Buffs roll past Mustangs in high-scoring LSC showdown

The West Texas A&M Buffaloes put together one of their most complete offensive performances in over a decade on Saturday afternoon, piling up an impressive 651 total yards in a 56-42 win over Midwestern State. The victory in Wichita Falls moves WT to 6-2 in Lone Star Conference play, their highest league win total since the 2012 season—an important milestone for a program steadily building momentum.

The game didn’t start smoothly for the Buffs, though. After receiving the opening kickoff, WT’s first offensive series fizzled, and the second ended in disaster when a miscue near the goal line resulted in a Midwestern State defensive touchdown. Down 7-0 early in a road environment, some teams might have folded. Instead, WT responded—quickly and emphatically.

Quarterback RJ Martinez settled in almost immediately, leading a poised scoring drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown strike to Zach Phipps. The Buffs followed with another scoring drive, this time a 41-yard bomb to Drew Zamar to take a 14-7 lead. While Midwestern State tied the game at 14 heading into the second quarter, it became clear that WT’s offense had found its rhythm.

The second quarter was where the Buffaloes seized control. Martinez continued to spread the ball across his receivers with confidence, and the running game began asserting itself. A well-executed series of completions to Trevin Edwards helped push the Buffs back on top, and the defense came up with timely stops, including pressure from Ashton Reynolds that played a role in a Mustang missed field goal. Before the half, Jayden Hibbler punched in a 15-yard score to give WT a commanding 35-21 advantage.

Midwestern State tried to claw back early in the third quarter, but every time the Mustangs scored, the Buffs answered. Hibbler ripped off his second touchdown run of the day from 20 yards out, and Martinez connected with Phipps once again—this time from 35 yards—to extend the lead. WT’s offensive balance was on full display, with penalties being the only real obstacle slowing them down. By the end of the third, the Buffs held a 49-28 edge.

The knockout blow came early in the fourth quarter. Martinez delivered a beautiful 45-yard strike to Jamir Roberts, setting up a short touchdown run by Gene Sledge to make it 56-28. Midwestern State managed two late scores, but the Buffs defense sealed things when Hunter Corbin stepped in front of a pass for an interception.

Martinez finished with a stellar stat line: 437 yards, five touchdowns, and a 78% completion rate (32-of-41). Phipps was the star in the receiving game with 132 yards and three touchdowns, while Hibbler powered the ground attack with 135 yards and two scores on 21 carries. Defensively, Reynolds led the Buffs with seven tackles and a sack, consistently providing backfield pressure.

WT now returns home to Canyon for Senior Day next Saturday, hosting #16 Angelo State at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium. With confidence rising and postseason implications on the line, the Buffs will look to finish strong in front of their home crowd.