NMMI Sports Press
The New Mexico Military Institute Bronco football team improved their record to 2-2 with a win on the road against the Air Force Prep Huskies, 31-17, at Husky Field in Colorado Springs, CO last Friday.
The Broncos started the scoring by blocking a punt, recovering the ball just six yards from the end zone. One play later, Fred Jackson gave the Broncos a lead 7-0 with 9:50 left in the first quarter.
Air Force Prep then scored a touchdown, but the Broncos were able to tack on a field goal with 13 seconds left in the first period to take the lead back, 10-7.
The Huskies scoring on the following possession, putting them up 14-10 with 10:00 minutes remaining in the second quarter. NMMI countered with another rushing touchdown, Kevon Purnell from 21-yards out, to go up 17-14 at the half.
NMMI kicked off the second half to AFP. The Bronco defense stopped the Husky drive and blocked their second punt of the game, once again giving them great field position at the Husky 33.
NMMI capitalized as Purnell rushed for his second touchdown of the game, this one from 13 yards out, to expand the Bronco lead to 24-14 with 11:03 left in the third quarter.
The Institute's final touchdown was again thanks to the play of the special teams unit. After the Bronco defense created a three and out, the Huskies punt to Blain Smith who ran it back to the house from 67 yards out to give NMMI a 31-14.
The only score in the fourth quarter came on a Husky field goal, giving the game it's final tally of 31-17 Broncos.
Special teams was definitely the difference in this game, with the Broncos blocking two punts and scoring a touchdown on a punt return.
The Bronco offense was led by Jackson's 81-yard rushing effort along with a touchdown. Purnell also posted 51 yards from scrimmage and a pair of TDs.
On the other side of the ball, the stingy Bronco 'D' held AFP to just 52 passing yards on the day.
Head Bronco football coach Joe Forchtner was thrilled with his special teams play today.
"The play of our special teams was unbelievable today - two blocked punts, took a punt return back, and had a huge kickoff return. That was the difference hands down," said coach Forchtner. "It's a lot better going into a bye week off of a win than it is a loss, I can tell you that much. We will break down the film of this one and we will get right on to Tyler Junior College."
After an off-week this week, the Broncos will be back at the Wool Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 28 to face the Apaches, kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM MST.