It was a career-high passing effort from QB Kane Wilson that was more than enough to lead the A&M-Commerce Lions as they decimated the Lock Haven Eagles 68-6 on Ernest Hawkins field at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
In a game that was dominated by the offense, the Lions (4-1) new starting quarterback was the star of the show. For the first time in his career, Wilson threw for 300+ yards. He finished with 20-for-31 passing yards with 4 pass TDs and 1 rushing TD on 373 yards. Wilson and the entire offense shined in the win as three wide receivers caught a touchdown pass, one thrown by receiver Matt Childers, and were led in receiving by Marquis Wimberly who had two touchdowns and a career-high of his own with 195 receiving yards.
The Lion defense was in mid-season form as they allowed their fewest points in a game this season (6) and fewest total offensive yards allowed (268). Obadiah Asare got the only sack against Lock Haven (1-4) in Saturday’s game.
“Oh man, comfort level definitely improved after tonight,” said Wilson on his comfortability after the win.Feel great after tonight we really needed to get this, just get the offense back on track and get the momentum we need going into the last half of the season which is all conference games. Definitely felt good, I feel confident that we will go in next week and practice real well and kind of just take this as a learning lesson, knowing that we can do it and that we’re capable of doing this and playing at a high level. I just think this was a huge night for us and looking forward I’m very positive about it.”
The key to Saturday night’s game was that there weren’t any interceptions thrown by the A&M-Commerce Quarterbacks for the first time this season, as well as a turnover free ballgame for the first time all season. This was a result of great QB play and top notch defense by the Lions allowing just 52 rushing yards this week after giving up 217 in last week’s loss.
The game was dominated from start to finish on both sides of the ball for the Lions. Once the scoring was kicked off by a highlight 44 yard deep ball by Wilson to Ryan Stokes there was no stopping this determined football team. The scoring came in a flurry of ways as Childers got into the action in the backfield with a 40 yard touchdown pass of his own to teammate Stokes. Multiple running backs saw action and the biggest play came from deeper down the depth chart. Nate Davis, the 4th string back, had a 43 yard burst for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter for good measure which resulted in him leading the Lions in rushing yards.
“Really pleased with the way the guys came out and responded this week,” said Head Coach Colby Carthel on last night’s overall performance. “That was a challenge to them and how are you going to respond to adversity from last week and felt they came out and responded in a championship manner.”
Next matchup: This upcoming Saturday the Lions travel to Wichita Falls to battle the undefeated currently No. 5 ranked MSU-Texas as Lions look for their first win over Head Coach Bill Maskill’s Mustangs since Oct. 24, 2015.