Savannah Downey/ULM Athletics
EL PASO, Texas – The ULM football team (2-1) pulled out a win over the UTEP Miners (1-3) on Saturday night (Sept. 20) to even the series, 31-25. An early offensive start for the Warhawks got things going in the first half, while the defense secured the win with two interceptions in the final two minutes.
Aidan Armenta went 8-for-14 for 136 yards, recording two touchdowns on the evening with a 57% completion percentage. Hunter Herring and Landon Graves also saw action at quarterback.
With the Miners receiving to open the game, a Dylan Howell sack set UTEP back, allowing for momentum to swing the Warhawk way. While UTEP was able to reach the 4-yard line, an incomplete pass gave ULM the ball with nine minutes remaining in the quarter. The ULM offense got to quick work, with Dorian Lewis going on a career-high 72-yard rush to reach the UTEP 26. Armenta then connected with Jake Godfrey for the first score of the evening, Luke Stagg securing the extra point.
Godfrey led the team with two receptions for 49 yards, Jonathan Bibbs not far behind with two catches and 38 yards, each posting a touchdown.
UTEP did not let up, however, with a 73-yard pass landing Trevon Tate in the end zone immediately after. Tied up at seven, the Warhawks tried forge ahead, but caught a quick three-and-out. After the ULM defense shut down the Miners, Carlos Arreola missed a 40-yard field goal to keep the score at 7-7. With time running out in the first quarter, a 37-pass to Godfrey followed by a 40-yard run by Braylon McReynolds got ULM back in the end zone to end the first quarter ahead, 14-7.
McReynolds led ULM in total yards and rushing, with 18 carries and 107 yards. Lewis followed closely with five attempts for 79 yards.
The second quarter began with the Warhawks finding the end zone yet again, this time a 35-yard reception for Jonathan Bibbs for the 21-7 lead. The ULM defense continued to hold UTEP without points, giving the offense a chance to shine. A few first downs from Hunter Herring and McReynolds placed the Warhawks in field goal position, Stagg notching a 44-yarder. Another turnover on downs sent the ball back to the ULM offense in the final 30 seconds of the half, concluding the second quarter with a 24-7 score.
Neither team was able to get momentum going early in the third, the Miners turning the ball over on downs for the third time in the contest. Armenta and Herring split duties in the fourth touchdown drive, Herring ultimately rushing up the middle for the 31-7 score, Stagg securing the extra point. The Miners finally got back on the board with 5:39 in the third quarter, pushing ahead before settling for a 27-yard field goal. Both teams traded drives to close the third, neither able to find another score.
UTEP came out swinging in the final quarter, Malachi Nelson sending a 44-yard shot to Wondame Davis Jr. for the team’s first touchdown since the first quarter to shave the Warhawk lead down. Nelson then completed a two-point conversion to Hahsaun Wilson for a 31-18 score with 13:31 remaining in the contest. The Warhawks punted again to give the ball back to the Miners, who responded with a three-minute touchdown drive, Wondame Davis Jr. with another touchdown reception to cut things down to six.
Noah Flemmings and Carl Fauntroy both registered seven tackles, with Flemmings captured a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. Fauntroy notched 0.5 TFLs and a pass breakup. Canterbury, Loa and Howell each claimed a sack, with Godsey and Harris each snagging interceptions.
In a crucial drive for ULM, McReynolds continue to claim first downs. But a loss of yardage and a delay of game sent Makenzie Ryan out to punt with 2:32 remaining in the contest. After holding the Miners incomplete, Lynard Harris intercepted Nelson’s pass at the UTEP 30 with two minutes remaining. The Warhawks were unable to convert the fourth down, however, turning the ball over on downs. A crucial drive, this time for ULM’s defense, saw a fourth-down conversion for the Miners. Another interception for the Warhawks, this time by David Godsey Jr., secured the 31-25 victory for the Warhawks.
ULM Football will prepare to take on Arkansas State at Malone Stadium next Saturday (Sept. 27). The Warhawks will take on the Red Wolves for their homecoming game, and the first Sun Belt game of the season, at 2 p.m. CT.
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