LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State football team will take a break from practice in preparation for the 2017 season on Saturday, Aug. 19, as it plays host to Aggie Badge Bowl II at 7 p.m. in Aggie Memorial Stadium.
 
"Our players and coaches are thrilled to team up with law enforcement for Aggie Badge Bowl II," head football coach Doug Martin said. "We look forward to honoring these heroes of our community and hope all of Las Cruces will support this great event!"
 
The free event will once again partner the NM State football team with law enforcement personnel for a flag football game. Members of the football team will also be on hand at the event to take donations, which will go towards the Fallen Officer's Memorial Fund.
 
"Partnering with law enforcement and first responders from Las Cruces and the surrounding areas crystallizes our goal of community involvement," said Director of Athletics Mario Moccia. "These individuals selflessly give to the community and put themselves in harm's way. It's a small token of our thanks to participate in the Aggie Badge Bowl again."
 
Departments participating in this year's Aggie Badge Bowl include, but not limited to personnel from the Las Cruces Police Department, the New Mexico State University Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department, the Mesilla Marshal's Department and the Doña Ana County Fire Department.
 
"This year we decided to have the funds go to the Fallen Officer's Memorial Fund, which is a multi-agency deal," commented Deputy Jamar Cotton, who is a crime prevention/community outreach officer with the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office. "This way, it still goes to what we started the mission for, fallen officers. It's a way for us to put something positive together for those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."
 
Last year's Inaugural Aggie Badge Bowl benefited the Officer Jose Ismael Chavez Memorial Fund. Chavez was an NMSU student majoring in criminal justice with the Hatch Police Department when he was killed in the line of duty. Officer Chavez's end of watch was August 12, 2016.
 
"I feel that it's another avenue in which people come together to remember, to be social, to bond and remember the good times," Cotton said. "And, also to feel that brotherhood and sisterhood and sense of community. Our strength in numbers really shows that we're one as a community. We appreciate New Mexico State Athletics for being a part of this and helping us make this possible. They have been instrumental in getting us together and sponsoring the event. This event speaks volumes as to the character of both the community and those involved."
 
New Mexico State opens the 2017 campaign on the road against Arizona State on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 8:30 p.m. (MT) on the Pac-12 Networks. The Aggies are slated to entertain Troy on Saturday, Sept. 16, for their home-opener and Sun Belt Conference opener with kickoff set for 6 p.m. (MT). Single-game tickets and season tickets can be purchased by stopping by the Pan American Center ticket office or by calling 575-646-1420.