NMMI Sports Press
The Broncos recovered from early blunders to put up 430 yards of offense and held Northeastern Oklahoma A&M to just 198 yards as NMMI earned bowl eligibility with a 28-16 win on the road Saturday.
Quarterback Kobe Muasau threw two interceptions, including an early pick six, but the sophomore slinger refocused and scored all three of NMMI's second-half touchdowns.
"Kobe is a veteran and a leader on this team so we expect him to adjust and perform, and he did that today," said Bronco head coach Kurt Taufa'asau. "We know it won't be perfect, but we talked at halftime and the guys responded."
Muasau completed 32-of-40 pass attempts for 351 yards and tossed scoring strikes to receivers Isaiah Stephens and Diego Nunez. Stephens caught 10 balls for 96 yards and Nunez snagged six passes for 41 yards.
Andre Hall led all receivers with 11 catches for 166 yards and added two kickoff returns for 45 yards for a 211-yard all-purpose performance.
The Bronco defense allowed a field goal to start the third quarter after a long kickoff return by the Norsemen and the late touchdown drive, but for the most part kept NEO on their own side of the field.
When the Norsemen did threaten, the Black Swarm came up with clutch interceptions — one for freshman defensive back Stilton McKelvey to start the second quarter and another for team pick leader Churchill Williams in the third period right after Muasau's second INT.
"There's a reason our guys are tops in the nation in turnovers. It's something we preach and something we work hard on during practice," Taufa'asau said. "I'm glad those guys stuck to the game plan and came up with some big tipped passes and interceptions. There were a couple balls on the ground we should've had, but we'll have to live with that."
Freshman linebacker Johnny Fano terrorized the NEO backfield all day, racking up 11 tackles including five for a total loss of 19 yards, two sacks and a quarterback hurry.
With injuries to the kicking unit, standout linebacker Damon Mayberry took on punting duties, booting two for 67 yards with a long punt of 45.
Sophomore defensive lineman Aipolo Mahoni handled placekicking duties, going a perfect 4-for-4 on PATs.
"We told him he was kicking Thursday night right before we left for the game, so he was under some pressure," Taufa'asau explained. "He stepped up with the PATs and some good kickoffs that put us in good field position. At this point in the season you're going to have injuries, so it's good to see guys taking on new roles and doing their jobs."
After a deflating home loss last week to Cisco, the Broncos were desperate for a conference victory to keep pace in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference, where the top four teams compete for the conference tournament championship.
The Broncos are currently in third place, but will likely need to defeat Trinity Valley at the Wool Bowl on Saturday to stay in the top four. With six of the eight teams separated by two games, nothing is set in stone just yet.
"Every game on the schedule is important and next week we have a top 10 team coming to town," said Taufa'asau. "We'll have our hands full with them, but with a good week of practice, a few adjustments made, we'll be ready to go out and execute."
NMMI fans were well represented in Miami, highlighted by a visit from former high school dean George Brick and about a dozen members of Montahj Joseph's family, all wearing matching shirts and cheering loudly as the sophomore running back from Florida totted the rock 18 times for 54 hard yards and a touchdown.
"We have alumni and families here today that traveled further than we did for this game and we sincerely appreciate them," Taufa'asau said. "It's always nice knowing that wherever the Broncos go, we will have supportive fans, family and administrators behind us."
The Broncos and No. 8 Trinity Valley Cardinals clash at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Wool Bowl. The game can be watched free of charge online at KSVPtv.com.