West Texas A&M wasted no time setting the tone in the 37th Wagon Wheel Game, striking on the very first play from scrimmage and never looking back. The Buffs rolled to a commanding 43–14 victory over rival Eastern New Mexico on Saturday night at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, improving their Lone Star Conference record and keeping the Wagon Wheel firmly in Canyon for another year.
From the opening snap, WT’s offense made a statement. Quarterback RJ Martinez connected with Drew Zamar for a 66-yard touchdown on the first play of the game, electrifying the home crowd and immediately putting the Greyhounds on their heels. The Buffs weren’t done — Martinez added another touchdown strike later in the quarter, finding Jayden Hibbler from 21 yards out to give WT a quick 14–0 advantage.
Eastern New Mexico managed to find some rhythm on the ground with 65 rushing yards in the first quarter, but the Buffs’ defense stood tall, stopping the Greyhounds on downs deep in WT territory. By the end of the opening frame, it was all Buffs, leading 14–0 and dictating every phase of the game.
The second quarter only widened the gap. Behind a bruising 28-yard rush from Gene Sledge, WT marched downfield again, setting up Martinez’s second touchdown pass to Hibbler. The Buffs’ defense continued to dominate, holding Eastern New Mexico to just seven yards on 18 rushing attempts in the quarter while adding two sacks for a loss of 13 yards. By halftime, WT had built a commanding 29–7 lead, showcasing both offensive efficiency and defensive dominance.
Martinez continued his aerial assault in the third quarter, completing seven of 10 passes for 113 yards in that period alone. A deep 46-yard bomb to Sean Johnson set up another touchdown, while WT’s defense refused to let up. Ashton Reynolds and Javin Cash each contributed key tackles for loss, and Cam Manahan intercepted a pass to snuff out a promising Greyhound drive. The Buffs entered the fourth quarter in total control, leading 36–7.
WT added to their tally in the final quarter, with Martinez connecting with Jamir Roberts for 22 yards before Sledge powered into the end zone from nine yards out. Even after an interception thrown by backup Knox Porter, the Buffs’ defense closed the door, forcing Eastern New Mexico to turn the ball over on downs late in the game.
When the dust settled, Martinez had put together one of his best performances of the season — completing 26 of 43 passes for 424 yards and five touchdowns. Zamar led all receivers with 99 yards and a score, while Zach Phipps added four receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, Jamel Acosta-Lewis led the charge with 11 total tackles, helping the Buffs stifle the Greyhound offense from start to finish.
With the Wagon Wheel victory secured, West Texas A&M (now riding a wave of momentum) turns its attention to next week’s challenge — a road showdown in Midland, Texas. The Buffs will take on the No. 13 UT Permian Basin Falcons at Astound Broadband Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
