The Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions defense dominated Saturday against Tarleton State as they won their third Lone Star Conference title in a row, 30-10. Head Coach Colby Carthel could hardly contain his excitement on the sidelines as the clock wound down and he threw water from a Gatorade jug on his head. The Lions three-peat win gives them the conference title outright after Midwestern State lost earlier in the day to Eastern New Mexico State, 30-28. The Lions finish the regular season with a record of 10-1, 8-1 LSC and claim their 23rd conference title.
It wasn’t an easy win, as the Lions struggled offensively in the first half. They were unable to convert on their first possession of the game. However, Tarleton got on the board first scoring a touchdown on its first possession.
In the second quarter, the Lions defense continued to dominate the Texans with an interception in the red zone. Before closing the half, the Texans scored a single field goal but the Lions refused to let up. With 10 seconds remaining, A&M-Commerce needed only 36 seconds to score their first touchdown of the game, a 54-yard pass to tight end Vincent Hobbs.
Tale of two halves
The Lions started the third quarter with linebacker Cameron Rogers recovering a fumble leading to an easy 1-yard touchdown rush by quarterback Gabriel Rodriguez. The defense continued its dominance with a recovery of an onside kick by kicker Kristov Martinez, but was unable to score on the possession. It wasn’t a problem, as the Lions defensive back Yusef Sterling-Lowe intercepted a Texans pass. The interception led to a Lions 8-yard rushing touchdown by running back Richard Whitaker. The extra-point attempt was blocked.
The Lions closed out the game scoring the only points of the quarter with a field goal and 70-yard touchdown punt-return by wide receiver Shawn Hooks. With that run, Hooks now leads the nation in all NCAA divisions with three touchdown punt-returns for the season.
A&M-Commerce is the fourth seed in Super Region 4 and will host fifth-seeded Colorado Mesa at Memorial Stadium November 19.
Lions earn second consecutive NCAA berth; Will host NCAA Playoffs for first time since 1991.
