WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State fell to West Texas A&M 56-42 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, despite a strong offensive performance with five touchdown passes.
Midwestern State opened the game effectively with a 65-yard kickoff by
Kohen Maroney resulting in a touchback. The defense quickly made an impact as
Akil Edwards tackled West Texas A&M for a loss, leading to a punt. MSU capitalized on a fumble recovery by
Dalton Lee in the end zone for an early touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
West Texas A&M responded with a swift drive culminating in a passing touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. Midwestern State regained momentum when
Sean Jastrab connected with
Demonte Greene for a 14-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 14-14 after the Buffaloes had taken a brief lead. The first quarter concluded with the Mustangs recovering a fumble forced by
Darrell Tripline, Jr., with the score tied 14-14.
The second quarter saw the Maroon & Gold capitalizing on a West Texas A&M pass interference penalty, setting up a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jastrab to
Landon Thomason, increasing their lead to 21-14. However, WT quickly responded with a 10-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 21-21. MSU then moved downfield efficiently, highlighted by a 24-yard completion from Jastrab to
Jaden Coulter, but a 50-yard field goal attempt was missed, leaving the score unchanged.
The Buffs seized momentum late in the period, scoring twice more, including a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Jayden Hibbler. Despite the Mustangs' efforts to push the ball downfield, the half ended with West Texas A&M leading 35-21.
Midwestern State opened the third quarter with a scoring drive, highlighted by Jastrab's 49-yard touchdown pass to
Case Peacock, narrowing the gap early in the quarter.
Kohen Maroney's successful extra point brought the score to 35-28. The Buffaloes responded with a 20-yard touchdown run by Jayden Hibbler, extending their lead to 42-28 after Drew Cox's extra point.
Midwestern State then advanced to the opponent's 15-yard line, but the drive stalled, resulting in a turnover on downs. WT capitalized on their next possession, completing a 35-yard touchdown pass to Zach Phipps, pushing their lead further to 49-28. As the quarter concluded, MSU was unable to add to their score, leaving the deficit unchanged.
In the final quarter, Midwestern State showed resilience with
Reginald Williams sparking the offense on a 10-yard gain to the MSU48, setting up a scoring drive. Jastrab's passing precision was evident with a key 28-yard touchdown pass to
Cedonyae Lott, narrowing the deficit to 56-35. Despite an interception thrown by Jastrab, the defense responded with
Zain Toliver intercepting a pass and returning it four yards to regain possession.
Midwestern State capitalized on the opportunity as Jastrab connected with James Cooper Jr. for a 22-yard touchdown pass, further reducing the gap to 56-42. Although the Buffs controlled the clock in the final minutes with effective rushing, the Mustangs' efforts brought the game to a close with a respectable scoreline. The quarter ended with MSU narrowing the lead, yet WT secured a 56-42 victory.
Jamarion Carroll led the Maroon & Gold with 66 receiving yards on five catches, providing a consistent target throughout the game. Quarterback Jastrab showcased his arm strength, completing 30 of 56 passes for 411 yards and five touchdowns.
Cedonyae Lott made a significant impact with 145 receiving yards and one touchdown on eight receptions, contributing to the team's offensive success. On defense, Darrell Tripline Jr. was a standout with nine total tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, anchoring the defensive unit.
RJ Martinez was a standout player for the Buffaloes, completing 32 of 41 passes for 437 yards and five touchdowns, despite one interception. His performance was complemented by Zach Phipps, who caught five passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, Jayden Hibbler contributed significantly with 21 carries for 135 yards and two touchdowns, adding four receptions for 50 yards. Defensively, Ashton Reynolds led the charge with seven tackles and a sack, while Sosa Sokimi added four tackles and a sack to the team's defensive efforts.
Looking ahead, MSU will face Western New Mexico on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, New Mexico.
The Mustangs hold a 2-8 overall record and a 2-6 mark in conference play. The Buffs improved to 6-4 overall and 6-2 in conference competition.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
