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The UTRGV Vaqueros football have set up the stage at the Southland Conference with a record of 2-2. The Vaqueros are expected to compete in seven more games this season with the last game being against East Texas A&M Saturday, as of press time results are not available.
The Vaqueros have two wins against UT Permian Basin, 44-0, and McNeese State University, 27-10, and two losses against UT San Antonio, 45-16, and Nicholls State University, 31-28.
These games have made the Vaqueros evolve after every gain and setback, having a new change of procedure during any new obstacle. The changing of routine developed from the coaching staff is what keeps the team prepared.
Head coach Travis Bush said in a news conference video posted by GOUTRGV that the team’s changing practice procedures are intended to keep players from becoming too comfortable.
“We’re always evaluating stuff, especially after the last game in [Nicholls] … we’re creatures of habit, you know, we get in a routine and set a routine, everything on the road is not a routine.” Bush said. “So, anything that is routine, we’ve totally mixed it up, and trained those guys to not worry about things you can’t control, and that’s been the biggest thing this week.”
Junior quarterback Aidan Jakobsohn has recorded 545 passing yards, 115 rushing yards, four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns this season.
Adrian Hernandez/THE RIDER
Jakobsohn helped the Vaqueros build a lead during the McNeese State game after entering the game in the first quarter when quarterback Garret Rangel left with a shoulder injury. Jakobsohn finished with 202 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
Junior running back TJ Dement has recorded 224 rushing yards and one touchdown this season. Against McNeese State, Dement secured a career-high rushing total and longest-career run of 53 yards.
The performance gave Dement a strike of confidence in his offensive abilities and he plans to continue this skill for later games, he said.
“Last year was kind of more getting used to the level, the game, the speed, everything and making sure I know my assignment and this year I want to come out here,” he said. “I’ve had almost 3 years now to know my assignment and everything, so now it’s ‘go out there’, play my game, play physical, play free. So, it definitely feels great to be able to go out there and do that.”
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Junior wide receiver Jaydon Smith is second on the team for receiving yards and led the Vaqueros in receiving yards against McNeese State. Smith credits his speed for his performance, while also mentioning his deceptiveness. He knows when he needs to be open or defensive.
“Speed’s been working for me on the deep ball, being deceptive on my routes when going deep,” Smith said. “Then on the intermediate balls, catching the ball and making somebody miss or making somebody break in the tackle.”
Smith said junior wide receiver Kyran Lee helps create space during plays.
“I think both of us attract defenders, if Kyran has a deep route, and I have something short they’re most likely to carry deep and leave something open for me,” Smith said. “Or, if I have a deep route and he has something short, they’re going to carry me. We kind of work together in a way that makes each other open most of the time.”
The Vaqueros will host Southeastern Louisiana University at 7 p.m. Saturday.
