KINGSVILLE, Texas – Texas A&M-Kingsville opened up its 2022 season with a bang against NAIA opponent North American, winning the season opener 60-0.
"We started fast, and that's what we wanted to do," said coach
Mike Salinas. "We executed well in all three phases, and I think our guys did a good job coming out and taking the game right away."
On a night where many Javelinas shined bright, starting quarterback
Jacob Cavazos led the team offensively with efficiency throwing for 218 yards and one touchdown while going 11-15 through the air, as well as rushing for 41 yards and one touchdown on 5 carries.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The blue and gold got things going early and often, scoring on the first drive of the game on a 33-yard scramble by Cavazos that saw him streak down the left sideline to give the Javelinas a 7-0 lead.
The Javelina offense would quickly return to the field following a diving interception at the North American 13-yard line by defensive back
Amos Coleman on the Stallions' first offensive play from scrimmage.
Two plays later, the 'Javs would capitalize on the turnover as running back
Christian Anderson punched the ball in from one yard out to put the Javelinas up by two touchdowns before halfway through the first quarter.
A 27-yard touchdown pass from Cavazos to receiver JT Mackey in the corner of the endzone would cap the scoring in the first quarter with Javelinas scoring on their first three offensive drives only punting once in the quarter.
Anderson would find the endzone again in the second quarter with another one-yard push, with fellow running back
Toneil Carter getting into the action the following drive with a two-yard score capping off a 9-play, 79-yard drive for Kingsville.
Senior kicker,
Gilbert Garza capped off the first half scoring spree with a 30-yard field goal with 33 seconds remaining in the half extending the Javelinas lead to 39-0.
It was more of the same in the second half, with Carter opening the scoring with a massive 92-yard run on the team's first drive of the third quarter for his second touchdown of the game. Two third-quarter scores by running back
Roger Hagan and a receiving touchdown by
Jaylin Smith delivered by quarterback
Qyntyn Pilcher capped off the scoring as Kingsville stretched the lead to 60.
The Javelina defense closed out an impressive first-game shutout in the fourth quarter to seal the opening game win with a final score of 60-0.
The shutout was highlighted by three interceptions courtesy of Coleman,
Cory McMahan, and
Darian Mayberry.
UP NEXT
Next, the Javelinas will host Sul Ross on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. for their First Responders Appreciation game.
Stay up-to-date with everything related to Javelina football throughout the 2022 season by following the program on Twitter and Instagram at
@JavelinaFB and see recent news on Facebook at
/JavelinaFootball. Watch your Javelinas live on the
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