STEPHENVILLE - - No. 4 Tarleton entered the game Saturday night wanting to make a statement to the rest of the teams in the Lone Star Conference along with the entire country. The Texans proceeded to do just that. 

A record crowd of 10,691 fans was on hand at the newly renovated Lonn Reisman Athletic Center at Memorial Stadium as Tarleton dominated the first half en route to a 58-28 win over West Texas A&M.

“I thought we had a really good first half in all three phases,” Tarleton State coach Todd Whitten said. “We still have a lot of work to do in the kicking game, but we were able to get a lot of guys some snaps. It was a good win and I’m proud of our guys.”

The win is the 12th straight regular-season victory for Tarleton and their 10th straight win at home, which is the fourth largest streak in NCAA Division II.

Ready at the Start

Tarleton opened the game with 25 points in the first quarter behind a dominant performance on both sides of the ball. The Texans had 191 total yards while the defense held WT to -11 total yards in the opening quarter.

The Texans continued their domination through the first half as they led 51-0 at the break as they rolled up 313 total yards in the first half while only allowing 12 total yards to the Buffs.

“Our defensive coordinator coach (Marcus) Patton was giving us great play calls,” said defensive back Benjie Franklin. “We were able to get three and outs and get off the field. I think we did a really good job as a defense.” 

Franklin added an exclamation point to the first half for the Texans as he returned an interception 36 yards for the final touchdown of the half.

“I was watching their quarterback the whole time and I was able to make a play and take it for (a touchdown),” said Franklin.

Power Blocking

The Texans offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage from the start of the game. The big men up front opened large holes for the running backs and did not allow any sacks on quarterback Ben Holmes.

Tarleton finished with 420 total yards of offense including 232 rushing yards. The Texans have gained over 400 total yards in each of their first three games to open the season.

“That just shows how prepared we were all week. Coach (Scott) Carey got those guys ready and I don’t think I’ve been sacked once yet this season,” said Tarleton quarterback Ben Holmes.

“The offensive line is a work in progress and there are a lot of moving parts,” said Whitten. “I think coach Carey is doing a good job with those guys and we’re going to have to continue to make progress if we’re going to make some noise down the stretch.”

Oil Country

Tarleton State will head to Odessa, Texas next week as they continue LSC play against UT Permian Basin at Ratliff Stadium.

“They’ve got a very good coaching staff and they have a very good young quarterback who’s getting better and better,” said Whitten. “We’re going to expect a very good football team.”

West Texas A&M returns home next Saturday night after a two-game road trip to host LSC foe Western New Mexico.