CMU Football Mavericks Go For Three Straight, Face Western New Mexico

The 4-2 CMU Mavericks are in position to post their first winning football season since 2008 as they head to Silver City, New Mexico to take on Western New Mexico.

Last week, the Mavericks forced 6 turnovers in shutting down a high-powered New Mexico Highlands offense as they registered a 31-19 victory. The game wasn't as close the final score might indicate as the Mavericks led 31-6 heading into the fourth quarter before allowing a couple of late scores.

The Mavericks' offense has been rejuvenated by freshman quarterback Andrew Cota who made his second collegiate start against Highlands. In the game, Cota was 25-41 for 271 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. On the ground, Cota ran for 108 yards and 2 scores. In two collegiate starts, the Arizona native has completed 49 of 74 passes for 562 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions while rushing for 233 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The Mavericks are 4-2 on the season, 3-1 in the RMAC while Western New Mexico is 2-4 overall, and 1-3 in the conference. Don't let records fool you. Last week, the Mustangs lost to first place Colorado Mines 44-37, and the Mavericks homecoming opponent next week, Fort Lewis, knocked off nationally ranked CSU Pueblo last week. The Mavs have a chance to get to 6 wins if they can take of business these next two weeks. And, make no mistake about it. The Mavericks are thinking about more than six wins. They have their sights set on a conference championship.

But, nothing is sure, and nothing is easy. Anything can happen.

Head Coach Russ Martin is hoping the added depth of this year's Mavericks squad will make them a better football team than in year's past during the second half of the season.

Colorado Mesa leads the series with Western New Mexico 6-4, but have lost three of the five games played in Silver City. It's a long bus ride from Grand Junction to southwest New Mexico so the home team in this series is at a great advantage.

Kickoff for Saturday's game is at 12:00 with the pre-game show on ESPN Radio 1230 set for 11:30.