Peter Dindinger – NMMI Sports Press
MESCALERO – The unmistakable sight of stadium lights shining brightly on a Friday night meant that high school football has returned to New Mexico.
Behind 280 total yards of offense, the New Mexico Military Institute put together a 28-0 victory over Mescalero Apache School during the season opener.
Even with their starting quarterback sidelined, the Colts still managed to step up and rise to the challenge.
“We have a lot to work on, but it’s always good to come out here and execute,” said NMMI head coach Randy Montoya. “Regardless, the way they all came out and played as a team is important.”
Mescalero went three-and-out on its first drive of the game.
The Colts capitalized on the good field position after Darrell Ochieng scrambled for 28 yards to help setup a nine-yard touchdown run by Simen Johansen with 10:04 in the opening quarter.
Things continued to not go well for the Chiefs as the Colts’ defense came away with an interception by Ned Curnutt.
Unfortunately, NMMI couldn’t capitalize after the miscue.
Both teams went three-and-out on their next drives to start the second quarter.
NMMI forced Mescalero to punt on fourth-and-15. Ochieng then broke off a 39-yard run before eventually pounding through the end zone on a two-yard score to cap off a six-play drive with 11:12 in the second quarter.
The point after attempt was blocked by Duncan Balatche to make the score 13-0.
NMMI had 114 yards of offense in the first half. The Chiefs were 0 for 13 passing until finally breaking the drought late in the second quarter with a 10-yard reception.
To begin the second half, the Colts strung up a 10-play drive that ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Diego Hernandez with 8:17 in the third quarter.
Johansen made the score 21-0 after scoring on a run during a two-point conversion.
NMMI did not score again until 11:44 in the fourth quarter when Ochieng connected with a wide open Gael Venegas for a 43-yard touchdown.
The Colts’ secondary also came away with two other interceptions. Hernandez and Seth Matthews each had one in the second half. NMMI's defense also recorded a pair of sacks by Dawson Dabovich.
NMMI finished with 111 yards passing and 92 yards rushing.
Ochieng had 12 carries for 101 yards while completing 1 of 4 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Hernandez added with 29 yards passing as he completed 3 of 8.
Venegas finished with two receptions for 58 yards.
NMMI hosts McCurdy at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, which begins a three-game home stand at Colt Field.
“The crazy thing is our secondary’s always been kind of our weakest link at this early stage,” added Montoya. “To be honest with you, I think that’s our strongest link right now.
“(We) have a big, long road ahead of us but it’s always good to start off with a W.”
NMMI 28, Mescalero 0
NMMI 7 6 8 7
Mescalero 0 0 0 0
FIRST QUARTER
NMMI — Simen Johansen 9 run (William Cox kick), 10:04
SECOND QUARTER
NMMI — Darrell Ochieng 2 run (kick failed), 11:12
THIRD QUARTER
NMMI — Diego Hernandez 1 run (Simen Johansen run), 8:17
FOURTH QUARTER
NMMI — Darrell Ochieng 43 pass to Gael Venegas (William Cox kick), 11:44
NMMI STATISTICS
Rushes-Yards: 25-92
Passing: 111
Comp-Att-Int: 4-12-0
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing: NMMI, Darrell Ochieng 12-101, Simen Johansen 3-6, William Cox 2-1, Diego Hernandez 3-9.
Passing: NMMI, Darrell Ochieng 1-4-0 — 82, Diego Hernandez 3-8-0 — 29.
Receiving: NMMI, Gael Venegas 2-58, Simen Johansen 1-8, Darrell Ochieng 1-11.