CANYON, Texas -- The Azusa Pacific defense rose to the occasion with the 2017 season opener hanging in the balance, as Adrian Shocks scooped up a fumble and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown to finish off a 24-13 win over West Texas A&M.

The No. 13-ranked Cougars kept the Buffs offense out of the end zone, surrendering two field goals after the West Texas A&M defense snapped the shutout with a third-quarter interception return for touchdown. The Buffs scored field goals on consecutive possessions before the game-turning fumble, cutting the Azusa Pacific lead to 17-13 before taking over at its own 15-yard line with 2:42 to play.

Senior QB Andrew Elffers completed 15-of-22 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown, connecting with sophomore WR Weston Carr for a 27-yard third-quarter score which answered the Buffs' pick-six. Carr finished with 9 catches for 161 yards, and his touchdown gave the Cougars a 17-7 lead with 4:18 left in the third quarter.

The teams were statistically even in total yardage with 317 yards each, although West Texas A&M found its success on the ground with 223 rushing yards. Defensively, the Cougars registered three sacks, all by defensive linemen.

WHAT'S NEXT: Azusa Pacific kicks off the eight-game Great Northwest Athletic Conference schedule by hosting Humboldt State in the Cougars' home opener.

IN THEIR WORDS

Head Coach Victor Santa Cruz


Junior LB Adrian Shocks (8 tackles, 46-yard fumble return TD)


Sophomore WR Weston Carr (9 receptions, 161 yards, 27-yard TD reception)