Broncos get victory against Mustangs

NMMI Sports Press

The New Mexico Military Institute Bronco football team defeated the Maricopa Mustangs 47-3 at Mountain View High School in Glendale, AZ on Saturday.

The Broncos started the scoring off of a Nathan Giles interception at midfield. Giles returned the interception to the Maricopa seven yard line. Fred Jackson did the rest of the work on three straight carries to give the broncos a 7-0 lead.

The Mustangs answered back on the next drive for a 35-yard field goal to make the game 7-3.

NMMI was forced to punt on their next offensive series, but a great hustle play on the punt by the Bronco special teams unit pinned the Mustangs to their own two yard line. The Broncos defense was able to capitalize and get a safety on the next play to increase their lead, 9-3.

After the ensuing kick from the safety, quarterback Ephriam Tuliiloa connected with wide-out Bronte Griffin for a 51-yard touchdown, making it a 16-3 game.

NMMI's next possession resulted in yet another TD, this time grinding out a  13-play, 95-yard drive, with the score coming from a one-yard QB keeper from Tuliiloa to go ahead at the half 23-3.

NMMI would score 24 more points in the second half, including three rushing touchdowns, with the Bronco defense holding the Mustangs scoreless, to take a 47-3 final victory. The field goal came on a 32–yard try from placekicker Roland Tyson with 13:20 left on the clock in the third quarter.

Fred Jackson led the way rushing with 16 carries and 133 yards, collecting two touchdowns. Ephriam Tuliiloa completed six passes for 100 yards and a touchdown to lead the Broncos in the passing department.

NMMI posted 344 total rushing yards and 473 total yards on offense. The Broncos were also efficient on third down, converting 50% (7-14) of the time.

Defensively the Broncos had three interceptions, one fumble recovery, and two sacks on the game, while holding Maricopa to just 134 total yards, of which more than a third of which came on a 55-yard pass, which eventually set up the 'Stang field goal.

Head Bronco football coach Joe Forchtner was pleased with his team after the game.

"I thought our effort was really good on both sides of the ball," said Forchtner. "I didn't think we had any lack of effort. We had a lot of fun on the field today."

Forchtner also gave extra credit the guys up front on the defensive side of the ball.

"The D-Line did a great job stopping the run," said the head coach. "That gave us situations where we could just turn the guys loose and it changes everything when you can just get pressure with your D-Line."

The Broncos' next game will be in Athens, TX as they will face Trinity Valley Community College at 5 PM CDT.