SILVER CITY, N.M. — Midwestern State (3-8) achieved a decisive victory over Western New Mexico (2-9) with a 70-23 win at Ben Altamirano Field on Saturday afternoon. Midwestern State quarterbacks threw for 515 yards and eight touchdowns, while the defense intercepted two passes.
Midwestern State began the game with a solid defensive stand, forcing the hosts to punt after an ineffective opening drive. The visitors then capitalized on their possession, as
Jaden Coulter's rushing gains of 23 and 13 yards set up a scoring opportunity.
Sean Jastrab connected with
Cedonyae Lott for a 40-yard touchdown pass, establishing an early 7-0 lead following
Kohen Maroney's successful PAT.
The home team responded by advancing into the red zone but failed to convert, missing a 29-yard field goal attempt. The Mustangs extended their lead on the subsequent drive, with Maroney kicking a 46-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-0. As the quarter neared its close, Jastrab continued to find his targets, and Maroney added another field goal from 23 yards out, concluding the quarter with a 13-0 advantage for MSU.
The second quarter commenced with a significant defensive play by the Maroon & Gold, as
Hornel Cloubou sacked quarterback Connor Ackerley, for a 13-yard loss. This defensive stand set the tone, allowing the visitors to capitalize offensively. Jastrab connected with
Case Peacock on a 55-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead further.
MSU continued its offensive momentum with
Reginald Williams breaking through for a 75-yard rushing touchdown. This was followed by Jastrab's 75-yard touchdown pass to Lott, showcasing the Maroon & Gold's efficient scoring drives. Western New Mexico managed a late touchdown, but the Mustangs closed the quarter with a decisive 41-7 lead.
The third quarter began with MSU capitalizing on a turnover when
Carson Roper intercepted a pass at the home team's 35-yard line. This set up a drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Maroney to
Brock Temple, extending the lead. The Mustangs added to their advantage with a 32-yard field goal by Maroney later in the quarter.
WNMU managed to score with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Flores in the latter part of the period, but the Maroon & Gold maintained control. Williams contributed with consistent rushing, helping to control the clock. The quarter ended with MSU leading 51-14.
In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs swiftly expanded their lead with
Canyon Evans connecting on a 69-yard touchdown pass to Lott, followed by a successful kick from Maroney. WNMU retaliated, capitalizing on a MSU penalty to drive into scoring range, but their attempt was thwarted with a turnover on downs at the four-yard line, maintaining a 58-16 scoreline.
MSU regained control with a defensive stop leading to a score. After an interception by
Zain Toliver, Evans found Hickerson for a two-yard touchdown. Despite a blocked extra point attempt, the Mustangs maintained dominance, leading 70-23. As the clock wound down, the MSU defense successfully contained the home team, closing the game with a commanding win.
Lott had an impressive 11 catches for 284 yards and four touchdowns. Williams rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Jastrab completed 21 of 31 passes for 356 yards and four touchdowns. Peacock recorded six receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Wehbey led the home team's offensive efforts with 264 passing yards and three touchdowns, despite two interceptions. He completed 21 of 34 passes, showcasing his ability to spread the ball effectively. Davey Morales made significant contributions through the air with six catches for 131 yards and one touchdown. Flores added four receptions for 67 yards and scored once. On the defensive side, Bradly Harris topped the team with eight tackles, while Malik Stacy was close behind with seven tackles.
MSU closes the season with a 3-8 overall record and a 3-6 mark in conference play. WNMU stands at 2-9 overall with a 1-8 record in the LSC.
