PORTALES, N.M. – The 2023 football season is finally here as Eastern New Mexico hosts New Mexico Highlands for the first game of the year. After a two-year hiatus,
Kelley Lee is back in charge of the Greyhounds and is looking to continue where he left off during the 2019 season. Before the Hounds get into action, please take a look at the Fourth & One Preview:
First Down – Welcome Back: Kelley Lee is 21-12 at the helm of ENMU football. The fourth year coach was announced as the head coach in January 2023 after spending the last two years in Texas. During his tenure, Lee led the offense to three-straight top-four finishes in total rushing offense, including leading the nation in 2017 after averaging over 350 yards per contest. In 2019, he guided the team to a bowl game victory over Southern Arkansas. Lee has never faced New Mexico Highlands as a head coach, but is 4-1 as an assistant over the in-state foe.
Second Down – Key Returners: Four all-LSC honorees will be back for Eastern New Mexico this fall. Those include
Kevin McCracken,
Hunter St. John,
Isaiah Tate, and
Beau Burns. McCracken has played 29 games for ENMU and finished 2022 with 38 tackles. St. John has 27 career appearances and was named the LSC Academic Player of the Year in 2022. Tate has played in 20 games as a Hound and has rushed for more than 900 yards in his career. Burns continues to impress as he has totaled 20 appearances and has registered 98 tackles over his first two seasons.
Third Down – Introducing New Players: With several new names on the 2023 roster and some with little to no playing experience in 2022, it is important to note a couple players who will see action for the Greyhounds this fall.
Kaden Bell joins ENMU as a kicker. He is a two-time all-state honoree and led Los Lunas High School to a state championship two seasons ago.
Dylan Quartieri and
Matthew Quartieri both redshirted in 2022. The two brothers come from Raton High School where they helped the team win a district title in 2021.
Fourth Down – How to Watch: The game will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network. The service offers a single game pass for $15, monthly pass for $30, and a yearly pass for $140. ENMU Athletics hall of famer Doc Elder will be on the call for the action against the Cowboys. Viewers can also tune-in through OTT apps available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku by searching for, "LSC Digital Network." To access online, please visit
LoneStarConferenceNetwork.com
& One – Game Day Festivities: Lots of fun activities are planned for Thursday night as the Hounds take the field for the first time in 2023. The Dawg Walk will begin at 4:45 p.m. as fans are asked to welcome ENMU into Greyhound Stadium. Zia Elite Gymnastics will be performing a routine for fans and the football program will be honoring faculty and staff members during the game. Fans will also have the chance to win great prizes during in-game promotions.
