Portales, New Mexico - New Mexico Highlands overcame a sluggish first quarter and ran away from Eastern New Mexico 34-28 to open the 2025 campaign.
The win was the first over the Greyhounds since September 7, 2013, snapping a five game losing streak to their in-state rivals.
The Cowboys rushed for 332 yards on Thursday night led by
Jeffery Jones and his 227 yards on 19 carries and three touchdowns. Jones scored on runs of 48 yards, one yard and 61 yards on Thursday. HIs final score came late in the fourth quarter to help secure the win for NMHU.
Mason Peterson and
Tevita Valeti added 81 and 37 yards respectively.
Quarterback
Ike Udengwu III only threw nine passes, but had 142 yards and two scoring strikes in the game. Both of the scores went to
Mike Jones who had 110 receiving yards and touchdowns in the second and third quarters.
Alekzander Britt was four of five on PATs.
Defensively,
Damon Mayberry (eight) and
Kaleb Sells (seven) were the Cowboys leading tacklers.
Trevor Romaldo had an interception late in the fourth quarter to end the Greyhounds' final drive of the night.
Up next for the Cowboys is the 2025 edition of La Batalla Bowl as Western New Mexico visits historic Las Vegas on Saturday, September 6th. Kick-off is set for 6:00 pm at Sanchez Family Stadium.
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