West Texas A&M defeated Western New Mexico University 58-27 in the Lone Star Conference opener on Saturday night at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, New Mexico.
The game began with West Texas taking an early lead. Quarterback RJ Martinez connected with Trevin Edwards for an 81-yard touchdown pass less than three minutes into the first quarter. Western New Mexico responded as Gabriel Levy contributed on the ground and Connor Ackerley completed a key 27-yard pass to Davey Morales, setting up a touchdown pass to Deuce Zimmerman that brought the score to 14-7 late in the first quarter. However, West Texas quickly widened their lead with another long touchdown pass to Edwards, ending the opening quarter ahead 21-7.
In the second quarter, Western New Mexico attempted to close the gap with a drive that included a nine-yard completion from Ackerley to Morales, but they were forced to punt. West Texas capitalized and added another touchdown before extending their advantage to 42-7 by halftime.
Western New Mexico showed persistence in the third quarter. Ackerley’s 29-yard completion to Zimmerman set up a scoring drive capped by a 22-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Flores. Despite two more touchdowns from West Texas, Western New Mexico managed another late-quarter score—a 13-yard touchdown reception by Jacob Helt after a sustained drive.
The Mustangs narrowed the deficit further in the fourth quarter when Ackerley found Zimmerman for a dramatic 76-yard touchdown pass. Defensive efforts included Deven Dyer forcing a fumble that was recovered by Christian Nunnally, which led directly to points for Western New Mexico. In the closing minutes, quarterback Eli Wehbey completed several passes as WNMU continued pressing forward but could not overcome the deficit before time expired.
Ackerley finished with 324 passing yards and four touchdowns on 27 completions out of 43 attempts. Zimmerman recorded five catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Bradly Harris led WNMU defensively with seven tackles; Diego Diaz and Dyer each added six tackles, with Dyer also forcing a fumble.
For West Texas A&M, Martinez threw for 388 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Edwards caught seven passes for 137 yards and two scores, while C'ing Blanton had two receptions totaling 104 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Jahmek Armstrong recorded four tackles and two sacks; Javin Cash led his team with seven tackles.
This result marks Western New Mexico’s third consecutive loss against West Texas A&M. The Mustangs’ record stands at one win and two losses overall (0-1 in conference play), while West Texas improves to one win and two losses overall (1-0 in conference).
Western New Mexico will next play Angelo State at LeGrand Stadium at San Angelo, Texas on September 20 at 5:00pm MT.
