WTAMU downs Adams State, Josh Lynn earns first win at WTAMU

The West Texas A&M football team made people quickly forget about a season-opening loss last week to Western Colorado as a new era of Buffalo football was ushered in on Saturday night.

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.

Hailed from the true West Texas out of Wink High School, Gibson has the making of the next gunslinger to follow in the footsteps of predecessor and four-year starter Nick Gerber, a Levelland product. Gibson shined in front of the home crowd from the get-go. Gibson led the opening drive 10 plays, 68-yards resulting in Gibson’s first career touchdown pass to Tyler Sweet from 3-yards out on a fourth and goal giving WTAMU a 7-0 lead with 4:49 remaining in the first.

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.”

Gibson definitely received help especially in the form of a bullying offensive line and an emerging running back in Tray’vian McCoy-Gay. Lynn is finding trust in the hard running redshirt freshman. McCoy-Gay led the Buffs on the ground for a second week in a row. After 72 yards last week at Western Colorado, McCoy-Gay was relied on heavily chewing up the Grizzlies for 108 yards on 24 carries including a 4-yard touchdown in the third quarter putting the Buffs up 21-7.

“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.”

As good as the offense played, the defense was the real story in this victory. The Buffs kept the Grizzlies in check most of the night allowing only 215 yards with 85 those coming in the second half forcing two turnovers and holding ASU to 4-of-14 on third downs.

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.