LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico football extended its winning streak over in-state foe New Mexico Highlands to five games with an offense-heavy 63-37 victory.

ENMU ran its play calling with near simplicity gaining more than 630 yards of total offense with just 23 minutes of total possession. Eastern's run-dominated attack eclipsed more than 10 yards per carry in the win.

The breakthrough performance came from senior Ron Craten who scored three touchdowns on 15 carries and 129 total yards. The Louisiana native ran a similar offense at Mississippi College and the experience played extremely well as the Hound full back found open holes and poised a keen eye for the endzone.

"I feel blessed," said Craten after the game. "I am grateful to be here and thankful for the support from my teammates."

Starting quarterback Mario Sanchez began 2024 exactly how he began 2023. The redshirt junior scored three rushing touchdowns. The scores on the ground did not prove to be enough as he connected for two touchdowns through the air to teammates, D'Andre Fillmore and Jeremiah Moore.

"It's great to be back," remarked Sanchez afterwards. "Now the focus is on the next game."

The Greyhounds saw immediate impact from explosive plays. Four different rushes went for 50+ yards and both passes came from completions of 40+ yards.

Ja'Calvin Newsom had two of those lengthy rushes and first-year Hound Jarius Stewart joined Craten and Sanchez with one.

It is the seventh time in school history that ENMU has scored 63 or more points. Kicker Cooper Hamilton also became the sixth different Greyhound to connect for nine extra-point attempts in a single game. The Lubbock, Texas native set a career-high six touchbacks on ten total kicks.

ENMU forced two turnovers in the game. The first came on a muffed punt with Las Cruces, N.M. native Dillon Hein recovering the ball to set up a touchdown throw on the ensuing play for the Greyhounds. Secondly, Khiron Green made a diving catch for an interception at the NMHU 32-yard line.

Eastern New Mexico is back in action Saturday, September 7 with the home opener versus Sul Ross State for Military Appreciation Night. Single game tickets for the game against the Lobos will be on sale starting Monday. Until then, fans are encouraged to reserve their season tickets to catch all five matchups inside Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium.