PORTALES, N.M. – (closes eyes and taps shoes) there is no place like home … there is no place like home … there is no place like home.

There is no place like ENMU! It's true! It is Homecoming week in Portales and the campus is buzzing with dozens of events and alumni from all over the world coming back to the Land of Enchantment. To cap off the weekend festivities, Eastern New Mexico football is set to take on a new conference foe, Central Washington.

Before Tye Hiatt and the Hounds take the field under the lights Saturday night, take a look at this week's 4^th & 1:

First Down – Last Time Out
Eastern New Mexico fell to Texas A&M-Kingsville, 43-10. Tafari Gomillion scored his first touchdown of the season in the fourth quarter and Cooper Hamilton drilled an extra point and field goal to remain perfect on the season. The matchup saw several different Greyhounds, who did not register much playing time over the first three games, see the field. One of those Hounds was Kiante Stoker who ran for a team-high 77 yards over 14 attempts. Twenty-eight different players had at least one tackle on the night.

Second Down – Danger Zone
The Hounds defense has found good success when protecting the red zone and limited scoring opportunities for opponents this year. Out of 24 trips inside the 20-yard line, ENMU foes have only scored on two-thirds of their chances and only half of those are touchdowns. The missed opportunities include a fumble by TAMUK at the ENMU 1-yard line last Saturday and an interception in the endzone by the Hounds against Tarleton State two weeks ago.

Third Down – Welcome to the LSC
Fans familiar with Greyhound Athletics know that the phrase "Central Washington" and "LSC" are pretty much nonexistent, but this year three schools joined the league as football affiliate members. In 2022, ENMU will face Central Washington (Oct. 1), Western Oregon (Oct. 22), and Simon Fraser (Oct. 29) as part of the new structure with LSC football.

Fourth Down – Not So Special
Central Washington ranks in the top-half of DII football in nearly every single statistical category, but one area of concern is the return game for the Wildcats. CWU ranks 141^st with an average kickoff return of 15.43 yards and 161^st in punt return yards as they average around -2.5 per return.

& 1 – Honor the Hounds
Per tradition, ENMU Athletics will recognize the 2022 Hall of Honors Inductees at halftime during the football game. The recipients this year include: Dr. Patrice Caldwell (supporter), Lawrence (Larry) Chavez (cross country, track & field), Earl Diddle (basketball), Lauren Frye (volleyball), Becky Meek Lewis (rodeo), Luis Quiñones (baseball), and Heath Ridenour (football).

As a reminder, fans are asked to purchase tickets online as there will be limited cash available on the home side entrance. Get tickets at goeasternathletics.com/tickets