We're Back!
We Return Home to take on Fresno State
This Week's Cherry Zone Gets You Ready
Hello Lobo Fan!

We are fired up and ready to be playing at home again in front of our amazing fans this Saturday at Dreamstyle Stadium. In this week's edition, we have updates on conference recognitions for our student-athletes as well as some "Pro-Bos" highlights. Saturday night is our "Teacher Appreciation" game in which we recognize the great work our local teachers do for our community. And, we we include a feature story which you'll want to read!

Okay, here's what we have for you in this edition:

  • Hear from Coach Davie: Coach made the rounds with his weekly press conference and local radio interviews (special Aaron Jenkins interview included)
  • Love your Lobos Pledge Program by Sadie's: We'd love to have you join Sadie's of New Mexico and tell us how you Love Your Lobos by pledging $0.89 to Lobo Football!
  • Polynesian Players Add their Flavor to UNM Football's Culture: Learn about how our Polynesian players bring their culture to the UNM Football family
  • Lobo Pro's: Sanders and Bojorquez are at the top of their games in the NFL
  • Teacher Appreciation Night: You'll see some of Albuquerque's best educators at Dreamstyle Stadium on Saturday night!
  • Mountain West Players of the Week: Look at the recognition some of our student-athletes earned this week.
  • Previewing this week's opponent: We're back home with Fresno State University this week - learn about their attack
Hear from Coach Davie on Prep for Fresno
Each week, Coach Davie connects with local media, supporters and fans to recap the previous game and look ahead to the upcoming match-up. We've brought you two of these interviews: his weekly press conference remarks and his interview with the guys at "The Opening Drive," 610AM the Sports Animal. Have a listen to these interviews and get prepped for Saturday's action.
Special Bonus Interview: Senior offensive lineman, Aaron Jenkins, joins the Opening Drive crew for an interview that recaps the CSU game but also includes a compelling story about how Aaron gave back on his birthday!
UNM Football Love Your Lobos Pledge Program
Now that we're into conference play, we wanted to remind you of the opportunity to celebrate the good work our student-athletes do on and off the field through our "Love Your Lobos" program.

In partnership with Sadie's of New Mexico, the "Love Your Lobos" program is a simple way to support our student-athletes in a way that matches what you care about. You can pledge $0.89 for our success in an offensive, defensive or academic category. In return, Sadie's of NM provides you with a $10.00 off coupon for in-store or online purchases! Take a look!
Polynesian Players Add their Culture to
UNM Football
The collegiate experience for students is so impactful in many ways, including exposure to and the appreciation of different cultures. These different backgrounds blend together and then amplify the overriding student experience and camaraderie. We've had the same experience in our locker room. Today, we focus on the Polynesian culture brought to our team by current Lobo football members and how it reinforces the family culture built by Coach Davie.
This year's Lobo roster includes five Polynesian players: Tevaka Tuioti (Jr-QB), Evahelotu Tohi (Sr-LB), Sitiveni Tamaivena (Sr-LB), Alexander “Moana” Vainikolo (Jr-LB) and Radson Jang (R-FR, OL). These student-athletes are joined by second year offensive-line coach, Saga Tuitele. As we mentioned in last week's Cherry Zone, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced that Tohi has been added to the 2018 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. 

We've provided two stories that highlight the impact these players' Polynesian culture has had on our football program and how this culture has amplified our broader, family-based Lobo football culture. The first story is from last year, written by our old friend, Rick Wright (ABQ Journal), which highlights the path Tohi took to Albuquerque. The second story is from last written - written by Steve Virgen - and highlights the unique camaraderie of our current Polynesian players and how this "love" ripples through our locker room.
ProBos: Special Teams Lobos are Having a Special Start to NLF Careers
Our very own Jason Sanders (who is the owner of the longest "walk-off" field goal in UNM history at 53 yards) booted through the winning, "walk-off" field goal last Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Dolphins knocked off the Bears in a wild, back-and-forth game that featured Jason going 3 for 3 on FGA and 2 for 2 on extra points. Sanders showed the same nerves of steel he displayed at UNM by knocking through a 47yd winning kick as time expired in overtime - following a miss from his Bears counterpart on the previous drive. If you're a Chicago Bear fan, you may want to gloss over this story:) Jason is the leading scorer for the Miami Dolphins and is perfect on his field goal attempts this season. We've included a link to his NFL stats!
And our man, Corey Borjorquez, is having a stellar start to his NFL career punting in Buffalo. With nearly a third of the season in the books, Borjorquez is ranked third in punting efficiency. Here are Corey's season stats:
Nominate your Favorite Teacher
UNM Football has partnered with the College Football Playoff's Extra Yard for Teachers program.

At Saturday night's game, we will recognize 50 teachers nominated by our fans. Each teacher will receive a $50.00 gift card for his/her classroom and a Lobo swag bag. 3 teachers will receive a $1000.00 gift card!

Mountain West Players of the Week
For the 2nd straight week, Evahelotu Tohi was named to the Mountain West All-Defense team of the week at the LB position. Aaron Blackwell picked up his first team of the week defense recognition at the defensive line position.
Learn More About this Week's Opponent
The Lobos are hosting the Fresno State Bulldogs this Saturday at 5.30pm MT at Dreamstyle Stadium. Learn more about the Bulldogs in our matchup preview

We'll be back in touch soon. Thank you for your support!

Go Lobos!

Brian DeSpain
UNM Football