UT Permian Basin defeated Western New Mexico University 66-7 in a Lone Star Conference football game at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, New Mexico. The Falcons' offense gained 658 total yards, while the Mustangs managed one touchdown on a first-quarter rushing play.
The game began with UT Permian Basin scoring early after a 59-yard pass from Kanon Gibson to Ben Patterson set up a touchdown. Western New Mexico responded late in the first quarter when Connor Ackerley ran for an 8-yard touchdown, capping a 72-yard drive and narrowing the score to 14-7.
In the second quarter, turnovers hindered the Mustangs’ progress. Gibson connected with Jaylon Tillman for a 60-yard touchdown pass, then Jalani Jefferson intercepted Ackerley and returned it for another score. Although Ackerley completed passes to Anthony Flores—including a 21-yard gain—another interception by Jamarion Ravenell stopped their momentum. The Mustangs went into halftime trailing 38-7.
During the third quarter, Western New Mexico struggled offensively as Ackerley was sacked three times for a loss of 12 yards. Jalen Murphy contributed with a 13-yard rush but the team could not convert drives into points. Meanwhile, Camden Tyler scored on a 39-yard run and Patterson caught another touchdown pass for UT Permian Basin. Colten Swanson recorded a sack for the Mustangs’ defense, but they ended the quarter down 52-7.
In the fourth quarter, Western New Mexico turned over possession on downs after an incomplete pass attempt at UT Permian Basin’s 27-yard line. The Falcons extended their lead shortly afterward despite Cole Lalama forcing a fumble that was recovered by UT Permian Basin. Penalties and incomplete passes continued to hamper the Mustangs’ efforts; Eli Wehbey’s passing attempts were unsuccessful and penalties pushed them back further. The Falcons added another touchdown before securing their win at 66-7.
Kanon Gibson led UT Permian Basin with 323 passing yards on 16-of-27 completions and three touchdowns. Kory Harris rushed for two touchdowns and totaled 112 yards on seventeen carries. Ben Patterson had three receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown; David Walker recorded two sacks; Will LeBlanc recovered a fumble and returned it for twenty-three yards.
For Western New Mexico, Ackerley completed thirteen of twenty-eight passes for one hundred four yards and scored one rushing touchdown on fourteen carries. Flores made four catches totaling forty yards; Bradly Harris led defensively with eight tackles; Christian Nunnally and Swanson each posted one sack.
Western New Mexico now holds an overall record of two wins and seven losses (2-7), including one win in conference play (1-6). UT Permian Basin improved to seven wins and two losses (7-2) overall, with five wins in conference games (5-2).
Western New Mexico will next play Texas A&M - Kingsville on Saturday, November eighth at six p.m., at Pepsi Field at Javelina Stadium in Kingsville, Texas.
Western New Mexico University is part of NCAA Division II athletics within the Lone Star Conference.
