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Leathernecks Begin Season at New Mexico State

WIU kicks off year at 8 p.m. in Las Cruces, New Mexico

MACOMB: The Western Illinois football program kicks off the 2023 season on Saturday, making the trek to New Mexico State to take on the Aggies at 8 p.m. The Leathernecks are playing their first game of the season while NMSU is coming off a 41-30 loss to UMass last Saturday.

WHO: Western Illinois (0-0, 0-0) at New Mexico State (0-1, 0-0)

WHEN: Saturday, September 2, 8 p.m.

WHERE: Las Cruces, New Mexico

SOCIAL MEDIA: @WIUfootball (Twitter) + WIU Football (Facebook) + @wiufootball (Instagram)

FOLLOW ALONG: Live stats - https://bit.ly/3Pf44w3 Radio - 98.1 FM (http://q981fm.com/) Stream - https://bit.ly/3EjlAct

WIU GAME NOTES: https://bit.ly/3QWlm2j
 

FAST FACTS: This is the second time the two programs have met on the football field. New Mexico State defeated Western Illinois 31-24 on October 31, 1981 … New Mexico State is led by coach Jerry Kill. Kill previously coached at Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois and Minnesota.

KEY RETURNERS: Juan DelaCruz and JJ Ross are back on defense and many have already taken notice with the duo named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference Preseason Second Team. Key returners Anthony Quinney, Jake Detiveaux, Tre Henry Brian Bruce, Garret Steffen, Ryan Crandall and Mike Cardilli also anchor the defense.

On the offensive side, running back Ludovick Choquette, receivers Donald McKinney and Jaylin Jackson and tight end Jack Whyte are both back to lead the offense.

NEWCOMERS TO WATCH: Lineman Mayo Bola, safety KJ Coleman and cornerback Willie Jones are new faces on defense who will be counted upon to lead the Leathernecks.
On offense, new faces on the offensive line (Jeremiah Banks-Wall, Ryan Merklinger, Izaya Vimahi and Dagen Miller) will be leaned on heavily to help improve a WIU offense. Quarterback Matt Morrissey takes over under center with Nathan Lamb listed as the back-up. Returning starter Clay Bruno could also see action on Saturday. South Dakota State transfer, wide receiver AJ Coons is also expected to led WIU a hand in the passing game.

ABOUT THE AGGIES: NMSU went 7-6 last season, picking up a win in the Quick Lane Bowl. Last week, the Aggies fell in the season opener to UMass.

Quarterback Diego Pavia went 16-27 passing for 248 yards. He had three touchdowns and two interceptions while being sacked twice. Pavia ran the ball l14 times for a net of 20 yards. Ahmonte Watkins had two carries for 95 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown run. Star Thomas added eight carries for 42 yards. Trent Hudson had three receptions for 43 yards, including a pair of touchdowns.

Defensively, Nikhil Webb-Walker led the defense with seven tackles.

WHAT'S NEXT: Western Illinois is back in Macomb for the home opener next Saturday against Illinois State. The game is set for a 3 p.m. start. It is also Senior Day for the Leathernecks and part of the Western Illinois Mega Reunion Weekend. The matchup is the last time the Redbirds and Leathernecks will meet at Missouri Valley Football Conference rivals as WIU heads to the Ohio Valley Conference next fall.
 
 
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