Better late than never: Hounds beat Southern Nazarene in marathon

Freedom New Mexico

Sophomore Wes Wood of Muleshoe just missed a school record with seven passing touchdowns, as Eastern New Mexico claimed a 59-21 win over Southern Nazarene that ended just before midnight Saturday at Blackwater Draw.

Wood threw for 391 yards in the game, which was delayed three times by lightning and did not start until one hour and 45 minutes after its scheduled 6 p.m. kickoff in the season opener for both teams.

He came one passing touchdown short of tying Kevin Kott’s team record of eight, set Oct. 6, 1984 against Southern Colorado. Wood also carried nine times for 51 yards.

The host Greyhounds scored 24 straight points over the second and third quarter to break a 21-21 tie. The game featured three ties and a pair of lead changes.

Troy Harris’ 19-yard run and catch with a screen pass gave the Hounds a 45-21 lead with 13:49 left in the third quarter.

The ENMU defense allowed 283 yards on the night, and picked off five passes, including Curtis Jackson’s 77-yard return to cap the scoring. Senior defensive end Matt Kalisch recorded a team-high 10 tackles and two sacks.

Senior Jesse Poku was Wood’s favorite target with 10 catches for 126 yards and three TDs, while Troy Harris rushed 11 times for 59 yards.

Quarterback Brady Wardlaw played a role in all three Crimson Storm touchdowns, rushing 10 times for 38 yards and two scores and throwing for 119 yards and a 31-yard toss to Kevin Brooks early in the second quarter.

The Greyhounds resume the season Saturday at Angelo State. The Chargers host St. Mary’s (Kan.) Saturday.