Hornets hold reunion during New Mexico-New Mexico State rivalry game

FULLERTON - Last weekend three Hornets played in the New Mexico vs. New Mexico State rivalry football game that ended in a 55-52 shootout.

Joey Noble and Jacob Jankoviak both play for the University of New Mexico and Robert Downs plays for New Mexico State.

Noble showed a consistent high quality level of play as a defensive end for the Hornets in 2017 and 2018 before making his way to New Mexico. He played in 23 games, racking up a monstrous 90 tackles, 22.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Jankoviak held down the offensive line over the course of 18 games with the Fullerton Hornets in 2017 and 2018. He was part of the offensive line that led the Hornets to two undefeated seasons on the field.

Downs spent his first two years of college football as a wide receiver for the Hornets, playing in 23 games for Fullerton. He tallied up 8 touchdowns and 744 receiving yards before earning his way onto the New Mexico State roster for the 2019 season and to further his academic career.

While Noble and Jankowski would end the battle of New Mexico with a win for their school, Downs was able to come away with 3 receptions for 45 yards.

Regardless of the outcome, it gave all three of the former teammates a chance to see each other once again and re-live that Hornet experience that they had together the last two seasons.

(Phil Thurman, Fullerton College Athletics)