JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A record-setting night propelled Eastern New Mexico football to a dominating 62-17 road win over Lincoln (Mo.).
The two programs were playing against each other for the first time and ENMU took full advantage early in the game. The Greyhounds scored five quick touchdowns over the opening 15 minutes of the contest.
Action began with the Blue Tigers fumbling the opening kickoff giving Eastern prime position for the first score of the day.
"I think it's big because you have that long bus ride and you don't know if you'll be ready," commented head coach
Kelley Lee on the opening kickoff turnover by the Blue Tigers. "It gave us the opportunity to score the first points of the game."
Freshman fullback
Elijah Zeh powered his way into the endzone on the Hounds first drive - the first of three first quarter touchdowns. His touchdown "hat trick" is the first of his career.
Before Zeh had a chance to score his second and third TD, ENMU went to the air for some offensive production.
Beginning their second drive of the contest at their own 8-yard line, the Greyhounds chose to pass on first down. Sophomore quarterback connected with his teammate
Andre Jones for a 92-yard touchdown reception. The play is the third longest pass completion in ENMU history.
"We knew they were going to be really aggressive on the run," said wideout
Andre Jones on the play. "We were able to change the momentum quick."
The one-play drive continued the scoring spree for ENMU as they finished with five total touchdowns in the first quarter.
Over the opening half, Eastern did allow two touchdowns to the opposition with a pair of missed tackles proving to be the culprits. Despite the clear advantage, Lee made sure to keep the team composed over the final 30 minutes giving them the goal to finish tackles and maintain the readiness on both sides of the ball.
ENMU finished the game with eight rushing touchdowns – the second most in a single game in program history.
Mario Sanchez led the rushing attack with ten carries and 109 yards and a score.
Tyler Cleveland,
Isaiah Tate,
Jonathan Watson, and
Nicholas Harper all had scores in the contest. Thirteen total players had a carry on the night.
Andre Jones continues to be one of the top receivers in the Lone Star Conference as he caught two passes for 101 yards. His teammates
Jonathan Watson and
TJ DeLeon also finished with receptions.
Defensively, the freshmen made a huge difference.
J.J. Silver carried the way with eight tackles and
DJ Moore registered 1.5 tackles for loss, including an early sack.
The Blue Tigers only managed to earn 218 total yards over 48 plays. Eastern managed to keep the ball for 40+ minutes in the contest marking the first win of the season when controlling the time of possession.
The Hounds 669 yards are the third most in program history and 62 total points is tied for seventh most in a single game for Eastern. Overall, ENMU had 36 first downs, which is the most since 2009 for the team.
Eastern New Mexico improves to 4-5 overall and 3-0 in nonconference action. Next up, is the historic Wagon Wheel game.
The Greyhounds host West Texas A&M November 4th at 12 p.m.
"We are ready to focus on a great week of preparation," said Lee on the rivalry game. "Attention to detail is our priority."
Tickets are still available online for the final home game of the season.
