A tough Texico team handed the Colts their first loss of the season, 30-8.

It was the first home game for the New Mexico Military Institute, after huge wins on the road against Alamogordo High’s JV squad to start the season, then another lopsided victory at Cloudcroft last week.

The visiting Wolverines also boosted an unblemished record of 2-0 after a pair of away-wins at Estancia at Santa Rosa.

Texico struck first midway through the opening stanza on a 28-yard touchdown pass which capped a 57-yard drive over six plays.

NMMI tried to answer before the end of the quarter after DB Cohen Tomasits recovered a fumble at the Wolverine 47. The Institute drove down to the Texico 12 in just two plays, but a fumble of their own gave the ball back to the Wolverines.

And that’s where the scored stayed, 8-0, at the half.

Texico running back Alex Fuentes took charge in the second half. Behind his big offensive line, he rushed for an incredible 311 yards in the game, along with three TDs.

The Institute had their big plays in the game, mostly on defense, including a 41-yard interception return by Steven Griego, and a 45-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter by Leonardo Lopez.

“We thought going into this game, that Texico might be the best team on our schedule for what they do,” said NMMI head coach John O’Mera. “They are a physical, tough football team and they just line up and run right at you. And that’s what we’re trying to build here with our program. We’re still making too many mistakes, but we’re learning, every day, every play. We’re a bit behind, we saw that on offense tonight, but I was proud of how our guys stood toe-to-toe with them, with a lot of heart and a lot of effort. Unfortunately we’ve got to learn this lesson with a loss, but we’ll get together, watch the film, fix the mistakes and bounce back.”

The Colt will get that bounce-back attempt next week, back at home against Pecos Valley rival Hagerman High. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm at Colt Field on the NMMI campus, and, as always, the public is welcomed and encouraged to attend.