PHOTO | ALLIE RENYA - Isaiah Lewis offensive lineman protects the pocket from Jimmy Saddler-McQueen.
Tammy Luksich
Sports Editor
Web Editor’s Note: Click here for more photos of the game!
The West Texas A&M Buffaloes could not get past the #10 Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas on Sept. 26 at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. The Javelinas walked away with a 23-17 conference victory.
The win drops WT drops to 1-4(0-2 LSC) while the Javelinas improve their overall mark to 5-0(2-0 LSC).
The first half was a defensive shootout. Defensive end Eugene Sims had two quarterback sacks, while linebacker Mark Ford and defensive back Curtis Jefferson each grabbed an interception.
The Buffs held the Javelinas 7-0 going into the half.
“There were a lot of things we saw were positive,” Don Carthel, head coach, said. Defensively we’re causing turnovers and hitting people which will usually help you win some football games. Looking back, that was a game we probably should have won, but we didn’t get it done.”
The Javelinas were able to get on board right off the bat with their first possession in the third quarter. A
An 81-yard drive on seven plays set up the Javelinas for a four-yard touchdown run from Connell Davis; tying the score 7-7.
The Javelinas took their first lead of the game after Christian Brom launched a 20-yard field goal; making the score 10-7 with 1:55 left in the third quarter.
“Third downs are killing us offensively and defensively,” Carthel said. “We’re letting people off the hook and we’re not converting as much as we need to.”
An 83-yard drive on 15 plays helped the Javelinas go up 17-7 in the fourth quarter.
But the game was not over yet. The Buffs fired back with a one-yard connection between quarterback Taylor Harris and wide receiver Brittan Golden to put the Buffs within three points, 17-14 with 2:53 left on the clock.
A 35-yard field goal from placekicker James Chandler tied the game, 17-17; sending it into overtime.
“The key thing with Taylor is he’s been banged up pretty good since Grand Valley,” Carthel said. “He’s getting better and healthier, he still doesn’t have his mobility, but his arm strength is getting better and his confidence with his receivers is getting better.”
The Buffs were unable to convert with the first possession. The Javelinas took the win after three plays and a drive from Fred Winborn up the middle for a touchdown.
“It’s disappointing to play that well and not get the win,” Carthel said.
Despite the loss, Harris was 29-for-51, passing 306 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Stephen Burton tallied 13 catches for 168 yards. Running back Kelvin Thompson led the ground efforts for the Buffs with 60 yards and 19 carries. The Buffalo offense put up 355 yards and 17 first downs.
Defensively, Sims led the way with 11 tackles, 3.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. Jefferson added 15 tackles, an interception and 1.5 tackles for loss. The Buffalo defense recorded five sacks and four interceptions.
“We’ve have to go back to work this week and try to get a win,” Carthel said.
We’ve got to make more plays.”
Next up, the Buffs will face the Mustangs of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, on Oct. 3. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m.