SFA Beats UTRGV 41-17 in Exhibition Game

Stephen F. Austin Dominates UTRGV in Vaqueros’ Historic Football Debut

Nacogdoches, Texas – Stephen F. Austin (SFA) kicked off their football season with a commanding 41-17 victory over the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros this past Saturday, August 31, at Homer Bryce Stadium. The game held significant historical weight for UTRGV, marking their program’s very first exhibition contest as they prepare for their official launch in 2025.

The Lumberjacks showcased a potent offense, with quarterbacks Sam Vidlak and Gavin Rutherford orchestrating much of the scoring. Vidlak connected on two touchdown passes, finding Quay Stokes for a 29-yard score and Kylon Harris for a 19-yarder. Rutherford also impressed, throwing a touchdown pass, punching in a 1-yard rushing touchdown himself, and successfully completing a two-point conversion to Juan Celis. SFA’s ground game was also effective, with Anthony Bonilla and Jerrell Wimbley each contributing 1-yard touchdown runs. Kicker Myles Jensen added to the Lumberjacks’ tally with a successful 42-yard field goal.

“It was great to see our guys execute and come out strong in our season opener,” said SFA Head Coach Colby Carthel. “We saw some excellent performances from our quarterbacks and a collective effort from the entire team. This provides a solid foundation as we move further into our schedule.”

For UTRGV, the exhibition game represented a monumental step in building their football program from the ground up. Though the scoreboard favored SFA, the Vaqueros displayed moments of promise and resilience. Quarterback Trevor Viti led the scoring, connecting with CJ Frazier for a spectacular 51-yard touchdown pass. Viti finished the day with 141 passing yards, while Frazier was a standout receiver with 108 total yards. The Vaqueros also found the end zone on the ground with 2-yard rushing touchdowns from Jalen Deaton and Michael Scatliffe. Kicker Ronaldo Davila added a 37-yard field goal.

“This was a historic day for UTRGV football, and I couldn’t be prouder of the effort our young men put forth,” stated UTRGV Head Coach Travis Bush. “We knew coming into Homer Bryce against a strong SFA program would be a challenge, but our players fought hard and gained invaluable experience. This is just the beginning for us, and we learned a lot that will help us grow as we officially launch next year.”

The exhibition match provided UTRGV with crucial game-day experience as they build towards their inaugural NCAA season in Fall 2025. The Vaqueros, currently a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) for other sports, are in the process of establishing their football program which is anticipated to compete at the FCS level.

Stephen F. Austin, a seasoned FCS program competing in the United Athletic Conference (UAC), utilized the game as an important tune-up for their 2024 campaign. The decisive victory gives the Lumberjacks significant momentum as they look to contend in their conference. The game drew a notable crowd to Homer Bryce Stadium, eager to witness both the Lumberjacks’ season start and the historic debut of the Vaqueros.