Ellensburg, WA - Texas A&M-Kingsville could not complete the upset bid and take down No. 10 Central Washington as it fell, 24-21, Saturday from Tomlinson Stadium.
The Javelinas (3-4, 2-3 LSC) were up 14-10 early in the third quarter after
Edward Chumley punched it in from the one-yard line. The Wildcats' (6-1, 5-0 LSC) top-ranked rushing attack took over from there, as they scored 14 unanswered points to give themselves enough cushion to take the victory.
Texas A&M-Kingsville still had a chance at the end, as after
Jack Turner found
King Phillips for a five-yard touchdown, the Javelinas found themselves in the three-point game in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats were able to march down the field with their ground game, but they missed a 23-yard chip shot to breathe new life into the Javelinas.
It was up to Turner and the offense to complete the upset bid in Ellensburg, however it was not meant to be. The Javelinas would get to their 34 yard line, but the Wildcats' defense bowed their necks and did not let the Javelinas get any further, ending the chance of an upset.
Saturday's contest was a back-and-forth affair, with the Wildcats kicking the scoring off with a 27-yard rushing touchdown to take the early lead. The offense responded quickly, as Phillips would account for 59 yards capped off with a 25-yard touchdown reception to even the game at seven.
Both teams' offenses would sputter for the rest of the first half, exchanging punts throughout the remainder of the period. The Wildcats broke the seal on points in the second half with a field goal after a long kickoff return to start the second half. It would be the Javelinas who scored the next touchdown, as after consecutive long-balls to
Kevin Holmes Jr., the Javelinas punched it in from the one-yard line to take the lead.
It would be the last time the Javelinas had a lead however, as the Wildcats put up 167 rushing yards in the second half with a pair of touchdowns to limit how much the Javelinas saw the ball. In totality, Central Washington would win the time of possession battle 41:53 to 18:07.
Texas A&M-Kingsville looks to get back on track next week in their homecoming matchup against Western Oregon University. Fans of the Javelinas can watch the game on FloCollege or follow the game at JavelinaFB on X.
Quick Hitters:
- The Turner to Phillips connection is proving to be one of the best in the conference, as Phillips finished with his second 100-yard receiving game and Turner finished with another 300 yards passing.
-
Tre Robbins notched his fourth sack of the season, making it seven games where the Javelinas recorded at least one sack.
-
Kerry North had a career game with 10 tackles and 1.5 TFL's against the Wildcats.
- Chumley continues his hot streak as well, scoring a touchdown in every game his has played this season.
