The Javelinas failed to give their fans a win in their final home game of the season. The Hogs were up the majority of the game against West Texas A&M, but failed to close the game with a win, losing 35-31. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Coach Daren Wilkinson praised his team over their performances in these past couple of weeks after expressing his disappointment in the game.
“Those type of games hurt more than any other game; it’s like you’d rather have a team whoop your butt,” Wilkinson said. “It’s been nice to watch the last three or four games where we played some good quality ball.”
The Javelinas were up 24-7 late in the second quarter with Koy Detmer throwing three touchdown passes which were caught by receiver Ryan Martinez for 53 and 30 yards and Alan Smith for seven yards. Quarterback Nick Gerber from West Texas was in charge with initiating the Buff’s comeback with two rushing touchdowns going for 32 and 6 yards. The Javelinas responded -with a touchdown of their own with Smith catching his second touchdown pass of the day for four yards, ending a 15-play scoring drive, which was the Javelinas’ longest scoring drive of the season.
In the fourth quarter, the Javelinas failed to keep their lead that they had for the majority of the game. The Buffalos struck two more times with a six-yard touchdown from Jordan Johnson and an impressive 72-yard punt return from Tobias Harris, while their defense kept the Javelinas from scoring during the whole fourth quarter. The Javelina’s last chance came at the four-yard line in the fourth quarter, but it ended with Detmer throwing an interception caught by Chazz Slatinksy from the Buffs.
“It’s unfortunate offensively, defensively, special teams we just did not come out and play the way were capable of in the second half,” Wilkinson said.
Detmer ended the game with 315 passing yards three touchdown passes and one interception. Martinez had a career day and led the team in receptions and receiving yards with seven receptions and 129 yards while hauling in two touchdown catches. On the defensive side, Tre’Michael Tutt led the team with 16 total tackles.
The Javelinas will close the season out when they travel to Odessa, Texas to face off against UT Permian Basin.