ODESSA, Texas - Coming off an exciting finish for UT Permian Basin (UTPB), where they defeated West Texas A&M 41-40 in overtime at home – one couldn't think of a better venue than historic Ratliff Stadium for this highly anticipated matchup on Saturday (Sep. 30) vs No. 16 Texas A&M-Kingsville.

"This is going to be a battle against a top-25 team. I think they are very talented and have one of the best defenses in the country. They have weapons everywhere," said head coach Kris McCullough. "I think they have the most dangerous guy on the field - Amos Coleman III – he is a defensive back, but if he touches the ball, he is a walking touchdown. So, knowing where he is at all times is huge."
  The Javelinas currently have the No. 1 ranked defense in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) and No. 4 ranked defense in Division II, giving up 12-points on average. They also lead the LSC in interceptions (8), are right behind UTPB in defensive touchdowns (2) and have recorded nine sacks this season.

On the offensive side, the Javelinas have the fourth ranked offense in the LSC, scoring 26.7-points per game. They have the eighth ranked rushing attack averaging 127.3 yards and seventh ranked passing attack averaging 136.7 yards. At the moment, they have two rushing touchdowns and three passing touchdowns.
  The Falcon's enter this matchup having the No. 1 ranked offense in the LSC and Division II averaging 62.5-points per game. Offensively, UTPB has been dominant through the air thanks to captain and week four LSC offensive player of the week, Kenny Hrncir – who is currently, leading the LSC in passing yards (1,199) and ranked No. 7 in Division II in that category. Overall, The Falcons average 322.3 yards per game in the air and have 16 passing touchdowns, which is No. 1 in the LSC.

"As long as we have Hrncir and have a shot to win a game, if we can put the ball in his hands to win a game with that talent around him – running backs, wide receivers and offensive line – we are going to have a good shot to do that," said McCullough.

"He is probably one of the best quarterbacks I've ever played with," said wide receiver Jeremiah Cooley. "That guy is a playmaker, he is going to find ways to get it done. I love playing with that guy. He came in the summer and we had to get something's fixed and squared away and I'm glad we did."

Cooley is currently ranked No. 1 in the LSC in touchdown receptions with five. He also is leading UTPB in receiving yards with 278 yards. Right behind him is Laquan Wells who has 216 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Ben Patterson also knows how to find the endzone having three touchdowns so far this season.

In the run game, UTPB has the No. 3 rush attack averaging 192.8 yards on the ground and is tied for first in the LSC in rushing touchdowns (14). They are led by Kory Harris who has 219 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Hrncir is one yard (218) behind him with three touchdowns. Leading the team in rushing touchdowns is Nemier Herod who has found the endzone four times.
  While the offense has been in the spotlight for their high scoring performances, the defense is just as elite and dangerous when they are clicking on all cylinders. The Falcons have the No. 4 ranked defense in LSC only giving up 20.5-points and at the moment, UTPB is currently leading the LSC in defensive touchdowns (3), tied for first in sacks (11), second in interceptions (7) and are right behind the Javelina's in total yards allowed (891). 

"Defensively, we have such great players and leaders on that side of the ball," said McCullough. "Even though we didn't have our leader and team captain - Hayden Kelly - in the game anymore he was a leader on the sideline. I'm proud of the fight in this team. Not once did anyone on that sideline think this game was over."

Elden Titania leads the defense in sacks with three and is tied with Kamren Amao in pass breakups with three. Seven players – Amao, Sean Burks, Malik Allen, Dequan Street, Layne Horak, Coby Calvin, and Jamarion Ravenell – have recorded an interception this season. Leading the team in tackles with 27 is Kelly.