PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico set two Lone Star Conference records in a dominating 59-35 win over Western New Mexico at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium.

Quarterback Jarius Stewart set a conference record for rushing yards in a single game with 382 yards on just 32 carries for an impressive 11.9 yards per carry. Stewart carried the rushing attack with five scores on the ground. He helped the Greyhounds run for a whopping 722 yards, which breaks the all-time NCAA DII record set in 1971.

"It feels amazing to have a game like that," remarked Stewart after the win. "Especially breaking records along the way."

One sentiment that the Port Lavaca, Texas native addressed was the importance of "finishing drives." Nine of the team's 14 drives ended in a score.

The Chile Bowl rivalry game began in a clear offensive showdown as both teams scored touchdowns on their first three possessions. With the score knotted at 21-21 just minutes into the second quarter, that is when WNMU took advantage of Eastern New Mexico's first of two turnovers in the game.

The Mustangs drove quickly down the field to take a 28-21 edge midway through the second quarter. Eastern would tack on a field goal via a Ryan Travis 43-yard attempt on their next drive. WNMU went into halftime intermission with a 28-24 edge.

From that point on, it was all Greyhounds.

Eastern started out the second half with the ball and took the lead instantly. A five-play 71-yard drive ending in a five-yard rushing score by Stewart gave the Hounds their first lead of the afternoon.

The Greyhound defense made spectacular halftime adjustments and forced a three-and-out to get the offense the ball back with 11:49 left in the third quarter.

Déjà vu struck again as ENMU executed another five-play drive going for 86 yards and extended their lead, 38-28. The score came from a 68-yard scamper from Stewart.

Western New Mexico would add a touchdown of their own to get the contest within three points with 8:37 left in the third quarter, but that is as close as it would get the rest of the way. Eastern would score the game's final three touchdowns on their way to their fifth Chile Bowl victory in program history.

"Offensively we were rolling all day long. We established the fullback early and they were trying to not let us get the ball outside," said head coach Kelley Lee after the game. "The offensive line played light's out."

Eastern's offensive line covered well all night long. They helped Demarion Finch go for 127 yards on just 15 carries. Eastern also saw a pair of quarterbacks get some quality rushes in. Logan Howell had 60 total rushing yards. Chad Ragle finished with 51 rushing yards. Other notable rushing accolades include Vee Williams (42 yards), William Reynolds (37 yards), and Quentin Owens (23 yards). Finch, Williams, and Reynolds each had rushing scores.

With such an effective rushing game, ENMU did not need to pass the ball as much. Stewart completed the Hounds only pass of the game for a 38-yard connection to Gerry Gomez.

"It's just hard work," said lineman Christian Greigo when asked what it took to get tonight's victory. "We've been working hard every single day."

Griego also had some kind words for his quarterback's performance.

"I love that man. I will block for him every single day of the week," said Griego. "I am so proud for him."

Eastern New Mexico's defense forced Western New Mexico to have their third lowest passing total of the season (315 yards). WNMU got off to a fast start in the passing attack, but second half adjustments were the major difference in this contest.

Two New Mexicans carried the defensive attack for the Hounds. Dylan Quartieri led Eastern with eight tackles with 3.5 going for loss. He had 1.5 sacks in the game. Matthew Quartieri had six tackles with one for loss. Carlsbad, N.M. native DJ Moore also had a nice outing with four total tackles with 1.5 going for loss and three quarterback hurries.

Eastern New Mexico will host Sul Ross State next week on November 1 at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium. The first 1000 fans will get a cap courtesy of HOMESPOT.