PUEBLO, Colo. (Oct. 15, 2022) - The Colorado State University Pueblo football team, led by a strong defensive performance, cruised to a 35-11 win over New Mexico Highlands, Saturday at CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl.

The ThunderWolves were led on the defensive side by Trey Botts with 15 tackles recorded, including six solo takedowns. Botts totaled six tackles for loss and three sacks. 

Offensively, the Pack rallied for 425 yards and included 287 yards through the air.

Pack quarterback Hunter Raquet was stellar under center, going 23-of-31 with three touchdowns. His day included a game long pass of 54 yards.

On the ground, four Pack players registered a rushing attempt and were led by Kiahn Martinez with his 59 yards on ten attempts. He finished with a fourth quarter touchdown.

Raquet, Austin Bacher and Jordan Jones each ran the ball.

Max Fine led the receiving corps., hauling in nine receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown.

Reigning RMAC Special Teams Player of the Week, Nigel Mitchell totaled one touchdown on 54 yards receiving.

ThunderWolves punter Jacob Willig had his best performance of the season, recording six touchbacks and averaged 60.0 yards per punt.

CSU Pueblo scored right out of the gate on a 4-yard touchdown run from Bacher.

The Pack extended the lead to 14-0 after Mitchell's touchdown reception.

The ThunderWolves next found the end zone in the third quarter on a 23-yard touchdown reception by Zack Rakowsky.

In the fourth quarter, a 47-yard touchdown pass from Raquet to Fine, coupled with a Martinez rushing touchdown from 18 yards out with less than a minute left in regulation, sealed the win.

CSU Pueblo (4-3, 3-2 RMAC) remains home next week and welcomes Chadron State on Oct. 22 for a 2 p.m. kickoff at the ThunderBowl.