By: Diego Macaraeg (@DiegoMac_sports) – Spear Reporter | Sophomore running back Lamar Radcliffe jukes the Lobos defense in a 35-28 win on Oct. 3, 2025. (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – Spear Photographer)
With senior running back Floyd Chalk IV out for the game, San Jose State (2-3, 1-0 MW) football faced a test of depth in their Mountain West conference home opener against New Mexico (3-2, 0-1 MW). The Spartans discovered a new one-two punch in the backfield.
Freshman running back Steve Chavez-Soto and sophomore running back Lamar Radcliffe combined for 135 rushing yards, inspiring the Spartans to a 35-28 victory over the Lobos on Friday night at CEFCU Stadium.
Chavez-Soto, who scored his first two career touchdowns, led the Spartans with 71 yards on 14 carries, while Radcliffe added 64 yards on 15 attempts.
“Lamar came in and played really well for a guy that had kind of lost his spot,” head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “He didn’t put his head down, he just kept working.”
The duo’s success opened up opportunities for redshirt senior quarterback Walker Eget, who threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns while completing 26 of 30 passes.
“Look at Steve Chavez—he was on the scout team last week,” Eget said. “To do what he just did in this game it’s really impressive, it makes you proud.”
Chavez-Soto said that redshirt junior running back Jabari Bates has been helpful in the locker room but also that his preparation going into every week was crucial for staying ready.
“I’m a little bit of everything,” Chavez-Soto said. “I think I can do it all.”
His preparation and focus on studying the opposing defense showed in the way he was able to hit holes with patience and vision, which was something Niumatalolo called a “gift that some guys just have.”
Meanwhile, Radcliffe co-delivered tough running, especially in short-yardages that allowed SJSU to close out drives.
The ability to finish has been missing in recent close losses.
“It was nice to be able to close it out with the run, knowing everyone in the stadium knew we were going to run the football,” Niumatalolo said.
On Friday night, the Spartans showcased the epitome of “next man up.”
“Two guys stepped up and played lights out, so it gives us hope,” Niumatalolo said.
SJSU will travel to face Wyoming scheduled for 4 p.m. on Oct. 11 at War Memorial Stadium.
