SILVER CITY, N.M. – A late comeback attempt fell short for the Black Hills State University football team in a 34-31 loss to Western New Mexico in Silver City, New Mexico, Saturday afternoon.

The Yellow Jackets, who were once down 31-17, made the near comeback possible thanks to a JJ Kilgore fumble recovery in the end zone for his second touchdown of the season. On a Trevor Naslund punt, Donald Byrd fumbled the ball allowing Kilgore to recover the ball giving the Yellow Jackets momentum behind 31-24.

Josh McIntire notched a 27-yard with 3:50 remaining in the game, giving Western New Mexico the 34-24 lead.

On the first play of the following drive, Anderson hit Anthony Eboreime for a 75-yard touchdown connection giving the Yellow Jackets one last life.

The Yellow Jackets needed to get the ball back for one last chance to either tie or take the lead in the final three minutes of the game. Black Hills State got that stop; forcing a Mustangs punt and starting the final drive at its own 20-yard line.

However, the Western New Mexico defense put a wall up and pushed the Yellow Jackets in a Fourth-and-12 scenario. Senior quarterback Ward Anderson saw an opening, rushing to the 29-yard line before being stopped by Kristian King and falling one-yard short of the first down.

The play gave the ball back to WNMU who could kneel on the ball and run out the clock.

Black Hills State ends the season 3-8 overall and 2-7 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Western New Mexico ends its season 5-6, 4-5.

Western New Mexico scored first as Mitch Glasmann connected with Donald Byrd on a 79-yard pass in the first minute of the game. The Yellow Jackets quickly struck back with an eight-play 75-yard drive as Anderson found Jerome Krysl for a five-yard touchdown.

The Mustangs answered back with 6:12 remaining in the first quarter on a Glasmann one-yard rush.

The Yellow Jackets again knotted the game, this time at 14-14 with 10:22 remaining in the second quarter. Running back Phydel Paris fumbled into the end zone where Krysl quickly snatched the ball for his second touchdown of the day.

Western New Mexico entered the intermission with a 17-14 lead thanks to a McIntire 26-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining in the half.

Steven Soderstrom notched the tie with a 37-yard field goal with 9:52 remaining in the third quarter. It was the fourth field goal for the senior linebacker who took over the place kicking duties midway through the season.

Western New Mexican then scored the next 14 points, first on a 12-yard rushing touchdown from Marques Rodgers then on a 69-yard Glasmann to Byrd connection, to open the 31-17 lead.

The loss ends the career of 19 Black Hills State seniors, including Ward Anderson who ranks second in Yellow Jacket history in several categories including pass completions and passing yards.

Anthony Eboreime ends the season with a gaudy 23.0 yards per reception including 14 receptions of 20 yards or more.

Quick Hits

• Ward Anderson completed 20-of-40 passes for 322 yards and a pair of touchdowns
• Anderson was the Yellow Jackets leading rusher with seven attempts for 48 yards
• Anthony Eboreime notched his fifth 100-yard reception game with 153 yards and a touchdown
• Trent Boner had a game-high 13 tackles
• Harry Ulricksen added seven tackles along with the Yellow Jackets only sack
• Mitch Glasmann passed for 350 yards on 27-of-45 attempts
• Donald Byrd had a game-high 182 yards receiving on seven catches