Canyon, Texas – West Texas A&M Football (4-5, 4-3 LSC) hit the road for the final time this season as they take their three-game win streak to Monmouth, Oregon to face Western Oregon. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. CT.
 
Follow the Buffs
Saturday's game will be streamed live on Flo Sports (registration required). Live stats will be provided by Western Oregon. The game will also be broadcasted on KGNCNewsNow.com as well as locally in the Texas Panhandle on 710 AM and 97.5 FM. Kent Johnson and Lucas Kinsey can be heard on the audio broadcast.
 
Last Time Out
West Texas A&M traveled to Alpine, Texas this week as they took on Sul Ross State.
 
Buffs Win Third Straight Game with 62-33 Victory over Sul Ross State- October 31, 2026
The Buffaloes quickly got on the board to open the game as Ryan Gafford fired a 52-yard touchdown pass on the fifth play of the game to make it 7-0 after an extra point by Alan Anaya. The teams traded fumbles on their next two drives before the Lobos tied the game up with a 32-yard rushing score. Sul Ross State then took the lead following an interception which then resulted in a 13-yard passing score. Special teams would come up with a key block on the extra point to only make it 13-7.
 
At quarters close, Gafford found Trace Clarkson for a 26-yard score as WT retook the lead at 14-13 which held at the end of the first quarter.
 
The second quarter was dominated by the Buffaloes as they stampeded 34 points to 0 in the frame. Defensively, they came away with a fourth down stop to start on SRSU's first drive. In good field position, WT only needed three plays to score as Contae Cason went untouched on a 35-yard rush. The Lobos went three and out on their next drive. Clarkson found the end zone for the second time in the game as he scored on a wheel route 38-yards out on a great pass by Gafford. The hits kept coming for the Buffs as they continued to string stops while Gafford added touchdown passes to Geramyah Porter and J.B. Mitchell III to make it 41-13. WT added one more touchdown right before half to make it 48-13 going into the break.
 
After allowing an 8-yard touchdown pass on their opening drive of the half, WT marched down the field as Tory Simmons scampered in for a 25-yard score. WT would tack on one more touchdown as Mitchell III snagged his second of the evening to make it 62-26. The Lobos would add one more score to finalize the game at 62-33.
 
Top Buffs

• Ryan Gafford completed nine of his 12 passes for 223 yards and five touchdowns.
• Tory Simmons rushed for 126 yards on 9.7 yards per carry and a score. This was Simmons' second highest rushing total of the season and seventh rushing touchdown.
• Trace Clarkson caught four passes for 76 yards and two scores. This was Clarkson's first multi-touchdown game of the season and is up to six touchdowns.

 
Dynamic Duo
Coming into this game, the wide receiver duo of Trace Clarkson and J.B. Mitchell III both rank inside the top 10 in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) in receiving yards with 791 and 462. Clarkson has the second highest total in the conference while Mitchell III is 10th. They are one of four duos in the top 10 in receiving yards.
 
Miles, Not Yards
With seven total tackles against Sul Ross State, defensive back Miles Hill is the second leading tackler in the conference with 84 total tackles (58 solo). Hill has five games with 9+ tackles to go with three tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry.  
 
You Say?
With seven tackles for loss, Quincy Eutsay ranks ninth in the conference in that mark. Prior to the game against Sul Ross State, Eutsay had a tackle for loss in every game. The Roxbury, Massachusetts native is also tied for eighth in sacks with four. His TFL's, sacks, and quarterback hurries (10) are all team-highs.
 
Full Steam Ahead
Over the past three games, the Buff's rushing attack has been on full display with 905 yards on the ground and averaged 7.18 yards per carry. Running backs Tory Simmons and Contae Cason have led the charge as they have tallied five instances of 71+ individual rushing yards over the past three games. Simmons has 333 yards (9.25 ypc) with two touchdowns. He has rushed for 90+ yards in three straight games. Cason has totaled 220 rushing yards (6.87 ypc) and five touchdowns. Simmons ranks fourth in the conference with 646 rushing yards while Cason is 20th with 413.
 
West Texas A&M Statistical Leaders (Amount- Per Game)

• Passing yards- Knox Porter (1487-212.43)
• Passing touchdowns- Knox Porter (10)
• Rushing yards- Tory Simmons (646-71.78)
• Yards per carry- Tory Simmons (7.0)
• Rushing touchdowns- Tory Simmons (7)
• Receptions- Trace Clarkson (59)
• Receiving yards- Trace Clarkson (791-87.89)
• Yards per catch- Antoine Sullivan (17.0)
• Receiving touchdowns- Trace Clarkson (6)
• Solo tackles- Miles Hill (58)
• Total tackles- Miles Hill (84.0)
• Tackles for loss- Quincy Eutsay (7.0)
• Sacks- Quincy Eutsay (4.0)
• Interceptions- Dayton Navy & Ian Amegatcher (2)
• Pass breakups- Dayto Navy & Ian Amegatcher (7)
• Quarterback hurries- Quincy Eutsay (10)
• Fumbles recovered- Phineas Allen (2)
• Forced fumbles- Herschel Craig III, Dayton Navy, SaMaury Alexander, and Lucas Jarnagin (1)
• Yards per punt- James Ingham (44.72)
• Field goals made- Alan Anaya (5/6: long of 38-yards)
• Extra points made- Alan Anaya (28/29)
• Yards per kickoff- Drew Cox (61.5)
• Return yards per punt- Joseph White (8.89)
• Return yards per kickoff- Isaiah Orlandi (30.56)

 
West Texas A&M Team Statistics (LSC Ranking)

• 33.7 points per game (5^th) | 32.7 points per game allowed (5^th)
• 428.6 yards per game (7^th) | 487.4 yards per game allowed (8^th)
• 261.3 passing yards per game (5^th) | 315.9 passing yards per game allowed (9^th)
• 167.2 rushing yards per game (7^th) | 171.6 rushing yards per game allowed (5^th)
• 21 sacks (3^rd) | 20 sacks allowed (8^th)
• 7 interceptions (6^th) | 5 forced fumbles (6^th) | 5 fumbles recovered (5^th)
• 22.2 yards per kickoff return (4^th) | 8.9 yards per punt return (4^th)
• 41.7 net kickoff yards (1^st) | 39.7 net punt return yards (1^st)
• 22.1 first downs per game (6^th) | 25.0 opponent first downs per game (8^th)
• 46.5 third down conversion percentage (4^th) | 42.7 opponent third down conversion percentage (6^th)
• 42.1 fourth down conversion percentage (5^th) | 51.6 opponent fourth down conversion percentage (7^th)
• 52.9 penalty yards per game (1^st)
• 79.3 red zone scoring percentage (8^th) | 78.9 red zone scoring percentage allowed (3^rd)
• 25:36 average time of possession (9^th)

 
(all stats accumulated 11/5/26)
 
Series History
Saturday's game against Western Oregon will be the fifth all-time meeting between the programs with WT trailing 4-1 in the series. The Buffaloes snapped their four-game losing streak to the Wolves with a win in Canyon last year.
 
Defense Shines as the Buffs Roll Past Western Oregon, 35-7- September 27, 2025
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.
 
Scouting Western Oregon
The Western Oregon University Wolves come into this game holding a 5-4 record with a 3-4 mark in the LSC. They are currently on a three-game winning streak having beaten UT Permian Basin (38-19), Eastern New Mexico (50-35), and Western New Mexico (56-28). The Wolves are coming off a 2025 campaign where they went 8-3 with a 7-2 mark in the LSC as they finished third in the conference. WOU came into this season projected to finish third in the LSC Preseason Poll.
 
Western Oregon's offense heavily leans on the run as they are first in the conference rushing yards per game with 265.9 on the second most carries with 398. They are a balanced attack with five players totaling 280+ rushing yards. Quarterback Jordan McCarty leads that group with 449 yards and a team-high seven rushing touchdowns. Their offensive line plays a role in that success as they are fourth in sacks allowed while being second in yards per carry. On the flip side, the Wolves are eighth in passing attempts but capitalize on the those plays as they rank third in yards per pass and passing touchdowns. Jaylen Fite leads the receiving group with 368 yards and five touchdowns.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, WOU is also strong in the trenches as they allow the least rushing yards per game at 127.6. On the defensive line, Jayden Branna, LJ Imo, Daniel Cooper, and Jakari Weeks all have 3+ tackles for loss with Branna leading the group with 10, the second highest mark in the conference. That group also consistently puts pressure on the quarterback with 16 sacks across the four of them. Brannan and Imo are second and fourth with 5.5 and 5.0 sacks respectively. In the secondary, the Wolves give up the most pass yards per game at 341.9 per game and are ninth in passing touchdowns allowed with 27.
 
Head Coach Arne Ferguson enters his 21st season at helm in 2026. Ferguson holds a 122-103 record during his tenure.  
 
Western Oregon Statistical Leaders (Amount- Per Game)

• Passing yards- Jordan McCarty (1828-203.11)
• Passing touchdowns- Jordan McCarty (21)
• Rushing yards- Jordan McCarty (449-49.89)
• Yards per carry- Jayshon Limar (8.7)
• Rushing touchdowns- Jorda McCarty (7)
• Receptions- Erick Gonzalez-Bejar (19)
• Receiving yards- Jaylen Fite (368-40.89)
• Yards per catch- Jaylen Fite (20.44)
• Receiving touchdowns- Jaylen Fite (5)
• Solo tackles- Malik Ross (28)
• Total tackles- Isaiah Mosley (61.0)
• Tackles for loss- Jayden Brannan (10)
• Sacks- Jayden Brannan (5.5)
• Interceptions- Eight players with 1
• Pass breakups- Adrian Mashia (10)
• Quarterback hurries- LJ Imo (6)
• Fumbles recovered- David Moore, Keagan Howard, Kaden Hamlin, LJ Imo (1)
• Forced fumbles- LJ Imo (2)
• Yards per punt- Kyle Babcock (43.94)
• Field goals made- Kadyn Butcher (3/4- long of 46 yards)
• Extra points made- Kadyn Butcher (28/29)
• Yards per kickoff- Ashton Wolff (59.7)
• Return yards per punt- D'Marieon Gates (19.0)
• Return yards per kickoff- Tony McAdoo (28.43)

 
Western Oregon Team Statistics (LSC Ranking)

• 42.0 points per game (2^nd) | 34.8 points per game allowed (6^th)
• 473.1 yards per game (3^rd) | 469.4 yards per game allowed (6^th)
• 207.2 passing yards per game (9^th) | 341.9 passing yards per game allowed (10^th)
• 265.9 rushing yards per game (1^st) | 127.6 rushing yards per game allowed (1^st)
• 21 sacks (4^th) | 14 sacks allowed (4^th)
• 7 interceptions (8^th) | 4 forced fumbles (9^th) | 3 fumbles recovered (9^th)
• 20.8 yards per kickoff return (6^th) | 10.8 yards per punt return (3^rd)
• 40.1 net kickoff yards (3^rd) | 39.5 net punt return yards (2^nd)
• 23.2 first downs per game (4^th) | 23.6 opponent first downs per game (7^th)
• 46.7 third down conversion percentage (3^rd) | 35.5 opponent third down conversion percentage (2^nd)
• 68.8 fourth down conversion percentage (1^st) | 36.4 opponent fourth down conversion percentage (1^st)
• 66.1 penalty yards per game (5^th)
• 86.1 red zone scoring percentage (2^nd) | 69.8 red zone scoring percentage allowed (1^st)
• 31:09 average time of possession (3^rd)

 
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