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Cooper sets school record, Lions defeat Buffaloes 38-20

A&M-Commerce were shut out in the first quarter for the first time this season, but gained the lead in the second and never relinquished it.
lionathletics.com
A&M-Commerce were shut out in the first quarter for the first time this season, but gained the lead in the second and never relinquished it.

After a slow start by both teams, the Texas A&M University-Commerce football team finally found its form to jump ahead and beat the West Texas A&M Buffaloes by a score of 38-20.

The Lions (6-1, 5-0 Lone Star Conference) were kept scoreless in the first quarter by West Texas (2-4, 1-3 LSC) for the first time all season, and were looking to erase a seven point deficit in the second. A&M-Commerce finally gained the lead for the first time on a 53-yard pass from Harrison Stewart to Darby Smith. The Lions also found the end zone thanks to some trickery, when running back Richard Cooper was given the chance to throw the ball and connected on a 12-yard pass to Chris Chumlay.

Richard Cooper sets a new school record with his seventh-straight 100-yard rushing game.
Credit lionathletics.com
Richard Cooper sets a new school record with his seventh-straight 100-yard rushing game.

  Cooper also was business as usual on the ground, as he broke a school record with his seventh-straight 100-yard rushing game, chugging out 116 yards. His compatriot Theo Wofford outdid him however, rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown. Stewart was efficient once again, throwing 14-22 for 253 yards and one touchdown and no interceptions. Chumlay was the favorite target for his team, as he led all A&M-Commerce receivers with 6 catches, going for 64 yards and a touchdown.

The Lions defense held strong for much of the game, and were aided by an apparent injury to the Buffs star running back Geremy Alridge-Mitchell, who left the game in the first quarter but returned in the second half. A&M-Commerce held West Texas to just 48 total yards on the ground, as well as picking off quarterback Ethan Brinkley twice. The reigning LSC Special Teams Player of the Week Davarus Shores blocked a punt for the second game in a row.

Now the Lions next opponent may shape up to be their toughest yet, as they travel home to Commerce to face the Midwestern State Mustangs in their homecoming game. Last season, A&M-Commerce traveled to Wichita Falls and held a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, where the Mustangs mounted a comeback and took the win in overtime. Midwestern State has won the last four meetings between the two teams.

The game, which was originally scheduled as a 4 p.m. kickoff, has been moved to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Memorial Stadium in Commerce. Fans can listen live at 88.9 FM or online at ketr.org.

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