TYLER, Texas — Wayland Baptist University Football returned to the win column Saturday night with a commanding 54-26 road victory over Texas College at CTMF Rose Stadium. The Pioneers improved to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play with the victory.
Wayland overcame an early mistake after Texas College recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown to take a 6-0 lead. The Pioneers responded immediately, as Topper Sterling broke free for a 33-yard touchdown run to put Wayland ahead 7-6. Reggie Hurley added to the quick turnaround with a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown, and Trent McLemore connected on a 36-yard field goal to extend the advantage to 17-6.
The Pioneers continued to pull away before the end of the opening quarter. Aidan Crawford connected with Jamari Jackson for a 14-yard touchdown, giving Wayland 24 unanswered points after Texas College's opening score.
Wayland carried that momentum into the second quarter. Crawford capped an 11-play, 82-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to Randall Russ before Kye Callicoatte punched in a three-yard rushing touchdown. The Pioneers entered halftime with a commanding 38-6 advantage.
The offense continued producing after the break. Maddox Plazek found Hurley for an 11-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, and Crawford later connected with Hurley for a 45-yard score to push Wayland's advantage to 52-6. Texas College scored late in the third quarter and twice in the fourth, but the Pioneers had already built a comfortable advantage. Brayden Hamby added two points for Wayland on a 97-yard defensive PAT return following a blocked extra-point attempt, helping produce the final 54-26 margin.
Wayland finished with 483 yards of total offense, including 365 through the air and 118 on the ground. The Pioneers recorded 30 first downs compared to 14 for Texas College and held the ball for 32:30. Wayland's defense also forced three turnovers, intercepting two passes and recovering a fumble.
Crawford led the passing attack, completing 22 of 32 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Sterling paced the ground game with 58 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, while Jayden Littles contributed 40 yards on nine attempts.
Hurley turned in a standout all-around performance, catching four passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns while also providing the 62-yard punt-return touchdown. Russ finished with five receptions for 54 yards and a score, while Jackson caught three passes for 30 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Hamby led Wayland with six total tackles and a tackle for loss. Anthony Miranda recorded two interceptions as the Pioneers limited Texas College to 322 yards of total offense.
Head Coach Marcos Hinojos was pleased to see his team respond and get back on track.
"It's good to get back in the win column. For three quarters, we were hitting on all cylinders, except for one or two plays. We did not allow the adversity to have a negative effect on the outcome. We have a lot to clean up, and we have some growing up to do, but we will enjoy this win. In the grand scheme of things, it's a win in a schedule of tough opponents, and it's now time to focus on our next opponent."
The Pioneers now turn their attention to another road test. Wayland will travel to face Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m.
