LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Iowa Western stuffed New Mexico Military on their opening possession of the game, forcing the Broncos into a three-and-out. On the ensuing punt, the Reivers lost possession, giving NMMI the ball deep in Reiver territory -- the Broncos scored on the next play.
From there, Iowa Western could not find a rhythm offensively, punting three of the next four possessions in the half, and a blocked field goal attempt on the other.
By half, the Reivers trailed 24-0.
New Mexico dominated the Reivers on the ground -- pounding the ball for 252 yards rushing on the day. 192 of them came from tailback Anthony Grant who powered for 5.6 yards per tote.
Down 31-0 heading into the fourth quarter, Iowa Western took to the air, as quarterback Nate Glantz connected with Ryan Flournoy twice in just over a minute to make the game score 31-13, as the Reivers two-point attempt failed after their second touchdown.
Iowa Western continued to make it interesting, after forcing NMMI to a three-and-out, drove the ball down inside the 15 yard line. Threatening, the Broncos sacked Glantz, moving them out of comfortable field goal range. Unable to convert 4th and 20, the wind in the Reiver sails died off and New Mexico held the ball for the final 7:50 of the game to win their first-ever NJCAA National Championship.
Positively, Flournoy gained 170 yards through the air -- as Glantz totaled 310 in all. The Reivers were led by Moses Bryant who had 40 yards on six carries.
Iowa Western finished the season with a record of 10-1, and the NJCAA runner-up. The Reivers are now 1-2 in NJCAA Championship games.