The Javelinas gained a 14-point advantage over Lone Star Conference foe Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), but three costly turnovers led to the host team’s victory.
Eight minutes into the first quarter, ENMU jumped out ahead with an 11-yard jaunt scamper by quarterback Wyatt Strand.
Strand would go on to lead the ENMU ground attack, accounting for 199 of the 515 Greyhound rushing yards.
Blue and Gold kicker Romario Perez booted one through the uprights three minutes later to cap a 10-play, 62-yard drive. The freshman’s 30-yard kick cut the Greyhound deficit to four.
After a 15-play drive, Greyhound kicker Tyler Vargas landed a 30-yarder of his own, increasing their lead to 10-3.
Two minutes later, Javelina running back Kris Barnes evened the slate with a five-yard touchdown run. The senior back would carry the ball five times for 13 yards.
The Greyhounds would answer back on the ground with a 32-yard jaunt from Darryl Wiggins.
Before the end of the second half, TAMUK back Luis Lopez added his own statement, crossing the goal line from six yards out, and tying the score at 17.
Redshirt freshman Amos Coleman III ensured the halftime with a key red zone interception.
Tempestuous weather on the New Mexico plains delayed the second half kickoff, but the Javelinas wasted no time getting to work, capping a five-play, 76-yard drive with a 27-yard strike from shot caller Cade Dyal to wideout Donte Ross. Dyal would complete 19-of-29 pass attempts for 255 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
The Blue and Gold defense shut the next Greyhound drive down in three plays. The fourth down punt was fielded by Ross, who carried the pigskin 48 yards for his second score of the night, increasing the visitors lead 31-17. This score would go on to earn the Palmdale-native Lone Star Conference (LSC) Special Teams Player of the Week.
ENMU returned to the field with a vengeance, scoring 17 unanswered points during the third quarter. Strand and Wiggins would find the endzone again for the home team with runs from 19 and 13 yards out, respectively. Vargas capped the 17-point run with a 39-yard boot.
Three minutes later, Perez added a 24-yard kick, good enough to even the score 34-all.
But the Javelina kickers final boot would prove to be the visiting team’s final scoring effort.
Strands found teammate Zachary Fields through the air, who took the ball 10 yards across the goal line, putting the Greyhounds up 41-34.
Five minutes later, ENMU’s Paul Terry added a 38-yard touchdown run, sealing the ENMU victory, 48-34.
The defense was led by redshirt junior Tre’Michael Tutt, who set a new program record for tackles in a game with 22. He broke the old school record of 21 set by Robert Soza on Sept. 15, 1984, against Nevada and matched by Chris Hensley against Pittsburg State on Dec. 2, 1995.
The Javelinas take on A&M-Commerce October 5 for the annual Throwback Game in LSC play.