CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M's defense allowed just 35 yards of total offense on Saturday night as the Buffaloes overpowered the Wolves of Western Oregon, 35-7 in front of over 7,000 fans at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, Texas.
 
WT started the first quarter strong, advancing the ball steadily with Jayden Hibbler's ground efforts, including a key 15-yard rush. RJ Martinez connected with Trevin Edwards for an 18-yard pass, setting up Drew Cox's successful 32-yard field goal, which put the home team on the scoreboard first. After a defensive stop, Cox added another field goal from 22 yards following a drive that capitalized on a pass interference penalty against Western Oregon.
 
The defensive unit held Western Oregon to minimal gains, highlighted by Miles Hill's interception at the Buffs' own 32-yard line, preventing any potential scoring threats. Martinez maintained momentum with consistent completions, including a 24-yard pass to Zach Phipps, while Gene Sledge's rushing secured first downs. The period closed with the home team leading 6-0, having controlled the pace and restricted Western Oregon's offensive efforts.
 
The Buffs opened the second quarter by extending their lead with Sean Johnson's 13-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 12-0. Despite a missed extra point attempt, the defense maintained pressure, highlighted by Andre Johnson and Ashton Reynolds combining for a key sack, halting Western Oregon's drive and forcing a punt.
 
Following a strong defensive stand, the Buffs' offense sustained a long drive, with Martinez completing multiple passes, including a crucial 25-yard connection to Jordan Jakes. However, the drive ended without points as a 40-yard field goal attempt by Cox was unsuccessful. The half ended with the Buffs leading 12-0, maintaining their advantage.
 
The third quarter opened with the Buffs capitalizing on a significant momentum shift. After forcing a punt from Western Oregon, the Buffalo offense quickly took charge. Martinez connected with Trace Clarkson for a crucial first down, and Johnson followed with a decisive 8-yard rush to keep the drive alive. Hibbler capped the drive with an 18-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 19-0 following Cox's successful extra point.
 
Shortly thereafter, Preston Gregg's kickoff was followed by a key fumble recovery, giving the Buffs possession again deep in Western Oregon territory. Despite a series of penalties, the offense managed to push forward, leading to a successful 28-yard field goal by Cox, furthering the lead to 22-0. The quarter concluded with another defensive stand, highlighted by a sack on Western Oregon, maintaining the score advantage for the Buffs as the period closed.
 
The Buffs opened the fourth quarter by converting a crucial fourth-and-1 situation with a short pass from Martinez to Edwards at the Western Oregon 24-yard line. This drive continued with another completion to Spencer Henslee for nine yards, setting up a touchdown run by Sledge from one yard out, securing a 29-0 lead after a successful extra point by Cox.
 
Western Oregon managed to get on the scoreboard when Johnson's pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, trimming the deficit to 29-7. However, WT quickly responded with a powerful 63-yard rushing touchdown by Johnson, extending their lead to 35-7. Although the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, the team maintained a commanding position.
 
The remainder of the game saw the Buffs' defense holding firm, highlighted by a sack from Reynolds and Jahmek Armstrong, leading to a turnover on downs by Western Oregon. With this defensive stand, the game concluded with a solid 35-7 victory for the Buffs.
 
Martinez completed 37 of 46 passes for 313 yards, showcasing a strong aerial presence for the Buffs. Johnson contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 96 yards and two touchdowns on six carries. Hibbler also made an impact with 83 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts. On the defensive side, Reynolds recorded two sacks as part of his five total tackles, bolstering the team's defensive effort.
 
Malcolm Liufau led Western Ore.'s defense with 13 tackles, anchoring the team's defensive efforts. Aden Murphy also contributed significantly with 11 tackles from the linebacker position. Defensive back Dylan Camp made a crucial impact with an interception returned for a touchdown, along with five tackles. On the offensive side, Cody Hall was the top receiver, catching four passes for 25 yards. Jordan McCarty struggled at quarterback, completing 9-of-20 passes for 25 yards and rushing for nine yards on seven attempts.
 
The Buffaloes remain at home next weekend as they welcome the Lobos of Sul Ross State to Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium for Homecoming with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. in Canyon.