PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico lost 38-24 to Western New Mexico in the final game of the 2022 season. The result pushes the Greyhounds season record to 3-8.

WNMU got off to a steady start with a pair of touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead in the middle of the first quarter.

Before the frame ended, Kason Martin used a shovel pass to Asa Wondeh to push the game to a one score contest.

In the second, the Mustangs added a safety and got a touchdown from a 59-yard pass to take a 24-7 lead into the intermission.

After forcing a three-and-out to begin the third quarter, Howard Russell sprinted for an 84-yard score. At the end of the period, ENMU began a lengthy drive and finished it in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter with a pass from Kason Martin to Jace Martin.

The Martin to Martin connection was the first of the season.

With the score at 24-21, Eastern looked for a stop to regain possession. Unfortunately, a great return gave the Mustangs prime field position to begin the drive. They went on to earn two medium-length runs and converted a successful drive with a 34-yard throw to push the lead to ten.

The Greyhounds did not let the score stun them as K. Martin found Wondeh on a 45-yard route. This set the team for an opportunity at the six-yard line. Despite the optimal chance, two incompletions and a short run forced the Hounds to kick a field goal.

The Mustangs controlled the rest of the game and tacked on a touchdown and limited ENMU to little offensive success in the final minutes. 

Russell finished with 212 yards rushing on 12 carries. His best gains include 84, 46, 44, and 23 yards.

Before the game Eastern New Mexico honored four seniors for their contributions to the Greyhound football program. Those recognized include: David Sweet, Kevin McCracken, Rapi Sotoa, and Aseli Finau.

This season saw lots of great moments and close matchups won in the final minutes of the game. Some highlights to note include wins over Simon Fraser, New Mexico Highlands, and West Texas A&M.

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