WT rolls to 42-21 victory over Sul Ross State in season opener

ALPINE — West Texas A&M University defeated Sul Ross State University 42-21 in its season opener Thursday, securing a comfortable road victory.

The Buffaloes (1-0) began strongly but struggled to capitalize on early opportunities. After failing to score on a 4th-and-5 at the Sul Ross State 9-yard line and an interception by junior quarterback Sean Johnson at the Lobo 37, West Texas A&M finally broke through with a 13-play, 76-yard drive. Johnson connected with senior wide receiver Shea Whitling on a 15-yard touchdown pass to put the Buffaloes on the board.

West Texas A&M’s defense played a key role, with senior linebacker JT Cavender forcing a fumble from Lobo quarterback Andrew Martinez. The fumble, recovered by sophomore defensive lineman Campbell Packebush, led to a 5-yard touchdown run by Johnson, extending the Buffaloes’ lead to 14-0.

More: WT football gears up for season opener against Sul Ross State

Following a defensive stop, West Texas A&M began another drive from its own 37-yard line. Senior running back Tre’Jon Henderson scored on a 3-yard run for his first touchdown as a Buffalo. Sul Ross State (0-1) responded with a 50-yard touchdown pass from Martinez to UTEP transfer Yamil Oaxaca, narrowing the gap to 21-7 at halftime.

In the second half, Sul Ross State struggled offensively, failing to gain yards on its first possession. West Texas A&M capitalized but fumbled, leading to a 29-yard defensive touchdown by Kameron Dickerson. The Lobos closed the gap to 21-14.

The Buffaloes quickly responded with a 29-yard run by sophomore receiver Tory Simmons, setting up a 9-yard touchdown run by Johnson for a 28-14 lead. Sul Ross State answered with a 10-play, 60-yard drive, capped by a second touchdown pass from Martinez to senior wide receiver Vicente Luevano, keeping the game within one score.

In the final quarter, Johnson broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run, his third rushing score of the game, extending the lead to 35-21. The Buffaloes’ defense then intercepted Martinez, with junior defensive back Coryon Francis securing the pick. This led to Johnson’s fourth rushing touchdown for a 42-21 advantage.

West Texas A&M’s defense forced Sul Ross State into another three-and-out. A 49-yard field goal attempt by junior James Ingham missed, but the outcome was already decided.

The Buffaloes dominated the ground game, rushing for 383 yards. Johnson led with 167 yards and four touchdowns. Henderson added 85 yards on 17 carries, while senior receiver Zorian Stanton had five receptions for 51 yards. Johnson completed 20 of 26 passes for 139 yards, with two turnovers. Defensively, Cavender recorded eight tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble.

West Texas A&M controlled the game on both sides of the ball, limiting Sul Ross State to 59 rushing yards and 116 passing yards. Despite being flagged eight times, including a key pass interference call, the Buffaloes' performance highlighted their potential for the season. The new backfield additions and solid offensive line play, which protected Johnson and allowed no sacks, were particularly noteworthy.

With the season-opening win, the Buffaloes will travel to Golden, Colorado, to face seventh-ranked Colorado School of Mines on Sept. 5. They will return home the following week to host 19th-ranked Western Colorado at Buffalo Stadium.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: WT rolls to 42-21 victory over Sul Ross State in season opener