Stephen F. Austin Dominates UT Rio Grande Valley in 41-17 Victory
In an electrifying matchup on Saturday night, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks showcased their prowess by defeating the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros with an impressive score of 41-17. The Lumberjacks, currently ranked No. 23 in the FCS coaches’ poll, extended their winning streak to five games within the Southland Conference.
Early Game Momentum
The Lumberjacks established dominance early. Quarterback Sam Vidlak threw two touchdown passes, and backup quarterback Gavin Rutherford contributed significantly with a touchdown both through the air and on the ground. Stephen F. Austin quickly surged to a 17-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The scoring began with Rutherford and teammate Jaylen Jenkins each executing 1-yard touchdown runs. Carlos Alvarado also contributed with a 30-yard field goal to cap off the quarter.
A Strong First Half
Vidlak, demonstrating precise passing, connected with Clayton Wayland for a 9-yard touchdown towards the end of a stunning 13-play, 96-yard drive. Alvarado added a second field goal before halftime, expanding the advantage to 27-0. The Vaqueros struggled offensively, managing only three first downs and a mere 49 yards before the break.
Continued Control in the Second Half
The Lumberjacks didn’t let up after halftime. Vidlak found Kylon Harris for a 6-yard touchdown in the third quarter, further extending the lead. Rutherford added a 10-yard touchdown pass to Wayland in the fourth quarter, solidifying the team’s authoritative performance.
Quarterback Performance
Sam Vidlak completed 25 of 32 passes for 203 yards, showcasing his skill in managing the game efficiently. His counterpart, Rutherford, performed commendably in relief, tossing 6-for-10 passes for 62 yards.
For UT Rio Grande Valley, Eddie Lee Marburger threw for 115 yards on 16-for-24 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Vaqueros managed to score points with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tony Diaz and a scoring run from Aidan Jakobsohn later in the game.
Conclusion
In summary, Stephen F. Austin’s decisive victory reaffirms their strong presence in the Southland Conference, putting them at 7-2 overall and 5-0 in conference play. As they continue their season, they remain a team to watch, making a compelling case for their playoff aspirations.
For more details about Division I college football and breaking news, visit AP Sports. Stay up to date with Stephen F. Austin’s journey this season as they aim for the top of the leaderboard.
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In an action-filled evening, the Lumberjacks demonstrated their championship potential—a true showing of teamwork and skill on the football field.
