Canyon, TX – In a spectacular display of power and strategy, the West Texas A&M Buffaloes ended their four-game losing streak with a decisive 42-17 victory over Western New Mexico during Saturday night’s homecoming game at Bain-Schaeffer Buffaloes Stadium. The win not only marks a significant turnaround in the Buffaloes’ season but also extends their homecoming victories to seven consecutive games.
Revitalized after a bye week and buoyed by the introduction of new quarterback Kanon Gibson, the Buffaloes exhibited an impressive offensive performance that saw them accumulate a season-high 632 yards of total offense. Gibson, stepping into the starting role for the first time this season, made an immediate impact by connecting with receiver Zorian Stanton for a 59-yard touchdown in one of the game’s opening plays.
The synergy between Gibson and his receivers was palpable throughout the night. Gibson completed 19 of 27 passes for 374 yards and accounted for five touchdowns, affirming his readiness and ability to lead the team’s offense. Additionally, his 36 rushing yards and a touchdown highlighted his versatility and athleticism.
Zorian Stanton, Gibson’s primary target, ended the night with eight receptions totaling 187 yards, all before halftime. His performance complemented by Tucker Swoboda’s two touchdowns and 92 receiving yards, underscored the depth of talent within the Buffaloes’ receiving corps.
The game began with a rapid 21-point accumulation in the first quarter by WTAMU, setting a robust tone that slightly waned in the second quarter, allowing the Mustangs to close the gap to 21-17 at halftime. However, any momentum Western New Mexico hoped to carry into the second half was swiftly quelled as WTAMU piled on 21 unanswered points after the break.
Key to the Buffaloes’ success was their domination of the line of scrimmage, a factor Gibson was quick to credit post-game. He praised his offensive line for their exceptional performance and acknowledged former starting quarterback Sean Johnson for mentoring him through a challenging season.
On the defensive side, the Buffaloes were equally stern, with senior linebacker JT Cavender contributing significantly with 13 tackles, which included eight solo efforts. The defensive squad as a whole limited Western New Mexico to just 258 total yards, demonstrating their capability to support the dynamic offensive showing.
Despite an overall robust performance, WTAMU head coach Josh Lynn noted areas for improvement, particularly in reducing penalties. However, he expressed satisfaction with the adjustments made at halftime and commended the team’s defensive efforts to restrain the Mustangs, particularly in the latter half of the game.
As the Buffs look forward to continuing their momentum, they face an upcoming challenge against LSC rival Eastern New Mexico in the 60th edition of the Wagon Wheel game. This encounter, scheduled for Saturday at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium in Portales, promises to be a compelling matchup as WTAMU aims to capitalize on their newfound form.