Commerce, Texas, October 26, 2025
News Summary
In a gripping Southland Conference encounter, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks secured a 31-21 victory against the East Texas A&M Lions. The game showcased standout performances, particularly from quarterback Sam Vidlak, who racked up over 300 passing yards. The Lumberjacks adapted to early challenges posed by the Lions and managed to pull through with crucial touchdowns in the second half. This win strengthens Stephen F. Austin’s ranking, making them a team to watch in the FCS coaches poll.
Commerce, Texas
In a thrilling matchup, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defeated the East Texas A&M Lions 31-21 in a Southland Conference showdown on Saturday night. This victory further solidifies Stephen F. Austin’s position in the rankings, as they are currently placed at No. 23 in the FCS coaches poll.
The game opened with a scoring play delivered by quarterback Sam Vidlak, who passed to Kylon Harris for a 13-yard touchdown. The Lumberjacks quickly set the pace, but the Lions responded effectively. Quarterback Ron Peace connected on a 21-yard touchdown pass to Devin Matthews, putting East Texas A&M on the board. Peace then added a 6-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter, giving the Lions a narrow 14-7 lead at one point.
Stephen F. Austin countered with a 1-yard touchdown run from Gavin Rutherford, tying the game at 14-14 by halftime. The second quarter remained scoreless, but the momentum shifted in the third quarter with Vidlak connecting again with Harris for a spectacular 38-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Lumberjacks ahead to a 21-14 lead.
East Texas A&M’s KJ Shankle contributed to the Lions’ resilience, scoring on a 1-yard run that leveled the contest at 21-all early in the fourth quarter. However, critical mistakes set the stage for Stephen F. Austin’s victory. A defensive play by Lavon Williams saw him intercept Vidlak and return it 46 yards, creating a scoring opportunity for the Lions.
Despite their effort, East Texas A&M could not capitalize, and Stephen F. Austin surged back ahead with another touchdown run from Rutherford, marking his second of the night and wrapping up a vital 12-play drive. This score made it 28-21. In the closing minutes, kicker Carlos Alvarado secured the victory with a 40-yard field goal, finalizing the score at 31-21.
Vidlak’s performance included 309 passing yards from 30 of 46 attempts, though he faced challenges with three interceptions. His primary target, Kylon Harris, had a standout game with 16 receptions for 183 yards, setting new career highs. On the ground, Jerrell Wimbley added depth with 124 rushing yards on 26 carries for the Lumberjacks.
In contrast, East Texas A&M struggled offensively, managing only 10 rushing yards on 20 attempts. Peace ended the game with 250 passing yards after completing 18 of 37 passes, alongside one interception. The Lions’ efforts fell short, as their solid start could not hold against the steady momentum and scoring capability of Stephen F. Austin.
Key Performers
- Sam Vidlak – 309 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
- Kylon Harris – 16 receptions, 183 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Gavin Rutherford – 2 rushing touchdowns, 1-yard runs
- Ron Peace – 250 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
- KJ Shankle – 1 rushing touchdown
Game Highlights
- Stephen F. Austin took the lead in the third quarter with a significant touchdown.
- Vidlak’s interceptions posed a challenge but were overshadowed by his passing yardage.
- The game featured a final surge from the Lumberjacks with a closing field goal.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Stephen F. Austin 31, East Texas A&M 21.
Where did the game take place?
The game took place on Saturday night in Commerce, Texas.
Who were the key players in the game?
Key players included Sam Vidlak, Kylon Harris, and Gavin Rutherford from Stephen F. Austin, and Ron Peace from East Texas A&M.
How many rushing yards did East Texas A&M manage?
East Texas A&M managed only 10 rushing yards on 20 attempts.
Game Overview Chart
| Team | Score | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F. Austin | 31 | 309 | 124 | Sam Vidlak, Kylon Harris, Gavin Rutherford |
| East Texas A&M | 21 | 250 | 10 | Ron Peace |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Lion Athletics: Game Week No. 20-24 Lamar
- Wikipedia: Stephen F. Austin State University
- MaxPreps: Commerce Extends Winning Streak
- Google Search: East Texas A&M vs Stephen F. Austin football
- USA Today High School Sports: How to Watch Commerce vs Winnsboro
- Google Scholar: Southland Conference football
- Beaumont Enterprise: Lamar Cardinals Comeback Win
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southland Conference Showdown
- MaxPreps: Commerce Skates Past Winnsboro
- Google News: Stephen F. Austin vs East Texas A&M
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
