Playing in front of an energetic announced crowd of 6,981 fans, WTAMU head football coach Josh Lynn was able to earn his first victory in the maroon and white with his Buffs beating Adams State in a non-conference matchup, 28-7.
“This was incredible,” Lynn said. “What a great night for football. I’ve spent a lot of time in Division II football, and I can honestly say this was one of the most incredible nights that I’ve ever had as a coach. The community and support is tremendous and we got a win. This means a lot. We have a lot to improve but we played a lot better this week.”
Not only did WTAMU fans get their first look at what Lynn brings to the field, they also got a glimpse into the future. After the offense struggled during a 28-6 loss at Western Colorado last week, Lynn rolled the dice giving true freshman quarterback Kanon Gibson his first career start under center.
On the next possession, it was a 10-play drive Gibson led this time going 57 yards as he kept it himself on a 1-yard fourth and goal plunge as the Buffs took a 14-0 advantage into halftime.
“Kanon played well,” Lynn said. “He didn’t make a lot of mistakes and he extended plays with his feet. It was a great night for him, and he controlled the game.”
Gibson kept the momentum rolling in the second half delivering his second touchdown pass of the night to Shakell Brown that sealed the win at 28-7 early in the fourth quarter. Gibson finished the game with a superb effort going an efficient 22-of-29 for 146 yards with two TDs but did have one interception. He also ran for 47 yards with another score.
“I was excited coming into the game,” Gibson said. “I wasn’t super nervous and that was important. Our quarterback room is very close. Kyle Brown and I are very good friends, and he did a great job of preparing me for this moment. I just didn’t want to do too much. We have a great offensive lineman and playmakers. I just did what I needed to do to win.”
“McCoy-Gay was a workhorse for us,” Lynn said. “He didn’t have a great spring, but he came into fall camp in shape and had a great camp. He just took over that roll and has done a nice job for us so far.”
In only his second game back from a season-ending injury last year, linebacker and team leader JT Cavender was an instant impact on the field. The junior was flying all over the field making a team-high eight tackles, two of which were solo.
“It’s great to be back and playing,” Cavender said. “There’s nothing like playing at Buffalo Stadium in front of all these fans. We were flying around and trying to give the best effort we could. I’m just glad to get this first win and building momentum for what’s to come.”
Lynn echoed Cavender’s comment.
“JT is an amazing player,” Lynn said. “He was flying around and just hitting people. When you look at the definition of linebacker his picture is in it.”
Next up
The Buffs (1-1) open up their Lone Star Conference schedule hosting rival Midwestern State (1-1) at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
