CANYON, Texas – The Buffaloes saw their four-game win streak come to an end on Saturday night in a 28-0 defeat to Eastern New Mexico in the 31st Wagon Wheel Game on Saturday night at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. WT was outgained 489-134 in total yards as the Greyhounds retained the Wagon Wheel for the third consecutive season.
THE BASICS
The Matchup: Eastern New Mexico 28, West Texas A&M 0
Records: Eastern New Mexico (3-5, 2-3 LSC), West Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2 LSC)
Venue: Kimbrough Memorial Stadium
Location: Canyon, Texas
The Buffs trailed 14-0 after the first quarter but got great starting possession to start the second when Donevin Manuel blocked his second punt of the season. Three rushes by Duke Carter IV put the home team in field goal range but the kick was wide right. On the ensuing ENMU possession, Christopher Thomas' hit on Paul Terry knocked the ball lose that was recovered by Lance Hyder giving WT the ball inside Greyhound territory for the second time in as many possesions. The teams would trade punts until ENMU made it 21-0 in the final two minutes of the half on a reverse touchdown pass.
WT had their best drive of the game to start the second half but were unable to convert on a 3rd and one as John Cumming was called onto punt for the seventh time. The Buffs would block their second punt of the game later in the quarter when Frank Honang got a hand on Tyler Vargas' punt allowing the Buff to start inside ENMU territory for the third time in the game. WT would go for it on fourth down but Justin Houghtaling's pass to Semaj Mitchell was broken up as they turned it over on downs.
Houghtaling completed 9 of 21 passes for 73 yards and no interceptions as Duke Carter IV ran for a team-high 46 yards on nine carries. Payton Gonzales had a season-high four receptions for 44 yards while Mitchell, Markel Steward, Jamaal Hamilton and Jordan Johnson all recording a reception.
Frank Honang had a career-high 13 tackles and 0.5 tackle for loss to go along with his blocked punt. Joseph Barron and Keimone Davis also chipped in 11 and 10 tackles respectively. Lance Hyder doubled his season sack total with 1.5 while recovering his first fumble of the season.
UP NEXT
WT faces #19 Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday, Oct. 27, in Commerce, Texas. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
