West Texas A&M defeated Eastern New Mexico University 43-14 in the annual Wagon Wheel football game held Saturday night in Canyon, Texas.
Eastern New Mexico head coach Kelley Lee commented on the team's performance, saying, "We did not start fast. We did not convert on our chances early and it hurt us tonight."
The game began with a quick score from West Texas A&M. Quarterback RJ Martinez connected with Drew Zamar for a 66-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage. Martinez finished the game completing 26 of 43 passes for 424 yards and five touchdowns. Ten different players caught passes for West Texas A&M, with Zamar recording three catches for 99 yards. Backup quarterback Sean Johnson contributed three receptions for 68 yards, while Zach Phipps and Jayden Hibbler each had two receiving touchdowns.
Eastern New Mexico used both Chad Ragle and Jarius Stewart at quarterback. Ragle completed eight of 13 passes for 72 yards but threw one interception and rushed for two yards. Stewart completed four of seven passes for 40 yards and added 42 rushing yards.
Freshman Demarion Finch was a standout for Eastern New Mexico, rushing for 129 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He now leads the team with five total touchdowns this season. Veteran receiver Gerry Gomez caught nine passes for 64 yards.
On defense, Matthew Quartieri led Eastern New Mexico with nine tackles and an interception late in the second quarter. Aaron Warren and Aaron Acosta-Lewis each recorded seven tackles. The team registered four tackles for loss, including two by Malachi Hannah.
Punter Ryan Travis averaged 40.1 yards on seven punts and made both of his extra point attempts.
The Wagon Wheel series now stands at 19-18 in favor of West Texas A&M.
Eastern New Mexico will next face Western New Mexico University during Homecoming Week in Portales. The annual Chile Bowl between these schools is set to take place after Western New Mexico's recent close win over Sul Ross State.
