ARLINGTON, Texas (Football) – A blocked punt by Joe Crowe gave Texas A&M University-Kingsville (1-2, 0-1 LSC) the quick jolt it needed, but Texas A&M University-Commerce (2-1, 1-0 LSC) took advantage of Kingsville's offensive miscues and earned its third consecutive victory in the battle for the Chennault Cup, 55-20, on Saturday morning at AT&T Stadium. The game was the opener of the 2014 Lone Star Conference Football Festival.
 
With the loss, the Javelinas fall to 1-2 on the year and 0-1 in the LSC. Kingsville leads the Chennault Cup series 13-5.
 
"When you turn the ball over as much as we did today, the outcome will not be what you want it to be," said head coach David Calloway. "We started off with the blocked punt and the rushing touchdown, but ultimately, we have to take care of the ball."
 
Crowe's blocked punt gave TAMUK's offense the possession of the football on the Lions' 11-yard line. After a false start, Trey Mitchell rushed for five yards, found Jordan Thomas for a six yard completion and powered his way to the end zone for his third rushing touchdown of the season - a five yard rush - to give the Javelinas a 6-0 lead with 10:19 remaining.
 
The Lions responded with seven plays for 72 yards and connected on their extra-point opportunity to take a 7-6 advantage with 8:35 left in the opening quarter. Sloppy play late in the first quarter allowed A&M-Commerce to close out the frame with a 17-6 lead.
 
A fumble forced by Mark Savere was recovered by Trevor Pesek and Marquis Cardinal Jr. and Mitchell combined to lead Kingsville downfield. Capped off by Mitchell's second rushing touchdown of the game, Cardinal rushed for 30 yards and caught a 10-yard pass on the drive to cut TAMUK's deficit to 17-13 with just under 10 minutes left to play in the first half.
 
At halftime, the Lions were in complete control, leading 38-13 and continued its surge in the second half en route to a 55-20 victory. Alex Rios connected with Patrick LaFleur in the latter stages of the fourth quarter for the Javelinas.
 
LaFleur was the leading receiver, finished with eight catches for 72 yards and one touchdown. Mitchell gained 56 yards on the ground on 12 carries. Trevor Pesek recorded nine tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery and Darius Lively registered six total tackles.
 
"We need to put this behind us and focus on improving for our next game at McMurry," said Henry Greathouse. "Defensively, we need to do our job and help out our offense and special teams."
 
 
The Javelinas head to McMurry University (1-0) for a 6 p.m. slate on Saturday, Sept. 27.