KINGSVILLE, Texas – Senior night ended in a loss for Texas A&M-Kingsville as they fell to Central Washington on Saturday night, 21-17.

The Javelinas (5-3, LSC 3-3) held a 10-0 lead at halftime but were outscored by the Wildcats (7-2, LSC 7-0), 21-7 in the second half as CWU scored from two yards out to take the lead, 21-17 with 1:31 remaining.

TAMUK's bid for a late win was cut short following an interception at the fifty-yard line that sealed the game.

"It's hard to win when you give away opportunities like we did tonight," said head football coach Mike Salinas. "We're disappointed tonight for this special senior class, but it's on me as the head coach. Our focus now has to be on getting back to work for these last two games and finishing strong."

In the loss, the Javelinas outgained the Wildcats, 377 yards to 317, but a three-to-one differential in favor of the Wildcats made a crucial difference.

How It Happened:

The Javelinas started strong, marching down the field on a 12-play, 65-yard drive as Christian Anderson punched the ball in from two yards out to go up 7-0.

On the next possession, TAMUK added three more points as Gilbert Garza kicked a 48-yard field goal into the wind with 14:01 left in the second quarter, extending their lead to 10-0.

The Javelina special teams stepped up on the next drive, recovering a fumble by the CWU punter that set up the Javelinas on the CWU-48, but they were unable to capitalize, having to punt after going three-and-out.

At the end of the half, the Hogs had an opportunity to extend their lead with a 33-yard field goal attempt but missed wide right.

CWU's offense opened the second half with a touchdown, going 75 yards on 12 plays, finishing with a 19-yard run to bring the game to 10-7.

The top-ranked Wildcat defense then intercepted the Javelinas for the first time on TAMUK's ensuing drive but couldn't come away with any points.

TAMUK then answered on its first drive of the fourth quarter, with Roger Hagan finding a seam on the right side and rushing for 13 yards for a touchdown, putting the Javelinas up 17-7.

On their next possession, however, the Javelinas fumbled on their own 25, setting the Wildcats up in the red zone, and they converted just one play later with a 30-yard touchdown pass.

With 5:46 remaining in the game and trailing 21-14, the Wildcats drove the ball into the Javelina red zone, reaching the five-yard line.

CWU proceeded to fumble the ball but recovered deep in their own backfield, seemingly being pushed back to the 12. However, TAMUK was assessed a penalty for having 12 men on the field, bringing the ball back to the two.

The Wildcats punched the ball in on a quarterback dive to score and take the lead, 21-17, with 1:30 remaining.

TAMUK was then intercepted over the middle at the fifty-yard line on fourth-and-six, sealing the game.

Up Next:

The Javelinas now prepare for a road trip to the Pacific Northwest as they take on the Wolves of Western Oregon on Saturday, November 4.