Heartbreak in Las Vegas: Greyhounds Fall 35-34 in Thrilling Season Opener
LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The Eastern New Mexico football team made their season debut against New Mexico Highlands in Las Vegas, N.M Thursday night. The back and forth battle ultimately led to the Greyhounds coming up agonizingly short in a 35-34 loss  In Head Coach Art Briles' highly anticipated debut, the Greyhounds (0-1) had many shining moments and signs
The game quickly developed into a clash of styles, with the Greyhounds asserting their dominance in the trenches early and often. After Highlands opened the scoring with a passing touchdown, the Greyhounds answered with a physical, methodical drive that showcased their commitment to the run.
Trei Kibbles punched it in from 1 yard out to tie the game, capping off an 8-play, 55-yard drive that sent a clear message to the Cowboys' defense.
The second quarter saw the Greyhounds' rushing attack truly take over. Following a Highlands touchdown, the Hounds orchestrated a grueling 15-play, 75-yard drive that ate up over five minutes of clock. QB
Lake Bennett was the catalyst, breaking tackles and churning out yards before bursting into the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown run. Highlands responded with a quick passing strike, but the Greyhounds refused to flinch. Executing a brilliant two-minute drill before the half, Bennett found
Jose Trevino for a 9-yard touchdown pass, sending the teams into the locker room deadlocked at 21-21.
Highlands managed to pull ahead in the third quarter, capitalizing on a long, sustained drive to take a 28-21 lead. However, the Greyhounds' resilience was on full display in the fourth. Striking with lightning speed,
Emeka Megwa injected life into the ENMU sideline with a spectacular 31-yard rushing touchdown. Megwa's powerful run tied the game at 28-28 and seemingly shifted the momentum back to the visiting team.
The Cowboys responded with a long, time-consuming drive that ended in a touchdown, putting them ahead 35-28 with just 6:27 remaining. With their backs against the wall, the Greyhounds dug deep. Quarterback
Clifton Cooper engineered a masterful 8-play, 65-yard drive that resulted in a 4
th down 6-yard touchdown pass to
Jose Trevino with only 1:34 left on the clock.
In a bold and aggressive move that defines Coach Briles' philosophy, the Greyhounds opted to go for the win and a two-point conversion rather than settling for a tie and overtime.
Clayton Vincent took the handoff and surged toward the end zone on a fake extra-point attempt, but a swarm of Highlands defenders managed to stop him just inches short of the goal line.
Key Performers
- The Rushing Attack: The three-headed monster of Clifton Cooper, Lake Bennett, and Emeka Megwa was nearly unstoppable, churning out 220 yards on the ground and wearing down the Highlands defense. Cooper led the team with 56 yards, while Bennett (51 yards) and Megwa (40 yards) each contributed explosive touchdown runs.
- WR Jose Trevino: Trevino was a crucial weapon in the red zone, securing two vital touchdown catches. He finished the game with 3 receptions for 37 yards.
- LB Matthew Quartieri: Quartieri was a force to be reckoned with, anchoring the defense with a gritty, physical performance. He recorded 7 total tackles and provided vital leadership as the defense spent over 37 minutes on the field against a high-tempo offense.
Statistical Highlights
While the scoreboard didn't go their way, the Greyhounds proved they can impose their will on opponents. They rushed for 220 yards on 36 attempts, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry, demonstrating a physicality that will serve them well throughout the 2026 season.
Up Next
The Greyhounds will face Colorado Mesa (0-1) on Saturday, September 5
th in Portales at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available here.
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