Western New Mexico University secured a narrow 45-42 win over Sul Ross State University during their homecoming game at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, New Mexico. The matchup, known as the Battle of the Golden Tumbleweed, saw Western New Mexico capitalize on six red zone opportunities to improve their season record to 2-5 overall and 1-4 in conference play. Sul Ross State remains winless at 0-7 overall and 0-5 in conference games.
The Mustangs started strong defensively by stopping Sul Ross State’s first drive at midfield. Chris Kalu recorded a sack and DJ Jones recovered a fumble at the opponent's 4-yard line, leading to Connor Ackerley’s short touchdown run for an early lead. After Sul Ross tied the score with a punt return touchdown, Western New Mexico responded with another touchdown drive, highlighted by a long pass from Ackerley to Jaylin Baker and key runs from Gabriel Levy. Ackerley scored his second rushing touchdown of the quarter to put the Mustangs ahead again.
In the second quarter, Western New Mexico added a field goal after converting on fourth down and later completed a 95-yard drive ending with an Ackerley-to-Anthony Flores touchdown pass. Sul Ross narrowed the gap before halftime but could not overtake Western New Mexico.
The third quarter featured several momentum shifts. Sul Ross scored quickly after halftime and then took the lead following another long drive. Eddie Byrd III intercepted a pass for Western New Mexico and returned it for a touchdown, briefly reclaiming the advantage before Sul Ross answered with a kickoff return touchdown.
During the fourth quarter, turnovers and defensive stops defined much of the action until Ackerley connected with Davey Morales for a go-ahead touchdown pass. Although Sul Ross regained the lead once more, Western New Mexico mounted one final scoring drive capped by an 18-yard touchdown pass from Ackerley to Flores. Amare Thomas sealed the victory for Western New Mexico by intercepting a late Sul Ross pass.
Ackerley finished with 222 passing yards on 21 completions out of 28 attempts, three passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and negative net rushing yards due to sacks. Zay Savoie contributed 122 rushing yards on 14 carries while Anthony Flores caught five passes for 41 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, Byrd’s interception return was pivotal.
For Sul Ross State, Darryl Minor Jr. led all defenders with 18 tackles along with one sack and one forced fumble. Quarterback Kye Callicoatte passed for 203 yards with one touchdown but also threw two interceptions; he rushed for two scores as well.
Western New Mexico will next face Eastern New Mexico in Portales on October 25 in what is known as the Green Chile Bowl.
