Eastern New Mexico University’s football team will face Western Oregon at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium on October 11, in a game that will also serve as the Hall of Honors Game.
Last week, Eastern New Mexico suffered a defeat against No. 16 Central Washington, losing 58-7. The Hounds allowed 371 total yards, with 227 coming from rushing plays. Central Washington led 52-0 at halftime and scored four touchdowns on the ground. Eastern New Mexico managed to score late in the fourth quarter with quarterback Jarius Stewart leading the drive.
Punter Ryan Travis has been performing well for Eastern New Mexico, averaging 40.3 yards per punt and placing three punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, including one over 50 yards. Last week, long snapper Dillon Hein recovered a fumble after a muffed punt, which set up Eastern New Mexico’s only touchdown of the game.
Eastern New Mexico is currently ranked seventh nationally in rushing offense, averaging 274.8 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Chad Ragle leads the team with 315 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Freshman Demarion Finch has contributed with 165 yards on 44 carries and also has three rushing scores. Jarius Stewart has seen more playing time recently and has recorded rushing touchdowns in two consecutive games.
Western Oregon stands out for its ability to force turnovers, having collected 12 interceptions and five fumble recoveries this season—both among the top marks in their conference and second nationally for total turnovers forced (17). The Wolves’ rush defense allows just 85 yards per game, ranking first in their conference and thirteenth nationally. They average 2.6 sacks per game but have struggled against passing offenses, allowing nearly 299 passing yards per contest—the highest in their conference.
The Hall of Honors ceremony will take place during halftime of Saturday's game. Six former student-athletes and a past chancellor were inducted into the ENMU Athletics Hall of Honors on October 10: Dr. Steven Gamble, Andrea Aguilar (Lott), Jack West, Dennis Williams, Anthony Pertile, Mercy Rotich, and Maegan Rhoten Paulson. Among them are Jack West and Anthony Pertile who played football at ENMU; West later joined NFL teams including the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys while Pertile was recognized as an all-American and named Lone Star Conference defensive back of the year three times before becoming a deacon at his local church.
