SAN ANGELO, Texas – Eastern New Mexico football (0-10, 0-8 LSC) fell to Angelo State (4-6, 4-4 LSC), 20-7, Saturday evening at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field. The Greyhounds rushed for 251 yards in the contest, while the defense held the Rams scoreless through the second and third quarters.
The Greyhounds were led offensively by Clifton Cooper, who finished with 99 rushing yards on 24 attempts, while completing eight passes for 36 yards. Mekhi Norris added 50 yards on six carries, including ENMU's lone touchdown, while Kyler Fossett contributed 47 rushing yards on eight attempts. Jose Trevino added 36 yards on the ground, with Emeka Megwa finishing with 19 yards.
Defensively, Robert Nora led the Greyhounds with 10 total tackles, including six solo stops, one tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. Matthew Quartieri followed with nine tackles and a forced fumble, while Jude Dunavin contributed seven stops. Dylan Quartieri and Robert Anderson each recorded six tackles, while Xander Holt registered ENMU's lone sack.
Angelo State opened the contest with a 13-play, 70-yard touchdown drive, capped by an 11-yard rushing score from Cameron Dischler. The Rams extended their advantage late in the opening quarter, as Maddox Maher connected with Trevor Winn for a 23-yard touchdown, giving the hosts a 13-0 lead.
Eastern New Mexico responded with a 12-play, 71-yard scoring drive that carried into the second quarter. Norris provided an early spark with an 11-yard run, while Trevino broke free for a 19-yard gain to move the Greyhounds into Angelo State territory. Cooper converted a fourth-down opportunity with a nine-yard rush, before Fossett added an 11-yard run to set up Norris' seven-yard touchdown. Clayton Vincent converted the extra point, bringing ENMU within six, 13-7, with 11:21 remaining before halftime.
The Greyhounds continued to move the ball throughout the second quarter, advancing into Angelo State territory on three additional possessions. With less than two minutes remaining in the half, ENMU put together an 11-play, 57-yard drive, reaching the Rams' 18-yard line before turning the ball over on downs as time expired. Eastern New Mexico entered the break trailing 13-7.
Both defenses controlled the third quarter, with neither team finding the end zone. The Greyhounds forced four Angelo State punts during the period, keeping the contest within one possession heading into the final 15 minutes.
Eastern New Mexico created a scoring opportunity midway through the fourth quarter after Matthew Quartieri forced a fumble that was recovered by Nora at the ENMU 40-yard line. The Greyhounds marched 42 yards on 11 plays, reaching the Angelo State 18-yard line before a fourth-down incompletion ended the drive.
The Rams responded with a seven-play, 82-yard possession, capped by a six-yard touchdown run from Jayden Jones with 4:32 remaining, extending their lead to 20-7. Eastern New Mexico was unable to respond on its ensuing possession, allowing Angelo State to secure the victory.
Eastern New Mexico finished with 287 yards of total offense, including 251 rushing yards on 53 attempts, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. The Greyhounds recorded 18 first downs, with 16 coming on the ground, and committed just five penalties for 22 yards. Angelo State totaled 328 yards of offense, including 258 rushing yards, with Canon Wiese leading the Rams with 119 yards on 19 carries.
