QUITMAN, TX — October 17, 2025
The Lone Oak Buffaloes leaned on explosive plays, clutch quarterback play, and a swarming defense Friday night to pull away from the Quitman Bulldogs and secure a 41–19 road win in Week 7 of district play. The victory moves Lone Oak to 6–1 on the season and 3-0 in district. This all but solidifies a playoff spot and keeps the Buffaloes in contention for the 9-AAA district title heading into the home stretch of the regular season.
First Quarter: Trading Blows Early
Quitman came out swinging, punching in a 4-yard rushing touchdown on their opening possession to grab an early 7–0 lead. But it didn’t take long for Lone Oak to respond. On their first possession, quarterback Slayde Parnell found Alberto Sarmiento streaking down the sideline for a 59-yard touchdown bomb. Although the two-point try failed, the tone was set: Lone Oak was going to attack vertically and force Quitman to keep up.
Second Quarter: Buffaloes Break It Open
The second frame belonged to the Buffaloes. After Quitman briefly retook the lead with another rushing score (PAT no good), Lone Oak unleashed a 21-point flurry led by Alex McCallum and the passing attack.
- McCallum punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 13–13.
- Moments later, Parnell connected with Moises Perez on a 21-yard touchdown strike to take the lead.
- McCallum added his second score of the night with a powerful 7-yard TD run, extending the lead to 27–13.
Though Quitman managed a passing touchdown late in the quarter, the Buffaloes held a 27–19 halftime advantage, thanks to their offensive firepower and defensive stops when it mattered.
Third Quarter: Defense Clamps Down
The second half was where Lone Oak’s defense flexed its muscle.
Led by senior linebacker Peyton Jackson (a team-high 16 total tackles) and Sammy Rodriguez (16 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery), the Buffalo defense stiffened. Quitman, who ran 88 total plays and had over 380 yards of offense, failed to score a single point in the final two quarters. Meanwhile, Lone Oak added to its lead with a beautiful 15-yard touchdown pass from
Parnell to Max Ramirez, who had a monster night himself with 5 receptions for 114 yards and a score.
Fourth Quarter: The Finishing Touch
Lone Oak slammed the door in the final frame as Parnell threw his fourth touchdown pass of the night, finding Moises Perez again, this time from 12 yards out. Sarmiento nailed the PAT to make it 41–19, and from there, it was all about the defense securing the win.
Offensive Leaders
- QB Slayde Parnell: 11/19, 229 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT
- RB Alex McCallum: 17 carries, 124 yards, 2 TDs, long of 48 yards
- WR Max Ramirez: 5 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD
- WR Moises Perez: 3 receptions, 37 yards, 2 TDs
- WR Alberto Sarmiento: 1 reception, 59-yard TD
Despite running just 47 offensive plays (compared to Quitman’s 88), Lone Oak totaled 389 yards, with a 25% third-down efficiency and 2/3 on fourth down conversions.
Defensive Standouts
- Peyton Jackson: 16 tackles (4 solo, 12 assists)
- Sammy Rodriguez: 16 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery
- Colt Bowman: 10 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
- Christian Morris: 8 total tackles
- Tyson Hampton: 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks
- Brody Pean, Haden Thomas, Braden Hooten: 9 tackles each
The Buffalo defense forced 3 turnovers (2 fumbles, 1 interception) and tallied multiple sacks and tackles for loss, shutting out Quitman in the second half to preserve the win.
Special Teams and Field Position
- K Moi Perez: 4-for-4 on PATs
- P Alberto Sarmiento: 1 punt, 58 yards, pinned inside the 20
- Kickoff Team: Averaged over 35 yards per kick, limiting return lanes
Final Thoughts
Lone Oak proved they can win not only with speed and finesse, but also with physicality and defensive grit. Despite Quitman outgaining them in total plays and first downs, the Buffaloes’ ability to capitalize on big moments and shut the door in the second half made all the difference. They'll return to action next week with renewed confidence and playoff implications on the line. But for now, Lone Oak walks away with a statement win and a 6-1 record.