NMMI Sports Press
The New Mexico Military Institute Colt defense was in full force in their 28-18 loss against district rival Dexter Demons. The Demons took advantage of a couple pick-sixes in the first half of play to give them an early lead, but the Colts mounted a comeback in the second half, outscoring the Demons 18-7.
On the first drive of the game, NMMI’s defense forced a fumble from Demon quarterback Marco Munoz. Colt Riley Robertson recovered the fumble at the Colt 48-yard line.
NMMI started the drive with a pass from Diego Bustamante to Diego Hernandez for a 41-yard gain to the Dexter 11-yard line. After a rushing attempt by NMMI, a 92-yard pick-six by Martin Meraz put the Demons in front 7-0 with 10:19 to go in the first quarter.
Dexter’s next two scores came in the second half, both by Marvin Johnson - a 38-yard pass play from Marco Munoz with 11:09 to go in the half, and 75-yard fumble return at the 8:26 mark – gave the Demons a 21-0 lead going into the locker rooms.
NMMI got the ball to start the second half, going five plays for 32 yards highlighted by a John McIntyre pass to Ricardo Mata for 26 yards. When the drive stalled, Daniel Xibille pinned the Demons to their own 10-yard line on a 26-yard punt.
Dexter pushed its lead to 28-0 on the ensuing drive as Munoz broke into the open field for an 84-yard TD scamper.
On the next possession, NMMI got their first points of the game on a five play 62-yard drive. McIntyre hit four different receivers on the drive, including the 34-yard touchdown pass to Oscar Gomez. The Demons blocked the extra point attempt, but the Colts cut the lead to 28-6 with 4:46 to go in the third.
The Colt defense held the Demons on all four of their downs and gave McIntyre and company great field position on the NMMI 42-yard line.
After a McIntyre pass to Mata for 15 yards, NMMI committed a false start penalty to make it first and 15 from the Dexter 48. Arturo Cuen broke a tackle in the backfield and took the ball 48 yards for the score. NMMI would fail on the two-point conversion, making it 28-12 with 1:59 to go in the third.
The Colt defense got their offense back on the field after a five-play drive where the Demons went backwards 7 yards. Colton Claypool and Diego Hernandez got a big sack on quarterback Munoz on a third and 24 to force the Demons to punt it away.
The Colts scored their last points of the game on a fourth down scramble by Xibille for 24 yards to cap off an 8 play 55-yard drive with 6:51 to go. The Colts again tried for two, but an incomplete pass batted down at the line by the Demons kept the score 28-18.
NMMI’s defense held Dexter to 211 yards on offense, including a meager 51 passing yards. They also forced two fumbles, recovering one.
Cuen led the Colts on offense, rushing for 91 yards on 10 attempts and a TD. McIntyre led the passing attack with 13 completions on 17 attempts for 168 yards and a touchdown. Diego Hernandez caught five passes for 74 yards.
The Colts will be home for their next game against district opponent Tularosa on October 26th at 7:00 PM.