By NATHAN BURAL
E-T Sports Staff
nathan.bural@empiretribune.com

It's one of the biggest rivalries in Tarleton State football - just not lately.

Coming off their first win of the season, the Texans (1-3, 1-1) will host No. 20 West Texas A&M (2-1, 2-0) Saturday in a Lone Star Conference game at Memorial Stadium.

"It's not a rivalry," said Tarleton head coach Cary Fowler. "It's a butt kicking. There's a distinct difference because in a rivalry, you have to win one. It's been a long time since the Texans have won against them. As long as I've been here, it's been a one-sided affair.

"My guys aren't worried though," he added. "They're really not thinking about it because most of these guys haven't played against West Texas before - or Abilene Christian or Midwestern or anyone else for that matter. They won't recognize it because it's just the next game to us."

West Texas currently holds a six-game win streak over the Texans, with WTAMU head coach Don Carthel holding a perfect 6-0 mark against Tarleton.

The Buffaloes will test the young Tarleton secondary with an "explosive" passing attack led by quarterback Dustin Vaughan.

Vaughan, a six-foot, five-inch sophomore from Corpus Christi Calallen, has thrown from 898 yards on 64-98 passing for eight touchdowns and three interceptions - leading to a QB efficiency rating of 163.09.

"They are very explosive," said Fowler. "About 85-percent of their scores come on big plays over the top. (Vaughan) throws a great deep ball and he can hit multiple guys over the top for big plays."

Fowler said Jeremy Watson, a 5-10, 200-pound sophomore from Lubbock Estacado, may be the most explosive weapon WTAMU has at a skill position.

The Buffs are averaging 39 points per game thus far with wins over Texas A&M-Kingsville and Incarnate Word.

The Tarleton secondary, which is holding opponents to 252 passing yards per game, will be charged with slowing down the prolific passing attack.

"I told them, just don't get beat deep," said Fowler. "We've been playing very well in the secondary and we're going to have to mix up our coverages with them. Our guys are going to be prepared, they'll work hard and they have confidence in their ability to get the job done."

Leading the secondary is sophomore Dashaun Phillips who, after a two-pick performance against Eastern New Mexico, is leading the Texans with four interceptions on the season. Terrence Henry and Desmond Jackson have also intercepted a pass this season.

As for the Tarleton offense, the offensive line will be responsible for slowing down a big, physical defensive line led by 6-3, 285-pound defensive end Tyrell Higgins, who has eight tackles, three for a loss, and two sacks through three games.

"This defense is very talented," said Fowler. "It wouldn't take people very long to watch tape and realize this is one of the best defenses West Texas has had in a long time. They have a great defensive line and they're three deep, so we will have to protect (Tarleton QB) Nick (Stephens)."

Protecting Stephens has been easier said than done through four games as the senior from Flower Mound has found himself sacked 12 times including eight against Abilene Christian in the season opener.

"They probably won't even blitz very much because their front four comes so hard," added Fowler. "We just have to hold on, fight hard, and die slow. We have to protect Nick."

As for Tarleton, a new offensive weapon appeared to emerge in Eastern New Mexico last Saturday in the form of junior college transfer Courtney Vaughn.

Vaughn led the Texans with 96 yards on 15 carries in his first extensive action of the season last week.

"Courtney got the opportunity because Brandon Lowery was sick and couldn't make the trip," said Fowler. "Courtney is a great kid and he really took advantage of his opportunity last week. We're in a good situation with our running game because we have three guys competing for carries, four now because Justin Sturns has had a great week of practice, and they are all running hard and valuing each carry they get."

The Texan offense saw both its big-play receivers - Roddy Green and Clifton Rhodes - get into the action in Blackwater Draw.

Rhodes topped 100 yards receiving for the third time in four games with a nine-catch, 130-yard performance, while Green snagged eight passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. Saturday.

Live stats are available on TarletonSports.com and live radio feed is courtesy KSTV 93.1 FM.