CHADRON, Neb. - October 31, 2015 - For the first time since the Bill Clinton administration, the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys left Elliott Field in Chadron with a win, defeating Chadron State 24-16 today. NMHU improves to 1-8 (1-6 RMAC) while CSC falls to 4-5 (3-4 RMAC).

NMHU led in nearly all offensive categories, doubling up CSC in total yards (445 to 221), gaining 20 first downs to the Eagles' 14, winning time of possession 40:26 to 19:34, and outpacing the home team in third down conversions 40% to 13.3%.

Both sides were plagued by turnovers, with CSC losing two fumbles in the game and NMHU losing one fumble but throwing two interceptions. In all, the ball hit the turf seven times, with the offense recovering four times. The Eagles benefitted from the turnover battle with 13 of their 16 points coming off turnovers.

Highlands also committed nine penalties to CSC's five.

However In a bright spot for the offense, sophomore quarterback Matt Vinson played his second straight turnover free game and threw a touchdown pass for the fifth consecutive outing. He was only sacked once, though he was pressured heavily throughout the game.

Redshirt freshman Kevin Coy led the Eagles in rushing, gaining 60 yards on 13 carries. Derek Jackson added 55 yards on nine attempts.

Clay Cundall and Kirk Durtsche starred defensively for the Eagles. Cundall led both teams with 15 tackles including 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack. Durtsche was right behind with 14 tackles (1.0 for loss) and had a clutch interception deep in CSC territory late in the third period which thwarted a red zone opportunity for the Cowboys.

Chadron State came out early throwing punches, getting two quick first downs on their opening drive of the game and moving the ball into NMHU territory. From there, the Eagle offense stalled, however, and played the rest of the half on their own side of the field. The Cowboy front seven controlled the line of scrimmage and their secondary made plays in the open field.

Meanwhile, NMHU strung together two lengthy drives of eight or more plays, coming up with seven points on one, and missing a field goal on the other.

Wind also played a factor in the first quarter, with CSC punter Zach Smith averaging just 35 yards on four punts and struggling to flip the field.

In the second half, CSC quickly grabbed a 10-7 lead. Going 52 yards on 13 plays on their first possession, the Eagles settled for a 23-yard Alex Ferdinand field goal to get on the board. On the Cowboys next offensive play, a tipped Trevor Swenson pass bounced into the hands of the Eagles' Dylan Furrier. Two plays later, Jackson found the endzone from 10 yards out.

The Eagles got back into NMHU territory on their next possession, but a Jackson fumble gave the Cowboys new life, as they dropped two big passing plays of 40 and 25 yards on the CSC defense. NMHU would score on that 25-yarder to retake the lead for good.

Early in the 4th, with the wind back on their side, the Cowboys tossed a 65-yard bomb to Kirt Terry-Springs, and went back to him again on the following play to go up 21-10.

CSC had comeback hopes midway through the last frame, when they received a Halloween treat in the form of a bad snap from the Cowboys, which was fallen on by Collin Eisenman. Vinson turned to Max Gray to capitalize on the opportunity, hitting him twice over the middle and scoring the second time. A two-point conversion attempt failed, putting the Eagles down by five, 21-16.

Highlands also had a trick in store, however, holding the ball for 7:13 and pounding away on the ground with Davonte Lynch, younger brother of Seattle Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch. He had 56 of his 104 total yards on that one drive alone.

With no timeouts remaining, Chadron State was unable to manufacture 76 yards in the final 52 seconds.

CSC will continue to fight for a winning season when they travel to Western New Mexico University, in Silver City, New Mexico, next week. The Mustangs, who entered the weekend as the No. 1 passing offense in the nation, are now 3-6, 2-5 RMAC, after taking care of Adams State today on the road. Kickoff in Silver City is at noon.