Texas Small College Roundup: Incarnate Word notches program-building win over SFA

By Soobum Im

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Team of the Week:

FCS Incarnate Word Cardinals

Last Week: UIW (1-2, 1-0) head coach Eric Morris earned his first career win and the Cardinals' first win over Stephen F. Austin (0-2, 0-1) in program history 31-7 in San Antonio on Saturday. RB Ra’Quanne Dickens was a beast as he gained 220 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. ILB West Lambert had 14 tackles to lead a defense that came up with numerous crucial stops during the game. The Cardinal defense forced two interceptions, recovered a fumble, and forced the ‘Jacks to turn the ball over on downs four times.

The Verdict: This is a huge win for an Incarnate Word, which is in year one of changing its offensive identity. This will also provide plenty of confidence as the Cardinals prepare for their next conference game at Abilene Christian. This is a young football team that should be fun to watch over the next few years.

This Week: UIW has a bye this week before they travel to Abilene to face Abilene Christian on Sept. 29 at a time to be determined.

NCAA DI FCS Recap

No. 11 Sam Houston State Bearkats

Last Week: Sam Houston State (1-1) saw their 21-game home win streak snapped as North Dakota (2-1) left Huntsville with a 24-23 victory. The Bearkats offense struggled to move the ball consistently, as they finished with only 300 yards total offense. QB Michael Dare led the offense as he completed 20-of-31 passes for 201 yards. The Kats defense allowed 189 total rushing yards to the Fighting Hawks.

The Verdict: The typically explosive Kats offense has struggled so far this year to gain traction. This week’s game is extremely crucial to the Bearkats playoff hopes, as they face a good Nicholls State team coming off a loss last week.

This Week: SHSU travels to Thibodaux, La., to open Southland Conference play Saturday for a 3 p.m. game against Nicholls State (1-2, 0-1). The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

Prairie View A&M Panthers

Last Week: PVAMU (1-3) allowed 34 first half points as they lost to FBS UNLV (2-1) 46-17 in Las Vegas last Saturday. The Panthers defense struggled against the run as they allowed 318 rushing yards to the Rebels. WR Kalen Riles had four receptions for 134 yards to lead the receiving corps. LB Anthony Stubbs recorded 10 tackles and a sack for the Panthers defense.

The Verdict: PVAMU has played a tough non-conference schedule this year. After this week, the Panthers will face the gauntlet of the SWAC at Grambling State and then host Southern and Alcorn State.

This Week: The Panthers will continue their four-game road trip as they travel to Pine Bluff, Ark., to open SWAC play against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-2) Saturday at 6 p.m.

Abilene Christian Wildcats

Last week: ACU (2-1, 1-0) scored 38 unanswered points as they defeated Houston Baptist (1-2, 0-2) 38-13 Saturday. The Wildcats rushed for 335 total yards, with RB Tracy James gaining 125 yards on 19 carries and Tyrese White adding 118 yards and a touchdown on six carries. LB Jeremiah Chambers totaled eight tackles, one sack, and two fumble recoveries to lead a very impressive defensive effort for ACU.

The Verdict: The Wildcats defense controlled the explosive Huskies offense all night and the ground game wore down HBU as the offense held the ball for over 36 minutes. ACU has a good chance for another conference win this week against a reeling Stephen F. Austin.

This Week: ACU is on the road again this week in another crucial conference game at they travel to Nacogdoches to play Stephen F. Austin (0-2, 0-1) Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+.

Lamar Cardinals

Last Week: The Cardinals (1-2, 0-1) staged a furious rally after an early 28-point deficit before having the potential game-tying point-after attempt blocked late in a 49-48 heartbreaking loss to Northwestern State (2-1, 1-0). QB Darrel Colbert had an incredible performance as he completed 15-of-31 passes for 263 and four touchdowns, while adding 157 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

The Verdict: This was a heartbreaking loss to open conference play for the Cardinals as each of their last three games against the Demons have gone down to the wire. Lamar’s pass defense has allowed 893 yards in their last two games.

This Week: Lamar will host Southeastern Louisiana (0-3, 0-1) at 6 p.m. on Saturday in the Cardinals homecoming game. The game will be live streamed on ESPN3.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

Last Week: The Lumberjacks (0-2, 0-1) couldn’t overcome a 24-point halftime deficit as they lost on the road to Incarnate Word (1-2, 1-0) 31-7 Saturday. The SFA defense only allowed 111 total yards in the second half after allowing 31 points and 342 total yards in the opening half. The offense struggled to convert on critical downs after starting QB Foster Sawyer had to leave the game due to injury.

The Verdict: This is a tough loss for a SFA program still reeling from the resignation of their head coach less than 4 weeks from the start of the season. Keeping this team together will be a challenge for interim head coach Jeff Byrd as their schedule is brutal over the next four weeks.

This Week: The ‘Jacks welcome Abilene Christian (2-1, 1-0) to Homer Bryce Stadium Saturday for a 6 p.m. start. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+.

Houston Baptist Huskies

Last Week: The Huskies (1-2, 0-2) struggled with inconsistency on offense and the defense could not contain the Abilene Christian (2-1, 1-0) ground game as they lost at home 38-13. HBU defense was on the field for 36:20 as they allowed 335 rushing yards to the Wildcats. QB Bailey Zappe completed 18 of 27 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown to lead an offense that was stymied most of the night.

The Verdict: This is a disappointing effort offensively for an HBU team that came into the game averaging 41.5 points and 481.5 yards per game. The Huskies will try to right the ship on their bye week as their schedule does not provide any breathing room.

This Week: HBU has the week off before they travel to Dallas to face SMU on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.

Texas Southern Tigers

Last Week: The Tigers (1-2, 0-1) second half rally fell short as they lost to 27-15 to Alcorn State (2-1, 1-0) Saturday in Lorman, Miss. The TSU defense struggled to contain a good Alcorn State offense as they allowed 455 total yards. QB Glen Cuiellette led the offense as he completed 24 of 45 passes for 294 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Tigers rushing attack gained 0 total yards against a suffocating Braves defense.

The Verdict: The offense continues to struggle for TSU this year. The Tigers will have a difficult time gaining any yards this week as they face an angry Houston defense. After facing Houston, they will have a bye week to try and get the offense going.

This Week: TSU travels across town this week as they play Houston (2-1) Saturday at 7 p.m. at TDECU Stadium. The game will be live streamed on ESPN3.

NCAA DII Recap

No. 1 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions

Last Week: The Lions (3-0 2-0) faced the daunting triple option attack of Eastern New Mexico (0-3, 0-1) and left Portales, N.M., with a hard fought 21-11 victory. RB Carandal Hale led the Commerce offense with 101 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries while E.J. Thompson contributed 84 yards rushing and a touchdown on 17 carries. LB Brucks Saathoff had 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks to lead an impressive defense that held ENMU to 215 total yards.

The Verdict: Do not read too much into the Lions performance this week offensively. Portales is always a difficult place to play, but the Lions were very impressive defensively against the Greyhounds tough triple option attack.

This Week: The Lions return home after a two-game road trip to face Super Region Four foe No. 22 Colorado State-Pueblo (2-1, 2-1) Saturday at 6 p.m.

No. 7 Midwestern State Mustangs

Last Week: The Mustangs (3-0, 1-0) overcame a sluggish start as they defeated UT Permian Basin (0-3, 0-1) 43-21 at Ratliff Stadium in Odessa. The high-octane offense of MSU Texas racked up 564 total yards led by QB Layton Rabb who completed 20 of 34 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns. RB Vincent Johnson rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns while WR Juwan Johnson added 132 yards on eight receptions.

The Verdict: MSU Texas was able to take care of business this week following their big win the week prior. This week will present a new challenge as the Mustangs offense will have their hands full with the Angelo State defense.

This Week: The Mustangs return home to face LSC foe Angelo State (2-1, 1-0) at Memorial Stadium Saturday at 7 p.m.

Tarleton State Texans

Last Week: The Texans (2-0, 1-0) dominated West Texas A&M (1-2, 0-1) 44-7 Saturday to bring the Challenge Trophy back to Stephenville. Tarleton racked up 419 yards of total offense led by QB Ben Holmes, who had 194 passing yards on 13 completions while adding 56 yards and a touchdown on the ground. DB Prince Robinson had two interceptions to lead a dominating defensive performance as they held the Buffaloes to 123 total yards.

The Verdict: This Texans team is a true contender to challenge MSU Texas and Texas A&M-Commerce for the LSC crown. Tarleton State should continue their dominance this week against UTPB, but the challenge in their schedule is facing both conference favorites on the road.

This Week: Tarleton State returns to newly renovated Memorial Stadium as they host UT Permian Basin (0-3, 0-1) Saturday at 7 p.m.

Angelo State Rams

Last Week: The Rams (2-1, 1-0) used a stingy defense and a strong rushing attack to defeat Texas A&M-Kingsville (1-2, 0-2) 30-14 in a rain soaked LSC contest. RB Tyrese Nathan gained 125 yards rushing on 25 carries and RB Spencer Gilbert added 2 touchdowns for the Rams. ASU defense held the Javelinas to 206 total yards led by LB Grant Aschenbeck recorded 15 tackles and a sack.

The Verdict: The Rams strength this year is a suffocating defense. This defense will be challenged this week against the explosive MSU Texas offense. ASU will look to control the clock this week in a critical LSC game.

This Week: ASU travels to Wichita Falls this week for a key LSC game at 7 p.m. against No. 7 Midwestern State (3-0, 1-0).

Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas

Last Week: A rain-soaked field key mistakes were too much for the Javelinas (1-2, 0-2) as they lost 30-14 at Angelo State (2-1, 1-0). DB Devonte Williams had nine tackles and forced two fumbles to lead a defense that played well in the difficult field conditions. The Hogs offense struggled to gain any traction against a stingy Rams defense, as they totaled 206 yards for the game.

The Verdict: Key mistakes at inopportune times has doomed the Javelinas in their two LSC games this year. This week will not be any easier, as the triple option attack of Eastern New Mexico pays a visit to Kingsville.

This Week: The Javelinas return home this week to face Eastern New Mexico (0-3, 0-1) at Pepsi Field at 7 p.m. Saturday.

West Texas A&M Buffaloes

Last Week: The Buffaloes (1-2, 0-1) did not open their final season at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium the way they wanted as they lost the Challenge Trophy 44-7 to Tarleton State (2-0, 1-0). WT struggled offensively as they had four turnovers and only gained 123 yards in the game. The defense also struggled as they allowed the Texans to gain 419 total yards.

The Verdict: This was a tough loss for a West Texas team looking to show improvement after their struggles last season. This week is not any easier for the Buffs as they take the long road trip to Western New Mexico to play at the always tough Altamirano Field. 

This Week: WT goes on the road this week to Silver City, N.M., to face a dangerous Western New Mexico (0-2) team Saturday at 1 p.m.

UT Permian Basin Falcons

Last Week: The Falcons (0-3, 0-1) were only down seven at halftime to the visiting MSU Texas Mustangs (3-0, 1-0) before falling 43-21 Saturday. UTPB QB Taylor Null had 22 completions on 35 attempts for 300 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense. RB Marquis Simmons added 101 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries for the Falcons. The defense struggled against the high-octane Mustangs offense as they allowed 564 total yards.

The Verdict: UPTB has improved each year in the LSC and this year is no different. However, the LSC schedule is brutal every year and Falcons will face another tough team this week at Tarleton State.

This Week: The Falcons go on the road to Stephenville to face Tarleton State (2-0, 1-0) Saturday at 7 p.m.

NCAA DIII Recap

No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders

Last Week:  UMHB (2-0, 1-0) continue to roll Saturday as they won 68-7 in Alpine against Sul Ross State (0-2, 0-1). Three Cru running backs had over 100 yards rushing each led by Markeith Miller who gained 213 yards on 19 carries while adding 3 touchdowns. Olan Vining added 123 yards and a touchdown while Marquis Duncan contributed 120 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns.

The Verdict:  Most of the attention on the Cru is focused on how many points they score each week with their dominating offense. Just as impressive is the defense who only allowed 112 total yards to the Lobos. The defense will be the key to a National Championship run this year.

This Week:  UMHB will finish off their season opening three-game road trip as they travel to Seguin to play Texas Lutheran (2-0, 1-0) Saturday at 6 p.m.

No. 8 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys

Last Week: The Cowboys (2-0, 1-0) overcame two rain delays to roll over Louisiana College (0-2, 0-1) 57-21 in Pineville, La. The offense gained 583 total yards, led by All-American RB Jaquan Hemphill, who had 150 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 17 attempts. WR Reese Childress contributed 88 yards receiving and two touchdowns on 10 receptions. HSU defense was dominant as they only allowed 274 total yards.

The Verdict: Hardin-Simmons was never supposed to be challenged in this game, but it is nice to see the team show composure during the weather delays. The schedule will increase in difficulty after this week.

This Week: HSU begins a two-game home stand this week as they host ASC rival Howard Payne (1-1, 1-0) Saturday at 6 p.m.

East Texas Baptist Tigers

Last Week: The Tigers (1-1, 1-0) used a lethal passing attack to dominate Southwestern, (Texas) (2-1, 1-1) 51-21 in their ASC opener. QB Brian Baca completed 20-of-31 passes for 391 yards and three touchdowns to lead an offense that gained 433 total passing yards. WR Richard Johnson led the receiving corps with 191 yards on six catches and two touchdowns. The ETBU defense forced four fumbles as they limited the dangerous Pirates rushing attack to 154 total yards.

The Verdict: This was an impressive game for ETBU on both sides of the ball. The biggest surprise was the margin of victory. They will need to focus this week and take care of business at Belhaven before they face No. 8 Hardin-Simmons.

This Week: ETBU begins a two-game road trip as they travel to Jackson, Miss., to face Belhaven (0-2, 0-1) in an ASC game Saturday at 7 p.m.

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs

Last Week: The Bulldogs (2-0, 1-0) used a suffocating defense to earn a shutout victory 23-0 over Belhaven (0-2, 0-1) in Jackson, Miss. The defense only allowed 209 total yards as they recorded a safety, recovered two fumbles, produced five sacks, collected eight tackles for loss and blocked a punt. Chris Monroe led the offensive attack with 130 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

The Verdict: TLU has looked solid in the first two weeks. The Bulldogs will need their defense to shine Saturday if they have any hope of an upset at home against UMHB.

This Week: TLU returns home this week to face No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (2-0, 1-0) at 6 p.m. Saturday in Bulldog Stadium.

Southwestern University Pirates

Last Week: The Pirates (2-1, 1-1) were unable to recover from four lost fumbles and the high-octane passing attack of East Texas Baptist (1-1, 1-0) as they lost 51-21 Saturday. RB Kalon Heim led the SU offense with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. The Pirates defense struggled against the Tigers passing offense as they allowed 433 yards passing.

The Verdict: Southwestern depends on a potent rushing attack and ball control. The Pirates obviously cannot afford to fumble the ball if they want to compete against the better teams in conference.

This Week: The Pirates will continue ASC play this week as they host Louisiana College (0-2, 0-1) Saturday at 6 p.m.

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers

Last Week: Facing a muddy field and a stout defense, Trinity (1-2, 0-1) could only manage 203 total yards of offense as they fell 10-7 at home to Millsaps (3-0, 1-0). There were 11 fumbles combined as the messy field conditions were problematic for both offenses. RB Evan McDowell led all ball carriers with 97 yards rushing on 22 carries. LB Kievan Boudreaux-Bostic had 13 tackles and a forced fumble to lead a defense that only allowed 242 yards.

The Verdict: The Tigers have lost two in a row to a couple of good teams. Moving the ball in this game was never going to be easy against a team that has only allowed 10 total points in three games, and the rainy conditions did not play into the Tigers favor.

This Week: Trinity will have a week off before they return home to face SAA opponent Birmingham Southern on Sept. 29.

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets

Last Week: In a game that featured a two-hour lightning delay, the Yellow Jackets (1-1, 1-0) slid by McMurry (0-3, 0-2) 37-31 in double overtime Saturday in Brownwood. RB Kaidrion Latson gained 126 yards rushing on 26 carries to lead the offense, while QB Gage McClanahan added four touchdowns through the air. DL Collin Wright had 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks to lead a defense that totaled four sacks and forced two interceptions.

The Verdict: HPU was possibly caught looking ahead to this week’s game against Hardin-Simmons. The Yellow Jackets do have reason to be concerned about their team after the first two weeks, and this week will present a huge challenge.

This Week: The Yellow Jackets travel to Abilene this week to face ASC rival and No. 8 Hardin-Simmons (2-0, 1-0) at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Sul Ross State Lobos

Last Week: The Lobos (0-2, 0-1) were overmatched from the beginning Saturday as they lost to No. 2 UMHB (2-0, 1-0) 68-7. The offense was only able to muster 112 total yards for the game while the Cru racked up 690 total yards against the Sul Ross defense. LB Levah Tarry had an impressive 18 tackles with one tackle for a loss for the Sully defense.

The Verdict: The Lobos season has started with playing two teams each ranked in their classification. The schedule will lighten up on the Lobos for the next couple of weeks.

This Week: Sul Ross will travel to McMurry (0-3, 0-2) in the annual Battle of I-20 next Saturday at 6 p.m.

McMurry War Hawks

Last Week: The War Hawks (0-3, 0-2) forced double-overtime Saturday in Brownwood before falling to Howard Payne (1-1, 1-0) 37-31. QB Xavier Alexander completed 21-of-33 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns to lead an offense that gained 436 total yards. WR Spencer Knox scored three touchdowns receiving on three catches for incredible 187 yards. The McMurry defense continue to struggle against the run allowing 146 yards to HPU.

The Verdict: McMurry’s offense finally showed some life this week. The War Hawks will try to build on the positives from this week as they a Sul Ross State team looking to recover from playing a couple of good teams.

This Week: McMurry will play host to Sul Ross State (0-2, 0-1) in Abilene Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Battle of I-20.

Austin College Kangaroos

Last Week: Turnovers were an issue once again this week for Austin College (0-3, 0-1) as they lost 28-20 on the road to Sewanee (2-1, 1-0). WR Adonis Martin was a beast as he recorded eight receptions for 195 yards and a touchdown. RB Reggie Evans was also impressive offensively as he had 113 rushing yards on only 12 carries and a touchdown. DB Nathan McLane led the defense with 12 tackles.

The Verdict: The ‘Roos have committed seven turnovers in their last two games. This doesn’t come as unexpected when half of your roster is freshman. This team has taken some lumps thus far, but they continue to compete while their young players learn.

This Week: Austin College returns home as they will face SAA conference foe Hendrix (1-2, 0-1) at 1 p.m.

NAIA Recap

Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions

Last Week: The Lions (2-1, 1-0) forced six turnovers and scored 54 unanswered points en route to a huge 54-23 victory over conference rival Wayland Baptist (1-1, 0-1). Michael Bledsoe led the offense with 151 yards rushing and a touchdown on 22 carries while CJ Collins added three touchdowns through the air. Torionte Williams was the defensive star as he recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, returned a fumble for a touchdown, and returned an interception for a touchdown.

The Verdict: SAGU was very impressive this week and was a nominee for team of the week. They may be able to achieve team of the week if they can earn a win this week on the road against Langston.

This Week: The Lions stay on the road this week as they travel to No. 13 Langston (1-0, 1-0) Saturday at 6 p.m. for a huge SAC game.

Wayland Baptist Pioneers

Last Week: Six turnovers and an explosive offense was too much for Wayland Baptist (1-1, 0-1) as they dropped their SAC opener 54-23 to Southwestern Assemblies of God (2-1, 1-0). De’Sean Johnson led the Pioneers offense with 123 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 carries. Jerrell Peterson added 95 rushing yards and a touchdown for the offense.

The Verdict: This was a deflating loss to the Pioneers chances at a conference title this year. Wayland Baptist must rebound quickly as they are on the road against a good Oklahoma Panhandle State team.

This Week: The Pioneers begin a two-game road trip as they travel to Goodwell, Oklahoma for a 2 p.m. start Saturday against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (1-2, 1-0).

Texas Wesleyan Rams

Last Week: Texas Wesleyan (1-2, 1-0) earned their first win since Nov. 7, 1941 with a 36-7 win over Texas College (0-1, 0-1). This was the first win for the Rams since resurrecting their football program in 2017. Jermarcus Jones led the offense with 135 yards rushing and three touchdowns as the Rams rushed for 239 yards total. The Rams defense forced three fumbles and an interception.

The Verdict: When a team wins its first game in 77 years, they are in consideration for team of the week. This was a good team win for Texas Wesleyan and they could earn team of the week next week if they can pull the upset over Arizona Christian in Phoenix this week.

This Week: The Rams will go to Phoenix, Arizona to face No. 21 Arizona Christian University (3-0, 1-0) at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Texas College Steers

Last Week: Texas College (0-1, 0-1) opened their season with a 36-7 loss Saturday in Fort Worth against Texas Wesleyan (1-2, 1-0). Carlos Mosby had the lone touchdown for the Steers while adding 85 yards on the ground. Chris Henry had three receptions for 104 yards for the Steers. Malik Guillory was a terror for the defense as he totaled 12 tackles, four for a loss and two sacks.

The Verdict: Texas College was at a disadvantage in this game as they faced a team that had three games under their belt while this was the Steers’ first game. They now have a week to fix their mistakes before they host Arizona Christian.

This Week: The Steers have a bye this week before they host Arizona Christian on September 29.

NJCAA Recap

No. 6 Blinn Buccaneers

Last Week: The Buccaneers (4-0, 2-0) utilized an explosive offense to win 84-12 over Rezolution Prep Academy Saturday in Brenham. Daveon Boyd led the offensive charge with 290 passing yards and five touchdowns. Danny Gray put on a show by scoring touchdowns on all three of his receptions which totaled 136 yards. Corey Smith added 119 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches.

The Verdict: The key to a National Championship for Blinn will be the defense. They were dominant this week as they only allowed 131 total yards. This was a great day for the Buccaneers as they earned the victory while being able to play most of the roster.

This Week: Blinn returns to SWJCFC action this week as they travel to face Trinity Valley Community College (1-3, 1-2) Saturday at 7 p.m.

Tyler Apaches

Last Week: Tyler (2-2, 2-1) pulled of their second straight upset of a ranked opponent as they scored 24 fourth quarter points to beat No. 14 Navarro (2-2, 1-2) 59-41. August DeBiase completed 11 of 16 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game due to injury. Back-up QB Jeremiah Crawford filled in and led the comeback as he completed 5-of-7 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

The Verdict: After opening the season with a blowout loss at home to Kilgore, the Apaches have played tremendous football losing by six to No. 6 Blinn before knocking off ranked teams each of the last two weeks. They get a break this week as they play Texas A&T.

This Week: The Apaches will look to gain an early lead and rest the starters as they host Texas A&T Saturday at 7 p.m.

Cisco Wranglers

Last Week: The Wranglers (3-0, 1-0) forced three turnovers as they won their SWJCFC opener 34-27 over visiting Kilgore College (2-2, 1-2). Jordan Kitna led the offense completing 23-of-35 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns. Daniel Lee was Kitna’s favorite receiver as he totaled 98 yards on seven receptions. Brandon Foster led the defense with seven tackles and a forced fumble.

The Verdict: Cisco answered some questions this week with a nice win over Kilgore. The Wranglers showed they can be a challenger to Blinn and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M at the top of the conference.

This Week: Cisco will face another conference test as they travel to Navarro College (2-2, 1-2) Saturday for a 7 p.m. start.

Navarro Bulldogs

Last Week: Navarro (2-2, 1-2) suffered another tough loss Saturday as they fell 59-41 on the road at Tyler Junior College (2-2, 2-1). The Bulldogs had 471 total offensive yards. Parker McNeil completed 26-of-42 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns. Travell Lumpkin led all running backs with 121 yards on 24 carries. Kody Fulp had 11 tackles and a sack to lead the defense.

The Verdict: Interceptions were a problem again this week for the Bulldogs as McNeil had three interceptions for the second straight week. This conference is brutal, and Navarro continues a stretch of games against the best in the conference when they play Cisco this week.

This Week: The Bulldogs return home this week to face Cisco College (3-0, 1-0) in another tough SWJCFC game Saturday at 7 p.m.

Kilgore Rangers

Last Week: Kilgore (2-2, 1-2) could not hold on to a halftime lead as they fell 34-27 on the road to Cisco College (3-0, 1-0). Kevin Jones led an offense that totaled 404 yards of offense with 164 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven catches. Aaron Brown completed 16 of 27 passing attempts for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Morgan Vest led the defense with 11 tackles with one tackle for a loss.

The Verdict: It is very difficult to win in the SWJCFC when you lose the turnover battle as Kilgore found out Saturday. The Rangers can ill afford to lose the turnover battle this week as they battle the defending conference champion.

This Week: Kilgore returns home this week to face SWJCFC defending champion and No. 4 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (3-0, 1-0) Saturday at 7 p.m.

Trinity Valley Community College Cardinal

Last Week: TVCC (1-3 1-2) fell victim to inconsistent quarterback play again as a furious fourth quarter comeback came up short in a 34-27 loss at No. 4 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (3-0, 1-0). Elijah Walker started at quarterback and completed 7-of-22 passes for 114 yards with an interception. The dual-threat Walker also contributed 78 yards rushing on 18 carries. Jamir Williams led the defense with 13 tackles and a sack.

The Verdict: The Cardinal have had tough opponents the last two weeks and the brutal trend continues as they play No. 6 Blinn on Saturday. The TVCC will need Elijah Walker to play an outstanding game to have a chance at the pulling the upset.

This Week: TVCC continue their tough stretch as they return home to face No. 6 Blinn College (4-0, 2-0) Saturday at 7 p.m.

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