LANGSTON, Okla. – The Wayland Baptist football team delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, dominating Langston University 41-7 in Sooner Athletic Conference action. Behind an explosive offense, a strong defensive effort, and several game-changing special teams plays, the Pioneers controlled the contest from start to finish to secure their third consecutive victory.
With the win, Wayland improved to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in SAC play, while Langston dropped to 2-5 overall and 1-4 in conference competition.
The Pioneers wasted little time making their presence felt offensively. After forcing Langston to punt on its opening possession, Wayland needed just three plays to march 92 yards down the field. Quarterback Aidan Crawford connected with Donte Hurt on an 86-yard touchdown pass with 8:05 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Pioneers an early 7-0 advantage.
Wayland continued to build momentum later in the opening quarter, putting together a 10-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a 37-yard field goal from Trent McLemore, extending the lead to 10-0.
The Pioneers kept their foot on the gas in the second quarter as Malik White broke loose for a 54-yard rush before finishing the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run. McLemore's extra point pushed Wayland's advantage to 17-0.
Wayland's special teams unit provided another highlight just before halftime. With Langston attempting to punt deep in its own territory, Sebastian Balderas broke through and blocked the kick, allowing Angel Lara to recover the ball for a touchdown. The play extended the Pioneers' lead to 24-0 heading into the locker room.
The Pioneers picked up right where they left off to begin the second half, putting together an impressive five-play, 85-yard scoring drive. Crawford connected with Dontevius Williams for gains of 18 and 50 yards, setting up a seven-yard touchdown run from Topper Sterling that increased Wayland's lead to 31-0.
Langston responded with its lone touchdown of the afternoon midway through the third quarter when Jacoby Bellazar capped a six-play, 77-yard drive with a five-yard rushing score, cutting the deficit to 31-7.
However, Wayland's defense continued to make crucial plays to prevent the Lions from building any momentum. After Langston recovered a fumble deep in Pioneer territory, the defense held firm and blocked a 31-yard field goal attempt, keeping the advantage at 24 points.
Wayland added to its lead early in the fourth quarter when McLemore connected on a 35-yard field goal, his second successful attempt of the afternoon, extending the score to 34-7.
The Pioneers delivered the final blow late in the contest as Khalon Davis led a seven-play, 65-yard drive. Davis completed passes of 29 yards to Hurt and 17 yards to Ethan Palmer before Jayden Littles punched the ball into the end zone from two yards out with 1:08 remaining, sealing the 41-7 victory.
Offensively, Wayland finished with 432 total yards, including 337 through the air and 95 on the ground. Crawford led the passing attack, completing 15 of 26 attempts for 291 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. Davis added 46 passing yards on two completions.
Hurt turned in a standout performance, hauling in five receptions for a game-high 137 yards and a touchdown. Williams added two catches for 68 yards, while Reggie Hurley contributed 51 receiving yards on two receptions. Jamari Jackson finished with three catches for 32 yards, and Palmer added 29 yards on two receptions.
On the ground, White led the Pioneers with 68 rushing yards and a touchdown on just three carries, averaging 22.7 yards per attempt. Sterling contributed 43 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while Davis added 17 rushing yards.
Defensively, Wayland limited Langston to just seven points despite the Lions recording 347 yards of total offense. The Pioneers were particularly effective in crucial situations, holding Langston to just 3-of-15 on third-down conversions and 1-of-4 on fourth downs.
Brennen Davis led the defense with nine total tackles, including seven solo stops. Balderas followed with eight tackles, a tackle for loss, and a blocked punt, while Brayden Hamby contributed seven tackles and a pass breakup.
Chamarion Bush added a key interception in the second quarter, stopping a Langston scoring opportunity in the red zone. Tyrone Morgan also made his presence felt on special teams, blocking a 39-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter.
The Pioneers' kicking unit was equally productive, with McLemore converting both field goal attempts and all five extra-point opportunities, finishing with 11 points.
Following the victory, Head Coach Marcos Hinojos praised his team's growth, consistency, and ability to execute across all three phases of the game.
"We came together as a team in a great college football atmosphere against a quality opponent and played very well from start to finish. All three phases of the game contributed in all four quarters. It's what we've been working towards. Starting fast, keeping the foot on the gas, controlling our emotions and finishing STRONG. We weren't perfect but we were consistent enough to dominate our opponent. We won in the trenches and allowed our skill to execute like champions. Praise God for the growth that has occurred on this team," Hinojos said.
Saturday's convincing victory showcased the progress the Pioneers have made throughout the season, with contributions coming from all three phases of the game. After building a commanding first-half lead, Wayland maintained its intensity and finished strong, carrying valuable momentum into the final stretch of conference play.
Up Next
Wayland Baptist returns to Plainview on Saturday, October 24, to host Arkansas Baptist College at 4:00 p.m. at Greg Sherwood Memorial Stadium. The matchup will serve as the Pioneers' 2026 Homecoming Game, as Wayland welcomes alumni, students, and supporters back to campus for a special weekend of festivities and Sooner Athletic Conference football.
