The CSU-Pueblo football team will enter a new game this week looking to go 1-0 against Western New Mexico University after last week’s 20-10 victory over Western State Colorado University.
The ThunderWolves will meet the Mustangs Sept. 26 at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl.
After rebounding from their major loss against West Texas two weeks ago, the Pack is looking for their third season win this week.
Last week, the ThunderWolves owned a 13-0 halftime lead and a mid-fourth quarter touchdown by Cameron McDondle, a senior, who sealed the 20-10 victory for the Pack. The Pack utilized a heavy rushing attack to take down the Mountaineers with 295 rushing yards.
In his first career start, A.J. Thompson, a redshirt freshman, threw for 169 yards on 11-for-18 attempts averaging 61 percent. He also aided the team on the ground with 12 carries for 56-yards and a touchdown. The offensive line guided the ThunderWolves 295-yards and allowed only one sack.
Morgan Fox, a senior defensive end, recorded three sacks that cost the Mountaineers 21 lost yards, which marked the third multiple sack contest of the season for Fox. He currently leads the NCAA Division II in sacks with seven.
Another standout athlete is Kevin Cuff, a senior linebacker, led the ThunderWolves in total tackles with 11, eight of which were solo. In the game, he also added a sack. The 11 tackles tied a career high, which he set in his first collegiate game on Aug. 30, 2012.
Last week’s win marked the 70th victory for head coach John Wristen at CSU-Pueblo. He currently owns a 70-17 record with the ThunderWolves. The Pack has improved to 27-0 since 2008 when they held their opponent to 10 points or less.
Western New Mexico beat New Mexico Highlands 38-27 last week. The game had five lead changes, the final one taking place with just 39 ticks remaining in regulation. A one-yard rush put Western New Mexico ahead.
This 2015-16 season will the final season that the Mustangs will play in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. They will transfer to the Lone Star Conference beginning next season.
The ThunderWolves own a 16-6 all-time record against the Mustangs. The Pack are on a six-game winning streak against WNMU that dates back to a 48-3 win in 2009. During that streak, CSU-Pueblo has outscored Western New Mexico 265-68. The Pack looks to continue this record in their final contest against WNMU.