Did someone say ‘culture change’? New Mexico Highlands just pulled off a stunning 34-28 win against Eastern New Mexico, their first since 2013! After a rocky start, the Cowboys rallied, proving that learning to win can be downright contagious. What’s next for this revamped Division II squad?
The New Mexico Highlands Cowboys football program, under the guidance of second-year coach Kurt Taufa’asau, achieved a monumental victory Thursday night, signaling a significant evolution for the team. In a thrilling Division II season opener, the Cowboys defeated in-state rival Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds 34-28, marking their first win against ENMU since 2013 and impressively snapping a five-game losing streak against the Greyhounds.
The path to this historic win was far from straightforward, as the NMHU Cowboys stumbled out of the gate at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium. Their initial drives were plagued by offensive miscues, including a three-and-out, two turnovers, and a crucial fumble through the back of the end zone that cost them a go-ahead touchdown. These early struggles allowed the Eastern New Mexico team to take a 3-0 lead into the final minute of the first half, extending it to a score with just 50 seconds remaining after the costly fumbled touchback.
However, the tide began to turn dramatically with the introduction of senior transfer quarterback Ike Udengwu III from Division II powerhouse Grand Valley State. Udengwu, a seasoned player with a keen understanding of winning cultures, quickly established a formidable connection with wide receiver Mike Jones. Their collaborative efforts, particularly two impactful deep balls, ignited the Cowboys’ offense and led to their first touchdown with only 12.6 seconds left in the half, shifting the momentum decisively.
This pivotal touchdown sparked intense celebrations, leading to an unsportsmanlike penalty. Amidst the excitement, a powerful message resonated from the NMHU roster: “Learn how to win.” This sentiment, echoed by Udengwu, underscored the team’s commitment to transforming its culture and building a sustainable winning mentality. It highlighted the presence of emerging leaders within the squad who are dedicated to guiding the New Mexico Highlands program towards consistent success.
Beyond the offensive fireworks, the New Mexico Highlands defense delivered a gritty performance that proved instrumental in securing the victory. A crucial goal-line stand in the early fourth quarter, with Eastern New Mexico threatening from the 2-yard line and trailing 28-17, epitomized the defensive unit’s resilience and improved strategic execution. Coach Taufa’asau specifically lauded this “beef” package play as a testament to the team’s significant progress.
Coach Taufa’asau reflected on the team’s journey, acknowledging that discussions about previous losses, including the lopsided 63 points Eastern New Mexico scored last year, fueled their determination. This victory, therefore, represents more than just a notch in the win column; it is a profound statement of intent and a validation of the coaching staff’s efforts to foster a resilient and competitive spirit within the NMHU Cowboys.
The thrilling 34-28 win over the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds not only ended a long drought but also set a positive tone for the rest of the season for New Mexico Highlands. The Cowboys will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Western New Mexico next weekend in their home opener at Sanchez Family Stadium in Las Vegas, N.M., for the eagerly anticipated “La Batalla Bowl” in another thrilling chapter of college football.
