The New Mexico Highlands University football team could not overcome a big first quarter deficit and six turnovers in 46-16 homecoming loss to Chadron State College Saturday in Las Vegas. The Cowboys drop to 1-4 on the season.
The visitors came up with long touchdown drives on their first two possessions and returned a fumbled Cowboy kickoff return for a TD following the second Chadron score for an early 22-0 lead. Another Eagle scoring drive to end the first quarter put the Cowboys in a 29-0 hole to start the second stanza. Chadron added a field goal and another touchdown in the second quarter for a 39-0 halftime lead.
The Cowboys struck quickly in the third quarter with scoring runs by Kamari Mosby and Ramone Atkins but three second half interceptions -- including one returned for another Chadron score-- sealed any hopes for a Cowboy comeback.Â
Atkins completed 12 of 21 passes for 209 yards and added an even 100 yards on the ground.Â
Devin Coney led the Cowboys defense with 11 tackles while Ray Ray Williams, Brandon Artis, and Joe Smith each added a sack.
The Cowboys take on a surprising 4-1 Western Colorado squad next Saturday in Gunnison, CO. The Mountaineers lost in overtime at nationally ranked Colorado Mines 20-14 this week.Â
