The No.21 WTAMU Buffalo football team avoided a letdown game on Sept. 24 as they defeated the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals52-7 in Canyon. Sophomore quarterback Dustin Vaughn shined, throwing for 335 yards and five scores.After the Buffs forced a quick three-and-out on the Cardinals’ first drive, Vaughn hit sophomore Lance Ratliff for a 62-yard touchdown on WT’s second play from scrimmage. Vaughn struck again with 11 seconds left in the first quarter, connecting with sophomore Jeremy Watson for a 52-yard score to extend the Buffs’ lead to 14-0.WT’s young quarterback got his third touchdown of the first half when he hooked up with senior Brittan Golden for a 13-yard score with 7:39 left in the half. As the half expired, Cardinals quarterback Payden Lynch found Jacob Love to get UIW on the scoreboard at 24-7.The Buffs did not lose steam in the second half. Vaughn found Golden again for a 52-yard score, making the score 31-7 with 12:20 left in the third. WT’s defense created some excitement when senior Caleb Randolph ran a fumble for 97 yards to give the Buffs a 38-7 advantage. Vaughn’s fifth score of the night went to junior Khiry Robinson for a nine yard score, putting WT up 45-7 with three minutes to go in the third. Sophomore Curtis Slater finished the scoring by stripping UIW’s quarterback of the ball and taking it in from the eight.
Vaughn had an outstanding night, going 19 of 25 passing for 335 yards. He threw for a career-high five touchdowns with one interception.
“I’ve got to give all the credit to my lineman and receivers,” Vaughn said. “It’s nice to have a bunch of weapons to use.”
Watson led all receivers with four receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. Golden caught three passes for 70 yards and two scores.
“I’m not the only weapon we’ve got. Our whole receiving core can go deep, we don’t just have one weapon,” Golden said.
The Buffs return to action Oct. 1 as they travel to Stephenville to match up against the Tarleton State Texans. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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