Bronco Get Big Homecoming Win Over 5th Ranked Arizona Western College
by NMMI Press Release
Roswell – It was a great way to kickoff homecoming here at the New Mexico Military Institute: the Bronco football team up-ended the 5th ranked team in the nation, defeating Arizona Western College in a 40-33 thriller.
Despite getting out-yardaged by the Matadors 420 to 242, and letting Arizona Western score on their first offensive possession, big plays by the Broncos, including an 88 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by defensive back LeDarrius Cage, gave NMMI the upset win.
Although the Broncos trailed in almost every statistical category, this was the first game this season that they won the turnover battle, with three lost Matador fumbles resulting in two NMMI touchdowns.
Running back Anthony Williams, currently 7th in the nation in yards rushing, had a big game for the Bronco offense with 87 yards and 2 TDs on 17 attempts, while wide receiver Tyrone Hendrix followed up a four reception, 204 yard and 3 TD performance in last week’s win over Scottsdale Community College with another four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side, NMMI’s ‘Black Swarm’ defense held AWC’s Reggie Bullock, the nation’s leader in yards rushing and touchdowns, to 78 yards on 18 carries, and, more importantly, kept him out of the end zone. Defensive back Tony Udley had 8 tackles on the afternoon, including a 16 quarterback sack, and recovered a fumble.
The win puts the Broncos at 5-2 on the season and 3-2 in the Western States Football League, while formerly unbeaten Arizona Western goes to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in conference. Next up for the Broncos will be a road game vs. another nationally ranked team, No. 11 Eastern Arizona College. Game time’s set for 7 p.m. in Safford, Arizona.
