The A&M-Commerce Lions took on the West Texas A&M Buffaloes this Saturday for their annual Homecoming matchup, where the Lions continued their win streak vs WT winning it 41-16. This is the fifth straight win for Colby Carthel and the Lions against his former team.
The Lions (7-2) didn’t get out to a fast start defensively, giving up the first score of the game on a 3-yard touchdown run by Marshawn Brown. Commerce’s offense responded by immediately getting down field with a Carandal Hale 7-yard rush TD. The defense for Commerce hasn’t let up in its previous two games, limiting their last two opponents to a combined 23 points and four interceptions with three INTs returned for touchdowns totaling 247 yards. One of those interceptions was taken back for an 84-yard pick six by Dominique Ramsey.
The Buffaloes (5-4) have been hampered by injuries in the past three weeks which ultimately resulted in their mid-season slump, causing them to lose all momentum in the race for the LSC championship. Their offense had three costly turnovers in the game, WT had two fumbles and one interception that was returned for a TD.
“Well, saw them come out and play really well in the second half and put the game away,” said Head Coach Colby Carthel on the victory. “Credit West Texas, they came in with a good game plan and had us on our heels a little bit defensively. Our coach made some adjustments and our players did as well and kind of shut them down a little bit in the second half and played a little more of our brand of football.”
Lion running backs Ovie Urevbu and Carandal Hale combined for 212 yards rushing on just 29 attempts and a touchdown. With EJ Thomson out with an injury, the Lions backfield continues to show it can maintain without one of its best backs. Highlighting the depth of this running back core in Commerce.
A&M-Commerce usually known for their strong starts this season, decided to flip the script and give a strong finish after the slim first half lead. Lions made it lopsided by scoring the bulk of their points in the second half, outscoring WT 24-3 after the break.
Prior to the football game, Super Region Four Rankings were released Oct. 24 and the Lions sat at the No. 7 spot just behind Tarleton (5th) and MSU-Texas (6th). With MSU-Texas losing to LSC rival Tarleton Saturday night, 35-34. Look for the Lions to jump up at least one spot in the rankings if not two in the next release within the next week.
The highlight in this game came with just under two minutes left to go in the first half, after Kristov Martinez made a 25 yard field goal putting the Lions up 17-13 before halftime. This kick made Martinez the LSC leader in made field goals with 64.
Next Matchup: Lions travel to take on UT-Permian Basin for an away game in Odessa, Tx. Gametime is set for 6pm CDT and is the last away game of regular season for A&M-Commerce.