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Jordan Hayes 2025

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Blinn set for big test, conference opener against New Mexico Military Institute

The Buccaneers enter the matchup 2-0 overall, while the Broncos are 2-1 and 1-0 in conference play

Football

Blinn set for big test, conference opener against New Mexico Military Institute

The Buccaneers enter the matchup 2-0 overall, while the Broncos are 2-1 and 1-0 in conference play

The Blinn College football team spent three weeks preparing for its Southwest Junior College Football Conference opener. Now, it's time for the Buccaneers to take their test. 

Blinn hosts New Mexico Military Institute for a conference showdown at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Cub Stadium in Brenham, Texas. 

With two non-conference blowouts under their belts, the Buccaneers (2-0) enter this week's matchup with the Broncos (2-1, 1-0 SWJCFC) hoping to keep their momentum rolling into the heart of the season. 

"We essentially had three weeks to ready ourselves for a big game against a great conference opponent," Bucs head coach Ryan Mahon said. "This is the biggest game of the season because it's the next game, and we understand how important it is to get off on the right foot in our conference." 

Mahon and the Buccaneers know just how critical each conference result can be. In 2024, Blinn went 2-5 against conference foes and missed the conference playoffs by one win. The point differential in their five defeats was just 27 total points, with each game decided by one score or less. In 2024, NMMI defeated Blinn 21-16 in Roswell, N.M. 

"What it all boils down to is finishing, and we worked on reestablishing that mindset starting in the summer," Mahon said. "We talked about adversity and finishing what we start, and that begins with every drill, every lift in the weight room, and everything we do on the field. There is no question that we're going to face situations throughout conference play where we need to score in the final minute or two, or need to prevent a score, and I believe our guys are prepared to execute when those situations come their way." 

Blinn's revamped roster has already shown its offensive potential and defensive stinginess in 69-0 and 65-6 victories over Transformation with Athletics College and Community Christian College, respectively. The Bucs hope to stall the momentum of an NMMI squad looking to build off a 36-22 conference win over then-No. 12-ranked Kilgore College. 

"NMMI is a very talented, fast, physical team that flies around the field, and we saw every bit of that on film," Blinn freshman quarterback Jack Emerson said. "Our focus this week has been on the things we do and polishing up our execution on both sides of the football." 

In limited action during his team's two victories, Emerson played well, with 244 passing yards and four touchdowns. 

Blinn's receiving corps racked up 516 yards and 11 touchdowns during its two outings, while the Bucs' running backs amassed 254 yards and six scores. The Bucs deployed numerous pass catchers and ball carriers in their first two ballgames. 

Defensively, Blinn has shown the ability to keep opposing offenses out of the end zone with takeaways and pressure. The Bucs have recorded four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and 12 1/2 sacks. 

Blinn is tasked this week with slowing down a Broncos offense that favors the run at a rate of 211 rushing yards per game with nine total touchdowns. Freshman running back Dylan Donahoe leads NMMI with 204 rushing yards and three scores. 

"NMMI tries to keep the ball on the ground, but our defense practices against our own offense that loves to run the football, so we feel like we're prepared for that," said freshman defensive back Keith Crawford. "NMMI's game plan seems to be to run down defenses' throats, and it's our job to make sure that doesn't happen. All 11 of our guys are ready to fly to the football and limit the damage." 

The Broncos have displayed a willingness to throw the ball behind sophomore QB Jake South, who has 501 yards and five touchdowns this season, but also has five interceptions. 

"On both sides of the football, NMMI can be dangerous," Mahon explained. "They like to run the ball and will throw it when they need to, but the big takeaway from what we've seen is their ability to get after you both ways." 

The Broncos have had a challenging start to their season, with wins against Community Christian and Kilgore sandwiched around a tough 76-8 loss to No. 1 Hutchinson Community College. 

"NMMI is battle-tested for sure, and we know they'll be prepared for a dogfight Saturday," Mahon said. "We're going to take what they give us and prepare in a way that allows us to be prepared for what they throw at us. There will always be in-game adjustments, but our focus will be to play fast, fly to the football, take care of the football on offense, and make the plays that are in front of us." 

Fans unable to attend this week's game can catch the action live on www.buccaneersports.com by clicking on the "Live Streams" button under the "Inside Athletics" tab.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 53 national championships since 1987.
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Players Mentioned

Keith Crawford

#20 Keith Crawford

DB
6' 0"
Freshman
Jack Emerson

#16 Jack Emerson

QB
6' 0"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Keith Crawford

#20 Keith Crawford

6' 0"
Freshman
DB
Jack Emerson

#16 Jack Emerson

6' 0"
Freshman
QB