Takeaways from Texas A&M-Kingsville's come-from-behind win against UTPB
KINGSVILLE — Texas A&M-Kingsville's magical season continued and just like last week against Western New Mexico, the Javelinas found a way to win in the final minutes in front of their home crowd.
With nothing going A&M-Kingsville's way for more than three quarters, it was Jeff Lavarin, who came up with a game-changing interception that shifted all the momentum towards the Javelinas.
West Oso product Craig Clemons finished the comeback by securing a 19-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Jacob Cavazos with 1:26 remaining in the fourth quarter to give Kingsville the lead and ultimately a 13-10 win in front of a loud and packed Javelina Stadium on homecoming.
"I'm excited for our players to be in this situation," A&M-Kingsville head coach Mike Salinas said. "There are a lot of them in our locker room that haven't experienced this before. Everything we envisioned in fall camp for our program wouldn't be happening without the guys here."
With Saturday's win, Salinas and the Javelinas matched the program's best start since the 2009 season (7-0), when it was led by head coach Bo Atterberry.
"First of all, I give all the honor and glory to God," Salinas said. "I think the good Lord has continued to put his hand on our program and our players. To see these guys fight, scratch and claw to pull out a victory... I'm extremely proud.
"At the end of the day, we had three points more and found a way to win."
Hometown kid seizes the moment
This season has already been special for Clemons after the West Oso graduate recorded his first touchdown catch with the Javelinas on Sept. 10 against Sul Ross State University.
Clemons' next touchdown didn't come until nearly a month later, but it came at a critical time for the Javelinas as it proved to be the game-winner against UTPB on Saturday.
Clemons has flourished in what has been a much bigger role for him compared to last season after he served as a wide receiver and kick returner in 2021.
Clemons is off to a good start for the unbeaten Javelinas and has nearly tripled his 2021 totals with 17 catches for 270 yards.
"Coach puts me in situations to be great," Clemons said after Saturday's win against UTPB. "Nothing is going to be easy on every play, every snap. Luckily I was in the right spot at the right time."
Finding a way
The Javelinas have had different players come up with key plays in big moments. Last week it was Christian Anderson who was hero but this week, it was defensive back Jeff Lavarin.
The Javelinas could not find the end zone against the Falcons, but Lavarin had a good feeling just before recording his fifth interception of the season in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
"We were going over that play all week so I was prepared for it," Lavarin said. "Coming out of the huddle, coach was telling us to be prepared for a shot and since it was third and long, we knew it was coming. Once I saw the ball, it was time to make a play and I came down with it."
Saturday's stars
Texas A&M-Kingsville outscored the Falcons 10-3 in the second half powered by two interceptions by Isaiah Jacobs and Lavarin and three sacks. Texas A&M-Kingsville quarterback Jacob Cavazos led the way by passing for a team-best 165 yards and a touchdown. Jason Gaines caught 10 passes for 57 yards and Clemons caught five passes for 39 yards. Anderson, the reigning Lone Star Conference Player of the Week, paced the ground game with 75 yards on 19 carries. Gilbert Garza connected on field goals of 38 and 40 yards.
What's next?
The No. 21 Javelinas carry their perfect season into what could be their biggest test. A&M-Kingsville will travel to San Angelo to play No. 3 ranked Angelo State. The Rams are also unbeaten after a 52-13 win against Western New Mexico.
That game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at LeGrand Stadium.
"The message is going to stay the same," Salinas said. "We're going to have a short memory with everything we do and try to get better. Top two teams in the conference and we're going to go to work."
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Takeaways from Texas A&M-Kingsville's comeback win against UTPB
