Box Score CANYON, Texas – McMurry University could not slow down the West Texas A&M offense in a 58-13 loss in the first round of the Lone Star Conference playoffs at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. The War Hawks fell to 2-7 after losing to WTAMU for the second time this season, while the Buffaloes improved to 6-4.
 
An already depleted War Hawks offense – missing starting quarterback Matt McHugh who was injured two weeks ago – took another blow before the game even began. Standout wide receiver Jeret Smith was ruled out of the contest, after suffering a concussion in practice during the week.
 
The Buffs tallied on every one of their drives in the first half, carrying 41-13 lead into the locker room. WTAMU built a 24-0 advantage before McM was able to mount a response.
 
With 12:38 left in the second period, McMurry drove 75 yards in four plays. The capper was a beautiful 29-yard run around left end by junior Paxton Grayer. Joey Silva's extra point kick made it 24-7.
 
The War Hawks second TD of the game came via its special teams. After a muffed punt return attempt by the Buffs rolled into the end zone, Marlon Jackson was the man on the spot to recover the loose ball for a touchdown. The failed PAT left the score at 31-13 with 5:26 left until the intermission.
 
WTAMU added 17 second half points, while holding the War Hawks scoreless the final 30 minutes of the game.
 
The Buffs out-gained McM by a margin of 500 yards to 211 for the evening. The War Hawks picked up 112 yards on the ground and 99 passing.
 
Grayer had a combined 113 yards in the game, 60 rushing and 53 receiving. Charles Agugua and Emmanuel Mulumba had 40 and 37 receiving yards, respectively.
 
Defensively, McM junior defensive back Ryan Williams shared game-high honors with 10 tackles (four solo). Lineman Calvin Middlebrooks amassed six total tackles.

Senior defensive back Gregory Pinckney made his first interception of the season at the end of the third quarter, as well.