WTAMU football team doubles up Sul Ross State in season opener

The second year under head coach Josh Lynn got off to a positive start for the West Texas A&M Buffaloes as they handled Division II’s newest team in Sul Ross State 42-21 to open the 2024 season on Thursday night at Jackson Field in Alpine.

The Lobos (0-1 overall, 0-1 LSC) are not only the new to Division II but the newest member to the Lone Star Conference. It was the first meeting between WTAMU and SRS since 1956. The Buffs, who move to 1-0 overall and 1-0 in the LSC, stay unbeaten in the all-time series at 7-0-2.

“It’s always big to get that first win especially in a season opener,” WTAMU head coach Josh Lynn said. “We didn’t do that last year. This is a long road trip, but I was really proud of the energy we came out and played with though we have a lot to work on.”

The Buffs jumped out to a 21-0 lead late in the second quarter. Transfer quarterback Sean Johnson Jr., who was named the starter on Monday, found Shea Whiting for a 3-yard score to open the scoring putting the Buffs up 7-0 at the 8:11 mark of the second.

WTAMU extended the advantage on the ensuing possession on a 5-yard run by Johnson then running back Tre’Jon Henderson found paydirt on a 3-yard TD run with under a minute to play in the half.

The Lobos struck quick before halftime cutting the deficit at 21-7 going into intermission. SRS trimmed the lead to seven in the third, however, WTAMU pulled away thanks to a physical ground game that refused to be stopped.

The Buffs bullied the Lobos chewing up 383 of their 522 total yards on the ground. WTAMU controlled the ball most of the night putting together 28 first downs to the Lobos nine.

Johnson delivered in his first start in a Buff uniform. the Nebraska-Kearney transfer showed his dual-threat ability scampering for 167 yards on 14 carries with four touchdowns. Johnson was also efficient through the air going 20-of-26 for 139 yards with another TD.

Henderson, a Central Washington transfer, had a superb first outing for the Buffs toting the rock 17 times for 84 yards and a score.

“We ran the ball really well,” Lynn said. “We need to clean up some things, but a lot of guys touched the ball and worked into the offense. It was a good road trip, and I was pleased. We just want to keep seeing growth from this game to the next.”

The Buff defense held SRS to 175 total yards with 59 of those coming on the ground.

Senior linebacker JT Cavender registered eight tackles (five solo) with a sack and a forced fumble followed by Dumas graduate Cade Cox with four tackles.

Next up 

The Buffs stay on the road as they take on last year’s Division II national runner-up Colorado School of Mines at 7 p.m., Thursday night at Marv Kay Stadium in Golden, Colo.