Western New Mexico University’s football team began its 2025 season with a comeback win over Adams State, finishing 35-21 at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City. The Mustangs have now won six consecutive games against the Grizzlies.
Adams State took an early lead, going up 14-0 by the middle of the second quarter after a 40-yard touchdown run from Elijah Harris III and a scoring pass from Tyson Smith to Devin Dawkins. Western New Mexico responded before halftime. Running back Gabriel Levy scored on a one-yard run, and quarterback Connor Ackerley connected with Anthony Flores for a 21-yard touchdown as time expired in the first half, narrowing the gap to 14-13.
Coach Hickman addressed his team’s early deficit: "I never lost confidence in our group. I know who we are and who we are what we have put into it, and I felt confident our players would play their game for the remaining 40 minutes."
In the third quarter, Adams State briefly extended its lead when Smith threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Gevonni Ribalta. After that, Western New Mexico controlled both offense and defense. Ackerley led a drive capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass to Deuce Zimmerman, who ended with five catches for 115 yards.
The Mustangs’ defense forced a fumble deep in their own territory and then completed a 93-yard drive finished by Zay Savoie’s one-yard rushing score, giving WNMU its first lead at 28-21. Flores added another touchdown on a two-yard run late in the fourth quarter.
"It's awesome to begin the season with a win, because of what all goes into with the work from January through August," said Hickman. "There's so much to grpw with, but those problems are certainly palatable after a win."
Ackerley completed 12 of 18 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Levy ran for 82 yards and one score; Diego Morales contributed another 50 rushing yards on ten carries.
On defense, Western New Mexico forced four fumbles and made two interceptions, converting turnovers into 22 points. Clayton Zentner had both a fumble recovery and an interception during the game.
The Mustangs committed nine penalties totaling over one hundred yards. "It felt like any struggle we had was self-inflicted" said Hickman.
Western New Mexico outgained Adams State with 405 total yards compared to Adams State's 274 yards. The Mustangs converted all four fourth-down attempts and were perfect inside the red zone.
"Our coaching staff was amazing tonight. Coaches Clift, Lutman Laurel, and Delgado coached their butts off for the last month and it showed" said Hickman. "Our kids were prepared, focused, and comfortable...That';s how you crawl out of a deficit like that. Having a good plan, and players execute the plan."
Next week on September 6th, Western New Mexico will face New Mexico Highlands in Las Vegas as part of the La Batalla Bowl at 6:00pm MT.
Western New Mexico University is part of NCAA Division II athletics within the Lone Star Conference (LSC). More information about Mustang Athletics can be found at www.wnmumustangs.com or about WNMU at wnmu.edu.
