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Eastern Arizona Squeaks by NMMI 29-21

Date 11/4/05

Roswell, NM -- In the showdown of the nation's top two rushing teams, Eastern Arizona College came into Colt Field and slipped by New Mexico Military Institute with a 29-21 win.  Turnovers proved to be costly for the Broncos as the game came down to the final minutes.

EAC didn't waste much time getting on the board when their fullback, Glen Milner took the handoff on the first play from scrimmage and outran the Bronco defenders 80-yards for a touchdown.  The Broncos answered with a scoring drive of their own.  John Props connected with Darrel Armstead on a 42-yard pass play to put the Broncos in EAC territory.  Tim Hamett was able to shake off a few EAC defenders for his first rushing touchdown of the season.  Ricardo Navarro added the extra point to even the score at 7-7.

Both defenses held strong, forcing a combined 2-12 on third down conversions in the first half.  EAC punter, Pat Riley was able to pin the Broncos back on their own goal line.  The very next play, Eric Hart was swarmed in the end zone for an EAC safety.  Following the safety, EAC added two more touchdowns to give them a 22-7 lead early in the second quarter.

The Broncos were pinned deep on their side of the field again, this time they managed to drive 95-yards on 9 plays for a touchdown.  Eric Hart got the drive started with a 46-yard run.  Props connected with Armstead again for a 25-yard gain and Cortea Minor punched it in from the 5-yard line. 

The third quarter was dominated by both defenses, EAC was held to a loss of 18 yards for the quarter while NMMI was held to 54 yards.  The one big play occurred with the Broncos deep in their side of the field, Navarro had a punt blocked by Jonathan Warren that he scooped up and took to the end zone for a touchdown, giving them a 29-14 lead.

NMMI was able to answer again on their next drive.  Cortea Minor broke a few tackles and then raced 54-yards towards the end zone, only to be caught from behind by an EAC defender.  A face mask penalty gave the Broncos a first and goal from the 5-yard line.  On fourth down, with the nose of the football just outside the goal line, Props was able to score on a quarterback keeper, cutting the EAC lead down to 29-21.

Late in the fourth quarter, Broncos tried a halfback pass that was intercepted by EAC's Devlin Bayne.  On the interception return, Armsted came with a full head of steam and hit Bayne from behind, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Hart.  On the next play, Props found Armstead again for a 26-yard completion down to the 11-yard line.  From there, Minor appeared to be heading into the end zone, but had the ball stripped from him on the 5-yard line.  EAC was able to run out the clock from their.

NMMI totaled 257 yards rushing on the game with Minor leading the way with his third consecutive 100-yard performance.  He ran for a season high 157 yards.  Armstead had his best game of the season, catching 4 passes for 140 yards.

NMMI falls to 4-5 on the season and are 3-4 in the WSFL with one game remaining.  They will play Mesa Community College in the final game of the season next weekend in Arizona. 

Athletic Department

New Mexico Military Institute

101 W. College Blvd.

Roswell, NM 88201

phone: 575-624-8270

fax: 575-624-8287