The Javelinas of Texas A&M University-Kingsville dropped the game against the Western Oregon Wolves Saturday at Pepsi Field in Javelina Stadium.
The Javelinas fought hard on their home field but were unsuccessful in pulling off their win. The Javelinas lost 13-7.
Star Quarterback Koy Detmer Jr. was injured by the end of the second quarter. Cade Dyal took his place and threw at a percentage of 45.45 percent with 26 long passes.
There were incomplete passes on both teams as the Wolves pushed forward for their win tonight.
By the end of the third quarter, the score was 10-7. Key moments of the game came from players like Brandon Jones, who made a quick sack on the Wolves’ quarterback. Right after, Tre‘Michael Tutt followed up with another sack.
On the defensive side, Jacob Clarkson made a historical tackle by bringing down the opponent as soon as the pass was complete. Then there was Sean Landez, who had several tackles to put the Hogs back on route. The fans couldn’t help but stand and cheer when Devon Moore ran 61 yards on a punt return – bringing the Javelinas 20 yards from the touchdown. There, Dyal was unable to get an open teammate and made an incomplete pass. The Javelinas then lost their opportunity for another touchdown.
The mentality of the Javelinas was strong before the game. Players agreed to hit hard and fast because they knew they were playing against a competitive team.
“They’re going to bring it. It’s a team that some of our coaches and our team is a little unfamiliar with. They’re a team that brings it with effort and they got discipline. We have to come prepared and ready to play,” Detmer said.
Detmer said he was working on the small things for the game against the Wolves.
“[It was] probably one of the most challenging weeks in my opinion. We [have to] bring it on our side. We [have to] hit first and hit fast,” he said.
Defensive back Devonte Williams said the Wolves were a competitive team for a few reasons.
“As far as athletic wise, they may not be the most athletic, but they do everything the right way. They don’t force turnovers or commit any penalties. We [have to] hit first and hit fast,” Williams said.
Detmer mentioned what the Javelinas needed to do better to pull off a win against the Wolves – being more disciplined.
“Being more dialed in on the little thing [is what I’ve been working on]. They mix it up a lot… more than other teams. They try to make it hard for you as a QB, so for me, I’m studying more film than usual. So, when I come in on Saturday at 7 I know at I’m seeing and where I’m going with the ball,” he said prior to the game.
Saturday, the Javelinas kept fighting until the buzzer stopped. This was something Williams said the team was working on this week.
“For me, I try to discipline myself on little key details and as the game progresses as we get tired we tend to become relaxed. As practice has been going on I’ve been trying to push myself,” he said.
Coach Wilkinson said the team is facing some difficulties and that he needs the team to adjust quickly.
“We looked at the injury report today and we got 19 people that are out that started Fall camp with us. We really need our young guys up front, especially on offensive line. They need to start stepping up. They’ve been doing that, it’s just been a slow process,” the coach said. “Moses is a guy that has to play well for us. Ryan Martinez has to step up and make plays. Brandon Smith is becoming a guy we can trust.”
Coach Wilkinson held the mindset that the team needed to play more disciplined.
“We need to play with more discipline. We had 15 penalties last week and when you’re making personal fouls because you’re talking too much or because you’re doing a little bit more extracurricular…we need to clean that stuff up,” he said.
The Javelinas will host another game at 7 p.m. on Oct13 in the Javelina Stadium.
