EDINBURG, Texas – Lamar University scored on the very first play of the game and never looked back to defeat UT Rio Grande Valley, 52-23, Saturday evening at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium. It is the first time the Vaqueros have suffered a home loss since starting their program prior to the 2025 campaign.
The Cardinals outgained their hosts, 381-282, with 212 of those coming on the ground. Junior quarterback Aiden McCown was efficient behind center completing 17 passes for 24 (.708) for 167 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball seven times for 39 yards and a score. He connected with six different receivers led by Cam Patterson’s five receptions for 46 yards.
Senior Parker Jenkins had 18 carries for 65 yards and hauled in a one pass for a 48 yard touchdown, while LaDamion Mcdown had eight carries for 55 yards.
Defensively, Lamar was led by six tackles from C.J. Miller and Bryce McDonald while McDonald also had an interception which he returned for a score on the game’s opening play.
“We opened the game and the second half with big plays,” said LU head coach Pete Rossomando. “I think big players make big plays and they were ready for the moment. I’m super impressed with our guys resiliency. They just kept coming back and our guys kept fighting which is great to see. We had some younger guys in there in the fourth quarter and I thought they did a great job closing things out.”
The fireworks started quickly with junior Bryce McDonald jumping a route to pick off a pass and return it 39 yards for a score on the first play of the game – the Cardinals’ second pick six this season. After UTRGV responded with a field goal, Lamar got the ball back and marched it down the field on a time-consuming drive. McCown led the Cardinals on a 12-play, 77-yard drive that took 8:09 off the clock and ended with a one-yard McCown TD run.
The Cardinals would answer a second Vaquero field goal with another long, sustained drive. Big Red made it a 21-6 lead following an eight-yard touchdown pass from McCown to Davin Driskell in the back of the end zone. Driskell slipped between two defenders to find himself all alone for the score. The 11-play, 59-yard drive took 5:09 off the clock.
The Vaqueros would get the ball back one more time before halftime and moved it down inside the LU 10 but the defense was once again up to the task forcing the home team to kick a field goal. The kick was good but Lamar went into the locker room with a 21-9 lead which marks the first time UTRGV has ever trailed going into halftime at home.
Just like the start of the game, Lamar opened the second half with an explosive play. Sophomore Blake Thomas took the opening kickoff of the half and returned 97 yards for a touchdown. The return made the score 28-9. Lamar would make it a 42-9 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
The Vaqueros got the ball in the end zone in the fourth quarter but would never seriously threaten the lead.
The Cardinals return to action Saturday when they host nationally ranked Stephen F. Austin. The contest against the Lumberjacks is set for a 3 p.m. kick off from Provost Umphrey Stadium. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and ESPN+.
Photo Micah Beutell
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