ARTESIA, N.M. — New Mexico State football had a field day as they took their spring showcase on the road Saturday, April 5, giving southeast New Mexico a taste of the Aggies’ progress heading into the 2025 season.
In a unique twist, NMSU held its annual spring game at the World Famous Bulldog Bowl in Artesia, New Mexico, which is a stadium known for its rich football history. The event marked a special outreach effort to connect with fans across the state while giving the Aggies the opportunity to perform in a different atmosphere and climate.
The scrimmage, scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to noon, ended early at 11:30 a.m. as temperatures remained below 40 degrees with strong winds and a mix of rain and snow. Despite the weather, the Aggies brought the heat.
Instead of a traditional split-squad game, the Aggies ran a series of situational drives. The offense began drives at different field positions, including the team’s own 25-yard line and the opponents 25-yard line.
Despite the rigid weather, head coach Tony Sanchez felt positively about his team’s performance and their adaptation to the elements.
“We definitely got a chance to work in the element, but it was good, our guys embraced it,” Sanchez said. “They had fun with it the entire time.”
Sanchez had some big takeaway’s from the game and how the weather was.
“(We got to see) who’s tough and who’s not. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really bother me that it was bad weather conditions because we’ve already had four weeks of great weather and good conditions and good practices,” Sanchez said. “Honestly, you probably learn a whole lot more about yourself in a situation like this than you would on a normal, sunny day.”
Quarterback struggles were evident last season for the Aggies as they had three different players start and four total play throughout the year. Montana transfer Logan Fife has shown he can fix those issues. Fife played well in the spring game, connecting on his first few passes. The weather played a factor in players dropping passes toward the end of the game, but Fife managed to lead the offense to its only touchdown of the game.
Last season at Montana, Fife threw for 1,885 yards and 14 touchdowns. He threw just two interceptions on the year.
The one touchdown was scored by running back Isaiah Rudison. Starting running back Seth McGowan was held out of the game, which allowed Rudison to have more freedom. He totaled for 20 rushing yards on three carries, including the touchdown.
As well as the game giving the Aggies an opportunity to show their abilities in a different climate, it gave a certain player the chance to show where his talents were nurtured. For defensive tackle Matthew Saiz, this game was more than a scrimmage – it was a homecoming.
Saiz was part of Artesia High School’s 5A state championship team in both 2022 and 2023. He played at the varsity level from 2021-2023.
Despite teammates questioning him about the weather, him playing college football in his hometown will be something he will never forget.
“It means a lot. I know that the fans couldn’t really show out because of the weather, but it was pretty cool to come back and see that,” Saiz said. “You can’t take much for granted, I get really emotional thinking about it. I find it so amazing to be back here and it means so much to me.”
Sanchez stated in his post-game interview that he would like to continue to hold more spring games in different communities as a form of outreach.
“We would like to absolutely,” Sanchez said. “I think it’s one of those deals where you don’t want it to be a one time thing.”
The Aggies’ 2025 season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 30, against FCS opponent Bryant University at Aggie Memorial Stadium. A time has not been announced for this game yet.
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