The Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions Football Team continued their winning ways with a 42-31 defeat of the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds Saturday night in Commerce.
In a game that saw 1,097 yards of combined total offense, A&M-Commerce (3-1, 2-0 LSC) utilized its running game early and often to surpass the powerful ground attack of the Greyhounds. The Lions offense was also helped by two fumbles dropped by Eastern (2-2, 0-2 LSC), which led to 14 points off of turnovers.
A&M-Commerce also wore special East Texas State throwback jerseys during the game, which helped commemorate the 1995 team which was the last Lions team to reach the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
The first quarter was reminiscent of the Delta State game, as scoring was done early and often by both teams, with A&M-Commerce leading at the half 28-24. Scoring slowed down in the second half, with the only points being scored by the greyhounds with a late touchdown to put them ahead.
The Lions swiftly regained the lead in the fourth just a few minutes later, and then added some insurance later in the quarter. A&M-Commerce stopped any hopes of a Greyhound comeback when a fourth and goal pass was batted away by Dionte Taylor with 1:48 remaining in the game, which sealed the win for the home team.
The Lions were outgained slightly in total yardage 550-547, but quarterback Harrison Stewart once again improved on his passing efficiency totals, throwing for 219 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Running backs Richard Cooper and Theo Wofford once again rushed for over 100 yards apiece, ending with a total of 286 yards between them. Cooper ended with 153 yards and two touchdowns, with Wofford ending with 133 yards and one touchdown which came on an 81-yard run in the first quarter.
A&M-Commerce will next travel to Stephenville to square off against the Tarleton State Texans (0-3, 0-2 LSC) in the battle for the President’s Trophy. The Lions have won the last three matchups between the two teams, including a 56-49 victory in the first round of last season’s Lone Star Conference Playoff.
