NACOGDOCHES, Texas (AP) — In an impressive display of offensive prowess, Gavin Rutherford propelled the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks to a commanding 44-7 victory over East Texas A&M on Saturday night. Rutherford not only rushed for two touchdowns but also threw for 140 yards, showcasing his versatility as a quarterback. Jaylen Jenkins contributed to the scoring with a rushing touchdown of his own, helping the Lumberjacks secure their second win of the season.
The Lumberjacks, now 2-0 overall and 2-0 in Southland Conference play, are currently ranked 13th in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25. This victory marked their sixth consecutive home opener win and extended their winning streak to 12 games, a remarkable turnaround since starting the 2025 season with two losses.
After a slow start that saw them go three-and-out on their opening drive, Stephen F. Austin quickly found their rhythm. They scored on three consecutive drives, establishing a 21-7 lead over the Lions. A pivotal moment came when the Lumberjacks capitalized on an interception at the East Texas A&M 5-yard line, allowing them to add three more points before halftime, further solidifying their advantage.
In the third quarter, Jenkins broke free for a spectacular 40-yard touchdown run, which expanded the Lumberjacks' lead even further. As the game progressed, the Lumberjacks added another field goal, bringing the final score to 44-7. Preston Alford led the rushing attack with 76 yards on just six carries, including a notable 51-yard sprint. Meanwhile, Clayton Wayland was a reliable target for Rutherford, catching all four of his passes for a total of 46 yards.
Field goal kicker Carlos Alvarado had a perfect night, successfully converting all three of his attempts from distances of 23, 26, and 37 yards, contributing significantly to the Lumberjacks' scoring efforts.
On the other side of the field, East Texas A&M's quarterback Eric Rodriguez completed 9 of 16 passes for 110 yards, managing one touchdown but also throwing two interceptions, which hampered the Lions' offensive efforts throughout the game.
Looking ahead, East Texas A&M will host Northwestern State next Saturday, while Stephen F. Austin is set to visit Abilene Christian to kick off their nonconference schedule. With this victory, the Lumberjacks are looking to build momentum as they continue their pursuit of success in the season.
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