PORTALES, N.M. – A rivalry like none other…. the Wagon Wheel Game takes place Saturday night at West Texas A&M in Canyon as ENMU takes on WT.

Before the two programs square off, please take a look at the 4th & 1:

First Down – To the Wire:
Eastern New Mexico football dropped a close contest to University of Texas Permian Basin last Saturday, 24-21. The Greyhounds held the advantage after the first quarter (7-6) and after the third quarter (21-16), but they were unable to come out victorious. Kason Martin threw a pair of touchdown passes and Howard Russell found the end zone for the third straight game.

Second Down – For the Wheel:
Saturday's game will be the 35th edition of the Wagon Wheel Game. Despite ENMU hold a 21-19 advantage in the overall series, WT owns the 18-16 series when the matchup was played for the wheel. The last time Eastern won a game in the series came in 2018 with the Hounds shutting out the Buffs, 28-0. The last two games have gone in favor of West Texas A&M (2019 – 35-14, 2021 – 44-24).

Third Down – Recapping 2021:
Last season's battle for the Wagon Wheel was evenly match over the first quarter and a half, but from that point WT took advantage of ENMU's turnover struggle. Howard Russell and Isaiah Tate combined for 77 yards in the game while Bryzai White was second on the team with three catches and 52 yards. Russell Tate, Greg Thomas, and Campbell Keithley each caught a pass in the game. Defensively Cameron Santa Cruz led the way for the Hounds as he registered eight tackles, a pass breakup, and an interception returned for 27 yards. Cooper Hamilton hit a 40-yarder in the second quarter and was a perfect 3-for-3 in point after attempts. The Greyhounds lost the game 44-24.

Fourth Down – A Special Special Teams:
ENMU has the second-best punt return defense in the Lone Star Conference allowing only 5.19 yards per return. The team is fourth in kickoff return defense giving up 19.88 yards during a return on average. The kicking unit is anchored by Cooper Hamilton who has hit seven field goals this year, including a 50-yarder against Tarleton State.

& 1 – Let's Tailgate:
The alumni association is holding a tailgate for the game beginning Saturday at 2 p.m. Food and drinks are provided and drawing for items will take place for attendees. Currently the price for general admission entry into the game is &5. RSVP's are encouraged and can be found at https://www.enmu.edu/alumnirsvp