-3, 4-1) scored on its next possession and converted a two-point conversion to make it 28-18 and scored on a field goal with 6:24 left to make it 28-21 with 6:24 remaining.
But the Cowboys were able to hold the ThunderWolves off to pick up their second win of the season.
Atkins finished 26-for-44 for 252 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 79 yards and a score. High finished with 73 yards 12 carries with two scores for the Cowboys. Beckford led the team with nine catches for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Malik Brown had a team-high seven tackles while Roderick Woods and Lebarron Jones had six tackles apiece. Devin Jones had five tackles (all solo) to go along with forced fumble.
The Cowboys outgained CSU Pueblo 424-331 - including 172-85 on the ground.
Another big stat in favor of the Cowboys was they were 11 of 19 on third downs while CSU Pueblo 3 of 16 on third downs.
The Cowboys look to build momentum off of Saturday's win when they travel to take on Black Hills State next Saturday.
