KINGSVILLE, Texas – The Texas A&M-Kingsville defense shined under the lights of Javelina Stadium on Saturday night forcing six turnovers, as the Javelinas defeated #20 West Georgia, 20-17.
TAMUK's win pushes its record to 2-0 on the season, and marks the Hogs first win over a ranked opponent at home in over two decades.
The difference maker in the game came in the final five minutes of the first half, as the Javelinas scored 13 points off three WGU turnovers to close out the half.
The win came in front of a packed house with over 10,500 fans in attendance, the first-time attendance has passed the 10K benchmark since 2018 against Texas Wesleyan.
"I am just really proud of the job all of our coaches and players did tonight," said head coach Mike Salinas. "Our players knew it was going to take four quarters tonight... they battled and were a witness of what a true team is, staying together."
TAMUK's top ranked defense came through with multiple turnovers for the second week in a row, with two fumble recoveries and four interceptions, one of which was taken back 35-yards for a touchdown by linebacker Khalid Walker with under a minute left in the first half.
The pick-six marked the second of the season, with Caden Ochoa getting one in the season opener against Colorado Mesa.
"We accepted the challenge this week," said defensive back, Amos Coleman III who had two interceptions in the game. "It started in our preparation and practice this week, flying to the ball, and we showed how good of a defense we can be."
Special teams played a crucial part again this week for the Javs, as defensive back Keon Clary blocked a Wolf field goal in the second quarter to keep the Javs within three points at the time.
It marks the second block for the special team units this season after a blocked punt in last week's win over Colorado Mesa.
How it Happened
The Wolves jumped out to an early lead, scoring a 38-yard field goal on their opening drive to go up, 3-0.
West Georgia kept the Javs off the board for the first quarter later, driving the ball deep into Javelina territory early in the first half with first and goal from the eight-yard line.
TAMUK's defense stood tall though, stopping the Wolves in their tracks on a fourth down rush from the two to keep the deficit at three.
Following a Javelina punt, West Georgia threatened to score once again before Clary came tearing off the left edge to block the kick with 7:56 remaining in the half.
On UWG's next possession the Hog defense forced its first turnover of the night as Coleman combined on the tackle with Caden Ochoa to force a fumble before Coleman recovered it and returned it 16-yards to the Wolf's 16-yard line.
TAMUK capitalized on the field position as kicker Gilbert Garza tied the game at 3-3 with 3:30 remaining in the second quarter with a 20-yard field goal.
The defense did not wait long to strike again, as on the ensuring WGU drive, defensive back Jeff Lavarin delivered a ball jarring hit on the Wolf receiver as Ochoa perfected the tip drill to intercept the pass setting the offense up at the WGU-26.
Gilbert Garza then delivered a 36-yard field goal through the uprights to put TAMUK up, 6-3 with 1:11 remaining in the quarter.
The Hogs were not done though, as on the next play from scrimmage, linebacker Khalid Walker intercepted a Wolf pass over the middle and returned it 35-yards to the house to extend the lead to 10, at 13-3, ending a five-minute, 13-0 run by the Hogs to end the half.
Picking right back up in the second half for the defense, Coleman got his first interception of the night, picking the Wolves off on their offensive play of the half.
TAMUK was unable to capitalize though, only gaining three yards after the interception, then missing a 38-yard field goal.
West Georgia finally got their offense in gear on its next possession, driving 80-yards on nine plays for a touchdown via a 26-yard pass to the end zone to pull within three at 13-10 with 4:33 remaining in the third quarter.
The Javelinas failed to answer on their next drive going 42-yards on 11 plays before missing a 35-yard field goal attempt to open the fourth quarter.
TAMUK's defense stepped right back up to the challenge, as Lavarin forced a fumble by the Wolves' running back. After squirming out of a pile of players, the ball ended in the hands of Keon Clary at the TAMUK-48.
Quarterback Kannon Williams then led the Javelinas on a seven play, 52-yard drive that he capped off with a five-yard strike over the middle to Jackson Allen for the transfer QB's first touchdown as a Javelina to put TAMUK up 20-10 with 9:32 remaining in the fourth.
Coleman got back into the action on the next drive as the New Orleans native got his second interception on the ensuing WGU drive, but two plays later the Wolves picked off Williams to regain possession.
Three possessions later, the Wolves found the end zone with an 18-yard catch and run touchdown pass with 47 seconds remaining trailing, 20-17.
UWG recovered the ensuing onside kick, but an offside penalty against the Wolves forced a re-kick that the Javelinas recovered to seal the 20-17 win.
Stat Leaders
Amos Coleman III led the Javs in tackles with 9 total with Khalid Walker also producing seven.
In his first start under center for TAMUK Kannon Williams threw for 99 yards going 14-of-21 through the air.
Up Next
The Javelinas now prepare for Lone Star Conference play as they hit the road to take on Western New Mexico next Saturday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. CT.
