New Mexico Military Outgains AF Academy JV in Loss!
Colorado Springs, CO – New Mexico Military Institute let a 17-0 lead slip away as the United States Air Force Academy JV handed the Broncos a 21-17 loss. The Falcon defense slowed the NJCAA’s top rushing offense in the second half, keeping them out of the end zone. The Institute’s offense got off to a sluggish start managing only 11 total yards on their first two possessions. Brandon Brooks (So. RB, Rosenberg, TX) put the
Broncos on the scoreboard with 5:57 remaining in the first quarter with a 10-yard run. Kevin Perez (Fr. K, El Paso, TX) converted on the PAT making the score 7-0 in favor of NMMI. On the opening drive of the second quarter, the Broncos took advantage a Darrin Allen (So. WR, New Orleans, LA) 50-yard run. Allen, normally a wide receiver was forced into action as a running back due to all of the injuries in the Broncos’ backfield. NMMI’s offense stalled on the 3-yard line but Perez connected on a 20-yd field goal extending the lead to 10-0.
After a failed field goal by the Falcons, NMMI marched down the field and scored when Stephen Baca (So. QB, Justin, TX) found Darrell Armstead (So. WR, Copperas Cove, TX) in the corner of the end zone on an 18-yard fade pattern. Perez’s kick was good and NMMI led 17-0. The first half ended in controversy as the Falcons drove the ball down to the NMMI 5-yard line. With 5 seconds remaining in the half, the Falcon quarterback took the snap, faked a reverse to the running back then threw a fade pass to a receiver in the end zone. The pass fell incomplete but only 3 seconds were run off of the clock and 2 seconds remained.
The Falcons were able to capitalize with the extra time. With one more play, the Falcons attempted another pass in the end zone, NMMI safety Jay Johnson (Fr. FS, Roswell, NM) batted the ball down but it bounced off of his foot and into the hands of the Falcon receiver for the touchdown. Momentum remained on the side of the Falcons as NMMI fumbled away the football on the opening drive of the second half but then got it back as Dominic Smith (So. DE, San Antonio, TX) hit the Air Force quarterback forcing and recovering the fumble.
On the ensuing drive, NMMI’s attempt at a 45-yard field goal had the distance but went wide left of the goal post. After forcing a three-and-out NMMI got the ball back with good field position. Baca guided the team down the field before being forced out of the game with an injury. Facing a fourth down with nine yards to go from the Air Force 27, the Broncos elected to go for it rather than attempt the 44-yard field goal, with their holder, Baca on the sideline with an injury. The gamble failed and Air Force got the ball back with solid field position.
Air Force would then put up 14 more points and hold off a fourth quarter Bronco comeback on their way to a 21-17 victory. The Broncos managed 404 yards of total offense including 304 on the ground and a season high 100 yards through the air. The Bronco defense held strong limiting the Falcons to only 225 yards of total offense but couldn’t keep them out of the end zone when it came down to it.
NMMI falls to 1-2 on the season with their home opener coming up next Saturday. Western States Football League play begins as Mesa Community College comes to Roswell.
