ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University's football team stayed close to Eastern New Mexico University for a half, but eventually was over powered in a 62-23 Homecoming game loss at Wilford Moore Stadium. The setback dropped the War Hawks to 2-3 overall and 1-3 in the Lone Star Conference, while the Greyhounds improved to 4-2 and 2-2 in the LSC.
 
It was the first meeting between the schools in 55 years on the gridiron.  It was also the first time that Eastern New Mexico had ever beaten McMurry in football (the series now stands at 6-1-1 in favor of McM).
 
ENMU had the only points in the first quarter, jumping out to a 14-0 lead after a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown and an 84-yard drive that took 13 plays.
 
Early in the second period, McMurry finally got off the deck. It was twin brothers Matthew McHugh, quarterback, and David McHugh, wide receiver, hooking up on a 10-yard aerial at the 13:46 mark to cap an eight play, 59-yard series. Joey Silva's extra point kick made it 14-7.
 
It was the fifth-straight game in which the McHugh brothers have connected on at least one pass-and-catch.
 
Two more ENMU scores would sandwich McM's second TD of the stanza. Running back Paxton Grayer broke off a nifty 27-yard jaunt into the end zone to culminate the seven-play, 70 yard set.
 
With the score 28-14 at the intermission, McMurry was still within striking distance. Things stayed that way until late in the third quarter, as the Greyhounds added two more scores before the period's end.
 
The War Hawks lone points came from a defensive return of an extra point miss by ENMU. Greg Pinckney broke through the line and blocked the PAT attempt by Mitchell Cox. Decorian Johnson picked up the ball and raced up the home sideline for the two-points.
 
21 fourth quarter points crushed any hopes for a late comeback.
 
The lone bright spot of that final segment came from senior wide receiver Jeret Smith. Smith caught a perfect pass from Matthew McHugh (15-of-35/269 yards) and then it was off to the races for an 82 yard touchdown. It was Smith's team-leading 11th touchdown reception of the year.
 
Smith had seven grabs for 168 yards receiving in the game.
 
On the defensive side, linebacker Tyreace House had a game-leading 11 tackles, while defensive back Ryan Williams had 10 stops. Pinckney had nine tackles. Desmond Guy and Calvin Middlebrooks each booked eight tackles.
 
The contest was marred by ample penalties on both sides of the field. ENMU was flagged 16 times for 149 yards, while McMurry was caught 16 times for 154 yards for infractions.