COMMERCE, Texas — In an exciting matchup, East Texas A&M triumphed over Stephen F. Austin with a score of 19-14, highlighted by a crucial 5-yard touchdown pass from Ron Peace to Dayan Bilbo. This victory also marked a celebratory moment for the Lions, following a recent name change of the institution.

Just days before the game, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents decided to officially rename Texas A&M-Commerce to East Texas A&M, with the change taking immediate effect. This rebranding coincided perfectly with the team’s performance on the field.

The Lions, now boasting a record of 2-8 overall and 2-3 in the Southland Conference, faced a 14-10 deficit at halftime. However, momentum shifted in the third quarter when Luke Jackson successfully kicked a 32-yard field goal, narrowing the gap to just one point. Early in the fourth quarter, Peace delivered his second touchdown pass of the game, which secured the lead for the Lions.

In terms of individual performances, Ron Peace completed 22 of his 45 passes, amassing a total of 312 passing yards accompanied by two touchdown throws. His first touchdown was caught by Tyson Schilling just before halftime. Among the standout players, Jaden Proctor showcased impressive skills, racking up 102 receiving yards on just two receptions.

On the other side, the Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin, who now hold a record of 6-4 overall and 4-2 in conference play, saw their quarterback Gavin Rutherford complete 26 of 41 pass attempts for 193 yards. Qualan Jones contributed significantly to their ground game, rushing for 95 yards on 24 carries and scoring a touchdown. Kylon Harris was a primary target in the air attack, finishing the game with 12 receptions for 119 yards.

This match not only served as a crucial win for the Lions but also symbolized a new beginning with their fresh identity in college football.