Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) is preparing to face West Texas A&M in the annual Wagon Wheel Game, a rivalry that has seen both teams win the traveling trophy 18 times each since 1986. The upcoming matchup will determine which team gains bragging rights and possession of the Wagon Wheel.
Last week, ENMU lost a close game to Western Oregon at home with a final score of 21-18. ENMU started strong, leading 10-0 at halftime, but Western Oregon responded with 21 consecutive points in the second half. Eastern managed a late touchdown and two-point conversion but could not recover after an unsuccessful onside kick attempt. In total, ENMU recorded 177 rushing yards and 128 passing yards, while Western Oregon accumulated 229 rushing yards. Quarterback Jordan McCarty led Western Oregon with 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns. For ENMU, Chad Ragle contributed both passing and rushing touchdowns along with 67 yards each in those categories.
Field position may play a significant role in the upcoming game. Against Western Oregon, ENMU’s special teams limited their opponent's starting field position effectively until late in the fourth quarter. Kicker Clayton Vincent delivered three touchbacks on as many attempts, while punter Ryan Travis placed three out of five punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
West Texas A&M brings a strong passing offense into this matchup, averaging nearly 339 passing yards per game—second best in their conference and fourth nationally. However, ENMU’s defense ranks among the top nationally for fewest passing yards allowed per contest at just under 140 yards per game. While Midwestern State managed to throw for over 350 yards against ENMU earlier this season, other opponents have struggled to reach even half that total against Eastern’s defense. West Texas A&M quarterback RJ Martinez has thrown for more than 1,800 yards this season with twelve touchdowns and only three interceptions.
The history between these programs adds another layer to Saturday's contest. Last year, West Texas A&M defeated Eastern New Mexico in Portales by scoring 36 unanswered points after trailing early; they finished with over 260 rushing yards and more than 200 through the air.
Both coaching staffs are familiar with each other from past collaborations at Eastern New Mexico University. Josh Lynn played for ENMU before serving as an assistant coach until becoming head coach in 2012; he left for Nebraska Kearney in 2017. Kelley Lee succeeded him as head coach after working as his offensive coordinator from 2012-16 and is now serving his sixth overall season leading the Greyhounds in Portales. Current offensive coordinator Andrew McCraw also returned to ENMU when Lee took over as head coach.
The winner of Saturday night’s game will break the series tie and take home the Wagon Wheel trophy until next year.
