Helmet off, headset on. head set off.

Headset off, helmet on.

Wyoming defensive backs coach Stacey Edwards wore two hats in Wyoming's 80-34 victory over New Mexico on Thursday at the Casper Events Center, finally putting his helmet back for the first time this season after recovering from torn cartilage in his back.

"I went to my physical therapy this week, and my recovery is ahead of schedule," Edwards said. "They basically said I was free to go and there was nothing else they could do for me.

"The only way to go out there and see if the therapy was working was to go out there and try it."

Edwards didn't expect to try it for another few weeks.

But that changed when defensive back DeAndre Phillips had to miss the game because of swelling in his face. With clearance from his doctors, Edwards moved up the timetable.

"We had a guy go down and that's kind of what I'm here for," Edwards said. "I just had to step up and play."

Edwards didn't play much, finishing with just two tackles.

He came in just before halftime and assisted on a tackle, then quickly escaped pushing and shoving between players to avoid reinjuring his back. Edwards later made his presence known with a big hit on New Mexico wide receiver Anthony Montgomery in the third quarter.

"It felt good," Edwards said. "I was a little worried because I hadn't had any contact for so long, but you have to get those bumps and bruises."

Other than the skirmish, Edwards didn't shy away from any - and it was business as usual on the sideline as well.

Wyoming coach Dan Maciejczak didn't notice any changes in Edwards' coaching, aside from the fact he was breathing a little harder since he hadn't played in a game since last year.

"I don't think he needs much perspective as far as being on the field," Maciejczak said. "That guy's played a lot of football in his life. Experience isn't the issue for him being on the field. It's good for him because I know he enjoys it."

So did Cavs linebacker Jeff Main, who was glad to have him back out there.

It helps that Edwards is one of Wyoming's most experienced players.

"He's been around for so long, and he keeps everybody up and makes sure you know your assignments," Main said. "He is the first one to congratulate you, and the first one to critique you, but that's what you need.

"That's the sign of a really good coach."

It's also a sign of a good teammate.

SEASON HIGH: Wyoming's defense allowed a season-high 34 points. The Cavs, giving up just 23.5 points per game, hadn't allowed more than 30 in a game this season.

"We got the 'W', and basically as a defense we want to keep them in the 30s," Cavs defensive backs coach Stacey Edwards said.

"The score doesn't reflect it, but New Mexico is a very talented team. We knew that coming in, and every week they've been getting better and better."

RODNEY THE WRECKING BALL: Cavs defensive lineman Rodney Wasche had his best game of the season, piling up four sacks and adding another tackle for a loss.

"Rodney is an animal," Cavs linebacker Jeff Main said. "That guy makes everybody's life a lot easier.

"He's starting to come into his own, and he is definitely a dominant force on this team and will be a dominant force in this league. I love playing behind the guy."

DOS UNOS: Wyoming quarterback Matt Strand handled kicking duties and earned the team two points with his foot by kicking the ball through the uprights on kickoffs.

"I just put the ball down and kick it," Strand said. "I'm trying to kick it out of the back so we don't have to worry about a return.

"If I kick it through the uprights, it's icing on the cake."

QUICK HITS: Running back James Jones' 49-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was his second of the season. … Defensive lineman Tyrone Saterfield missed his third straight game with a back injury. … The Cavs hit the road for their next three games. The team has played only one road game so far, an 81-29 win at Utah in the season opener on March 29.

Contact sports reporter David Buck at (307) 266-0596 or david.buck@trib.com.

Cavalry Tracker

THURSDAY: Wyoming Cavalry 80, New Mexico Wildcats 34.

RECORDS: Cavalry (6-0); Wildcats (1-5).

PLAYER/COACH: Defensive backs coach Stacey Edwards played for the first time this season and finished with two tackles.

RODNEY ROCKS: Rodney Wasche had a season-high four sacks against the Wildcats.

n UP NEXT: Wyoming at Arizona, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 11.