Nov. 7, 2007

West Texas A&M Football Notes in PDF Format

CANYON, Texas - Not willing to share the 2007 Lone Star Conference Championship after clinching at least a share of the title last weekend, the No. 4 West Texas A&M Buffaloes hit the road for their regular season finale this Saturday and will meet another foe wishing to claim a share of the LSC title. The Buffs face No. 13 Tarleton State at Tarleton Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. as the two teams compete for the Challenge Trophy, which is awarded annually to the winner of this LSC South Division rivalry match-up.

Saturday's game will be televised locally in Amarillo on KAMR with Andy Justus and Brad Fralick calling the action. The WT-TSU contest marks the fifth time this season that the Buffs have had a game televised or nationally webcast.

The Buffs, one of only three teams in NCAA-II to reach the double digit win total this season, improved to 10-0 for the first time in program history last weekend with a 31-0 victory over Central Oklahoma and this week gun for only the second ever undefeated regular season in school history. You have to look all the way back to the 1918 season to find the last unblemished record as the Buffs went 3-0 under coach Lt. Alonzo P. George.

The Buffalo defensive unit is riding a wave of success following last weekend's shutout of Central Oklahoma, its second whitewash this season and first at home since the 2000 season. Junior Jared Brock continues to be one of the nation's top play makers as he captured his third fumble recovery and added his second interception of the year. Junior Brandon Swain again was dominant on the defensive line, collecting his LSC-leading ninth sack.

Offensively, redshirt freshman running back Keithon Flemming picked up 82 total yards against the Bronchos, including 51 on the ground, to become the first WT back since since DeWayne Miles in 2000 to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. For the year, Flemming has posted 1,046 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Back-up quarterback Taylor Harris was again impressive filling in for hobbled starter Keith Null, throwing for 401 yards and three touchdowns. Null, who has not played since being injured against Abilene Christian on Oct. 20 is listed as day-to-day for Saturday's contest.

The Buffs' opponent, Tarleton State, is also enjoying an impressive season and holds a 9-1 record entering this weekend. The Texans trail only the Buffs in the LSC standings with a 7-1 overall mark in league play; their only slip up coming in a 70-63 shoot out home loss to Abilene Christian two weeks ago. TSU is led offensively by quarterback Scott Grantham, who averages 265 yards through the air per ball game and has talented wideouts Devin Guinn and Shamarr Prentice as targets. Defensively, senior defensive back Ranardrick Phillips is the unit's leader after earning LSC Defensive Back of the Year honors each of the last two seasons.

West Texas A&M vs. Tarleton State History
(TSU leads 9-7)
The WTAMU/Tarleton State series is the youngest of the Buffs' LSC opponents, dating back only to 1990. The series has consistently been a cyclical one. After the Texans took the first three meetings, WTAMU emerged victorious in five of the six ensuing games between 1994 and 1999, before the Texans swept the next five games. Momentum has once again shifted as the Buffs have won the last two meetings with the Texans.

Radio Coverage
The game can be heard in the Amarillo/Canyon area on KGNC (710 AM) and KEYE (1400 AM) in Perryton. Calling the game will be Neil Horn, entering his ninth year covering the Buffs, and Phil Woodall, entering his 20th season broadcasting WTAMU sports, on color commentary.

Internet Broadcast
The Angelo State game will streamed live on the internet at www.GoBuffsGo.com for Buff Insider members. Fans can register to be a Buff Insider on the web site - The cost to sign up is $9.95 a month or $79.95 for the whole athletic year.

Weekly Luncheons
Every week fans and media members are encouraged to join WTAMU's fall coaches (including football head coach Don Carthel) on Mondays at Noon at the Big Texan on East I-40 Amarillo. Coaches and players will be on hand for in-depth reports about their team.