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Mike Washington stood on the sidelines, anxious to get back on the field.
A few days before New Mexico State’s game against Louisiana Tech on Tuesday evening, the junior running back was late to a team meeting. It was only by one minute, but head coach Tony Sanchez believed he couldn’t tolerate it and suspended him for the first quarter.
“I’m not going to sacrifice any of our values,” Sanchez said. “We’re going to do things the right way. We’re going to build this thing the right way. It’s a little thing, but it’s poignant. It matters.”
Washington didn’t make an impact after returning with just 15 rushing yards on six carries in regulation. But with the game tied at 24-24 with three seconds left, the Aggies blocked a Bulldogs’ field goal to send the game to overtime. He would get more chances, and the Buffalo transfer stepped up.
Washington received a handoff on a second-and-goal play at the four-yard line with NM State trailing 30-27. He bounced right and darted for the front-right corner of the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. The Aggies (2-5, 1-3 Conference USA) snapped their five-game losing streak and defeated the Bulldogs (2-4, 1-2 CUSA) 33-30 at home for their first overtime win since beating Utah State in the 2017 Arizona Bowl.
When the game began, Washington was pondering his actions. When it ended, he was the hero.
“When he got in, he got his chance and I’m so happy for him,” Sanchez said. “It’s a testament to his character. He could’ve easily looked me in the face and said, ‘Screw you, coach…’ But, he didn’t… He practiced his tail off all week. He’s a great kid. He’s going to be a person that continues to do well.”
Sanchez used many methods for motivation after the Aggies fell 54-13 to Jacksonville State last week, including increasing his intensity during practice and telling his team about George…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nm-state-football-mike-washington-070432985.html
Author : Las Cruces Sun-News
Publish date : 2024-10-16 07:04:32
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