Texas Small College Roundup: Stephen F. Austin picks up first win after in-state showdown

By Russell Wilburn

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Team of the Week:

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

Last Week: The Lumberjacks (1-2, 1-1) used a strong run defense to stifle visiting Abilene Christian (2-2, 1-1) to pick up their first win of the season 24-21. This was the first career win for head coach Jeff Byrd. Alize Ward and Ryan Woods each recorded 10 tackles to lead a defense that held a potent Wildcats rushing attack to 54 total rushing yards. Jake Blumrick was outstanding for the offense as the completed 26-of-38 passes with a touchdown for the Lumberjacks. Remi Simmons had seven receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown while Tamrick Pace added 72 yards receiving on 5 catches for the offense.

The Verdict: This a huge win for a team searching for confidence early in the season, and for a coaching staff looking to steady the ship after a turbulent off-season. The combination of a good run defense and ball control offense is the formula for success for the ‘Jacks this year. However, they can ill afford 14 penalties this week if they are to have a chance to pull an upset this week.

This Week: SFA will travel to Cowboys Stadium in Lake Charles, La. this week as they face No. 11 McNeese (3-1, 2-0) Saturday at 6 p.m.

NCAA DI FCS Recap

No. 19 Sam Houston State Bearkats

Last Week: The Bearkats (1-2, 0-1) was held scoreless over the last three quarters as they lost to Nicholls (2-2, 1-1) 27-7 last Saturday. The game was delayed three hours for weather. The Bearkats used three different quarterbacks as they struggled to maintain drives offensively. Nathan Stewart led the offense with eight receptions for 113 yards. Hunter Brown recorded 12 tackles for a defense that allowed 248 yards rushing.

The Verdict: This is the first time since November 2013 that Sam Houston State has lost two consecutive games to FCS opponents, and the first time the Bearkats has lost to Nicholls since 2005. They will need to get their struggling offense working this week as they continue a brutal stretch in their schedule.

This Week: SHSU returns home Saturday as they host the defending conference champion No. 12 Central Arkansas (2-1, 1-0) at 3 p.m. at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. The game will be live streamed on ESPN3.

Prairie View A&M Panthers

Last Week: PVAMU (2-3, 1-0) scored 35 points in the first quarter as they routed Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-3, 0-1) 62-13 last Saturday. QB Jalen Morton was 16-of-24 passing for 256 yards and two touchdowns, while also setting a single-game school record with 255 yards rushing and four touchdowns, to lead an offense that set a school record with 815 total yards. Dawonya Tucker added 120 yards rushing and a touchdown on 11 carries.

The Verdict: The Panthers accomplished their mission this week as they easily handled UAPB and was able to rest their starters for a huge conference game this week. A win this week would give PVAMU the inside track to the SWAC Championship game. 

This Week: PVAMU will travel to Dallas, Texas, this week as they face defending conference champion Grambling State (1-2, 1-0) Saturday at 4 p.m. in the State Fair Classic at the Cotton Bowl.

Incarnate Word Cardinals

Last Week: UIW (1-2, 1-0) had a bye this week.

The Verdict: The Cardinals are flying high after their win over SFA last week. They will try to maintain that momentum as they have a real opportunity to win each of their next three games.

This Week: UIW will travel to Wildcat Stadium Saturday as they take on Abilene Christian (2-2, 1-1) in a 6 p.m. game. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+.

Abilene Christian Wildcats

Last week: Three missed field goals, and a fumble recovered for a touchdown was too much for the Wildcats (2-2, 1-1) to overcome as they lose 24-21 to Stephen F. Austin (1-2, 1-1). ACU came into the game averaging 234 yards rushing per game but was held to 54 rushing yards against the Lumberjacks. QB Luke Anthony was 28-of-43 passing with a touchdown and an interception for the offense.

The Verdict: ACU has improved over the last couple of years, but they do not have the capability to overcome turnovers along with multiple missed opportunities and win a game like the top teams in the conference. The Wildcats will look to correct those errors this week.

This Week: ACU returns home this week for their home conference opener as they host Incarnate Word (1-2, 1-0) at Wildcat Stadium Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+.

Lamar Cardinals

Last Week: Lamar (1-3, 0-2) held a touchdown lead at the half before allowing Southeastern Louisiana (1-3, 1-1) 17 unanswered points to open the second half in a 30-24 defeat. The Cardinals defense forced six fumbles led by Garrison Mitchell who forced two fumbles and Tyler Rios who forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles. A.J. Walker gained 88 yards rushing on nine carries for an offense that gained 269 of their 351 total yards in the first half.

The Verdict: Two weeks and two tough losses for the Cardinals to open their conference schedule. Lamar played a great second half two weeks ago and played a great first half last week. They will look to play a complete game this week and pull of an upset.

This Week: The Cardinals go on the road this week to face No. 15 Nicholls (2-2, 1-1) Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Thibodaux, La.

Houston Baptist Huskies

Last Week: Houston Baptist (1-2, 0-2) had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Huskies had an extra week to prepare for their upcoming schedule as they try to correct their mistakes on both sides of the ball. 

This Week: HBU goes on the road this week at they play FBS opponent SMU (1-3, 1-0) in Dallas on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN3.

Texas Southern Tigers

Last Week: Texas Southern (1-3) had no answer for the FBS Houston (3-1) offense last Saturday as they fell 70-14 at TDECU Stadium. Bobby Hartzog led the offensive effort with 173 yards receiving and a touchdown on nine receptions. Sean Jones recorded 10 tackles for the Tigers defense that surrendered 671 total yards to the Cougars. Glen Cuiellette and Jay Christophe combined for 19-of-43 passing with 278 yards and a touchdown.

The Verdict: The Tigers stood little chance to pull an upset as they were facing an angry Houston team. There are positives from this game for Texas Southern including putting up 338 total yards offensively against an FBS defense. 

This Week: TSU has a bye this week before they return to action on Oct. 6.

NCAA DII Recap

No. 5 Midwestern State Mustangs

Last Week: Midwestern State’s (4-0, 2-0) high powered offense exploded for 654 total yards as they downed conference foe Angelo State (2-2, 1-1) 57-36. Layton Rabb broke his own school record with 467 passing yards on 24-of-38 attempts and five touchdowns to lead the offense. Vincent Johnson added 159 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries on the ground for the Mustangs.

The Verdict: MSU Texas will look to avoid a trap game this week as they face the always challenging triple option attack of Eastern New Mexico on the road. A win this week would set up a showdown with the defending national champion.

This Week: MSU Texas travels to Portales, N.M. to face Eastern New Mexico (1-3, 1-1) Saturday at 8 p.m. at Greyhound Stadium.

No. 25 Tarleton State Texans

Last Week: Tarleton State (3-0, 2-0) jumped out to a commanding 32-13 halftime lead before cruising to a 35-13 win over UT Permian Basin (0-4, 0-2). Daniel McCants had 162 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 20 carries to lead an offense that gained 384 yards on the ground. Chris Radford had 6 tackles and two sacks to lead a defense that held the Falcons to 228 total yards.

The Verdict: The Texans continued to roll this season. They are currently outscoring opponents 41-11 per game this season as they look like a conference title contender on both sides of the ball. However, they still have three dangerous conference opponents left on their schedule.

This Week: TSU will travel to San Angelo, Texas this week as they face Angelo State (2-2, 1-1) Saturday at 6 p.m.

No. 9 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions

Last Week: Four second half fumbles proved costly in a driving rain storm for the Lions (3-1) as they lost for the first time in 13 games 23-13 to the visiting Colorado State-Pueblo (3-1, 2-1) Thunderwolves. It marked the first home loss for the Lions since Oct. 8, 2016, and the first non-conference home loss since Sept. 12, 2015. Dominique Ramsey scored the lone touchdown for TAMUC on a 73-yard punt return as the offense struggled with 179 total yards. Neema Behbahani led a valiant defensive effort with 15 tackles including two and a half tackles for loss.

The Verdict: It is now time to worry about the Lions offense as they failed to maintain any offensive consistency throughout the game. The defense was stellar as they were continually placed in bad field position due to the turnovers. The positive news is that this was a non-conference game, and the Lions still have time to right the ship and make a playoff run.

This Week: TAMUC will conclude their two-game homestand Saturday as they host Lock Haven (1-3, 1-0) at 6 p.m. 

Angelo State Rams

Last Week: ASU (2-2, 1-1) scored the most points this season but could not contain the high-powered Midwestern State (4-0, 2-0) offense as they fell 57-36 in Wichita Falls. Tyrese Nathan led the offense with 139 yards rushing on 27 carries as the offense totaled 561 yards against the Mustangs. Lawson Ayo contributed 11 receptions for 118 yards on the night. Grant Aschenbeck and Donavyn Jackson led the defense with nine tackles apiece.

The Verdict: The Rams will need their offense to put up points again this week as they meet another high-powered offense. Angelo State will also need their defense to forget this game and return to form quickly to remain close this week against arguably the conference’s second-best team.

This Week: The Rams return home Saturday as they welcome No. 25 Tarleton State (3-0, 2-0) to LeGrand Stadium at First Community Credit Union Field at 6 p.m.

Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas

Last Week: TAMUK (1-3, 0-3) could not contain the tough triple option offense of Eastern New Mexico (1-3, 1-1) as they lost 31-14 at home last Saturday. Koy Detmer Jr. was 19-of-35 passing for a touchdown and two interceptions as the offense struggled to move the ball only gaining 229 total yards on the night. Payton Hendrix recorded 15 tackles for a defense that surrendered 374 rushing yards to a ball control offense.

The Verdict: This is another tough conference loss for Kingsville as they continue a troubling trend. They have been close at halftime in all three conference games but have lost all three in the second half. They will need to gain traction the next two weeks against non-conference opponents before they return to the conference schedule.

This Week: The Javelinas will host game two of their four-game homestand Saturday at 7 p.m. as Super Region Four opponent New Mexico Highlands (2-2, 2-2) will visit Pepsi Field at Javelina Stadium.

West Texas A&M Buffaloes

Last Week: West Texas (2-2, 1-1) used an opportunistic defense to defeat Western New Mexico (0-3, 0-1) 27-17 in Silver City, N.M. Duke Carter IV gained 150 yards rushing and a touchdown on 33 carries to lead an offense that totaled 165 yards rushing. Tobias Harris had an incredible game for the Buffaloes as he recorded 12 tackles with two tackles for a loss while also returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown.

The Verdict: The Buffs took care of business in a game they most likely believed should be a victory. The troubling stats from this game is 354 passing yards surrendered by the defense and converting only one of 15 third down opportunities. They will need to play better on both sides of the ball this week if they have any hope for an upset. 

This Week: WT will conclude their two-game road trip this week as they travel to Ellensburg, Wash. to face No. 14 Central Washington (3-1, 3-0) Saturday at 8 p.m.

UT Permian Basin Falcons

Last Week: UTPB (0-4, 0-2) struggled on both sides of the ball as they lost on the road 35-13 to Tarleton State (3-0, 2-0). Kristian Brown had 77 yards receiving and a touchdown on four receptions to lead an offense that only totaled 228 yards for the game. Chris Hoad had 15 tackles while Marquee Allison, Josh Terrell, and Keegan Gray each recorded 10 tackles for a defense that surrendered 580 total yards to the Texans.

The Verdict: UPTB has faced arguably the two best teams in the conference in consecutive weeks. The schedule is certainly in their favor as they will have a good opportunity to record a win each of the next three weeks. 

This Week: The Falcons return to Ratliff Stadium as they host conference foe Western New Mexico (0-3, 0-1) Saturday at 6 p.m.

NCAA DIII Recap

No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders

Last Week: UMHB (3-0, 2-0) scored 27 second quarter points to overcome a sluggish start as they won 47-14 last Saturday at Texas Lutheran (2-1, 1-1). Jase Hammack was 26-of-41 passing for 378 yards and five touchdowns to lead an offense that produced 509 total yards. Jonel Reed had 176 yards receiving and two touchdowns on six receptions while K.J. Miller added 118 yards receiving on nine catches. Raylon Hickey led the defense with 14 total tackles including 12 solo tackles.

The Verdict: Another week and another decisive victory for the No. 2 team in the country. The Cru must avoid a trap game this week against Southwestern before they host No. 8 Hardin-Simmons on Oct. 6.

This Week: The Cru will finally have their home opener this week as they host Southwestern (2-2, 1-2) Saturday at 6 p.m.

No. 8 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys

Last Week: HSU (3-0, 2-0) scored 49 points in the first half on their way to a dominating 65-14 win over Howard Payne (1-2, 1-1) at Shelton Stadium. Jaquan Hemphill rushed for 225 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries while Ty Hooper was 18-of-24 passing for 274 yards and a touchdown to lead an offense that totaled 803 yards. Kevi Evans led the receiving corps with 121 yards receiving on three receptions.

The Verdict: This week’s game may be the biggest challenge the Cowboys have faced to date. They will face an offense that has been equally explosive thus far this season. HSU will also need to avoid falling into a trap game as they can ill afford to look ahead to next week’s showdown at Mary Hardin-Baylor. 

This Week: The Cowboys conclude their two-game homestand Saturday as they host East Texas Baptist (2-1, 2-0) at 6 p.m.

East Texas Baptist Tigers

Last Week: ETBU (2-1, 2-0) went on the road for the first time this season and came away with a convincing 46-20 victory over Belhaven (0-3, 0-2). Brian Baca was 13-of-29 for 349 yards passing and three touchdowns. Tarek Beaugard only had two receptions but they both went for touchdowns as he totaled 126 yards receiving for an offense that rolled up 544 total yards.

The Verdict: The Tigers have been rolling since their season opening loss, but this week will present their biggest challenge to date. They will need their offense to continue their explosiveness while they try to contain a potent Hardin-Simmons offense.

This Week: ETBU concludes their two-game road trip as they travel to Abilene, Texas for a 6 p.m. game Saturday against No. 8 Hardin-Simmons (3-0, 2-0).

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs

Last Week: A big second quarter was the difference last Saturday as Texas Lutheran (2-1, 1-1) fell to No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (3-0, 2-0) 47-14 at home. Kyle Grona was 22-of-40 passing for 193 yards and a touchdown while adding 31 rushing yards on six carries to lead an offense that struggled to gain any traction on the ground. Pearce Loth had six receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown to lead the receiving corps. 

The Verdict: The Bulldogs must be pleased with their overall performance despite the loss. TLU was very competitive with arguably the best team in the country for three of four quarters. The coaching staff can use the positives to help the team recover from the loss.

This Week: TLU will conclude their two-game homestand as they host McMurry (1-3, 1-2) Saturday at 6 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers

Last Week: Trinity (1-2, 0-1) had a bye this week.

The Verdict: The Tigers are one of the better 1-2 teams in DIII as they have faced a tough schedule to date. They will use the bye week to correct some mistakes and prepare for the remaining conference schedule that includes some very challenging teams.

This Week: The Tigers will conclude their three-game homestand Saturday as they host Birmingham Southern (2-1, 0-1) at 1 p.m.

Southwestern University Pirates

Last Week: SU (2-2, 1-2) had a failed two-point conversion with 1:31 left in the game as they lost to vising Louisiana College (1-2, 1-1) 21-19 last Saturday. Frederick Hover was the star offensively as he was 12-of-24 for 116 yards and two touchdowns passing while also adding 82 yards rushing on 22 carries. Ben Brockman filled the stat sheet for a defense that allowed only seven rushing yards as he recorded six tackles with one sack, one and a half tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and one interception.

The Verdict: It is difficult to believe that Southwestern was not caught looking ahead to their game this week and failed to prepare for this game to the standard they have set for themselves. The Pirates must shake this loss quick as next week is a real challenge.

This Week: Southwestern begins a two-game road trip as they travel to Belton, Texas to face No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (3-0, 2-0) Saturday at 6 p.m.

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets

Last Week: The Yellow Jacket (1-2, 1-1) was shredded for 803 total yards and 474 rushing yards as they lost on the road 65-14 to No. 8 Hardin-Simmons (3-0, 2-0). Jordan Bryant led the offense with 116 yards receiving and a touchdown on four catches. Gage McClanahan was 12-of-24 for 207 yards and a touchdown through the air HPU. Austin Kilgore totaled 11 tackles and a tackle for loss for the defense. 

The Verdict: HPU was clearly overmatched in this game. They cannot afford to let this loss simmer as they have a very winnable game this week at home against a Belhaven team that has also been struggling for consistency.

This Week: Howard Payne returns to Gordon Wood Stadium this week as they host Belhaven (0-3, 0-2) Saturday at 1 p.m. in Brownwood, Texas.

McMurry War Hawks

Last Week: McMurry (1-3, 1-2) scored 14 points in the fourth quarter as they defeated Sul Ross State (0-3, 0-2) 35-24 to claim the “Battle of I-20” trophy. Kevin Hurley Jr was huge for the offense as he was 28-of-41 for 452 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers. Eriel Dorsey led the receiving corps with an impressive 225 yards receiving on nine receptions. Josh Smith had 12 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and four pass break-ups for the defense while Trevis Earls added 12 tackles and a forced fumble.

The Verdict: The War Hawks offense has been very impressive the last two games, and they will need that production, plus an effective rushing attack, this week to pull a win against a solid Texas Lutheran team.

This Week: McMurry will travel to Seguin, Texas Saturday to face Texas Lutheran (2-1, 1-1) at 6 p.m.

Austin College Kangaroos

Last Week: Austin College (1-3, 1-1) held Hendrix (1-3, 0-2) to 217 total yards as they picked up their first win of the season 12-9 at home during a driving rain storm and muddy field conditions in Sherman. Colt Collins led the offense with 13-of-31 passing for 195 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 75 yards on 18 carries. Jackson Townsend led the defense with 11 total tackles including two and a half tackles for a loss.

The Verdict: The ‘Roos was able to win the turnover battle this week as they only turned the ball over one time in the messy field conditions. They will need the offense and defense to produce at a high level this week to pull off the upset. 

This Week: Austin College will hit the road this week as they travel to Rome, Ga. to face No. 17 Berry (4-0, 2-0) Saturday at 1 p.m.

Sul Ross State Lobos

Last Week: Sul Ross (0-3, 0-2) rallied to score 10 points in the third quarter before surrendering the lead and eventually the game to McMurry (1-3, 1-2) 35-24. The Lobos gained 523 total yards using a balanced attack let by Williton Grear who rushed for 173 yards on 23 carries. Fabian Baeza was 25-of-43 for 247 yards and a touchdown. Levah Tarry had seven tackles, with two tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble for the Lobos defense. 

The Verdict: The Lobos are certainly disappointed in this result as this was their first loss to McMurry since the inception of the “Battle of I-20” trophy in 2015. Sul Ross needs to rebound quick as they face a game they can win this week at home.

This Week: Sul Ross returns home this week to host Louisiana College (1-2, 1-1) Saturday at 7 p.m. at Jackson Field.

NAIA Recap

Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions

Last Week: SAGU (2-2, 1-1) held the dangerous offense of No. 13 Langston (2-1, 2-0) scoreless in the first half before allowing 35 second half points in a 35-20 defeat last Saturday. C.J. Collins was 30-of-47 passing for 351 yards with three touchdowns to lead an offense that totaled 371 yards on the night. Marco Mathews was the star defensively as he recorded nine tackles with one tackle for a loss.

The Verdict: The Lions fought very hard this week and put in an impressive defensive performance for the better part of three quarters. They have played solid over the last two weeks and could run the table to finish the season.

This Week: SAGU will finally have their home opener this week as they host Ottawa University (Ariz.) (2-2, 1-2) Saturday at noon in Waxahachie, Texas.

Wayland Baptist Pioneers

Last Week: Wayland Baptist (1-2, 0-2) staged a comeback after falling behind by 17 at halftime before falling to Oklahoma Panhandle State (2-2, 2-0) 20-17. Nick Quintero led the offense as he was 24-of-41 for 196 yards passing and one touchdown. The Pioneers defense was stout as they held OPSU to 287 total yards led by Andre Smith who recorded seven tackles with two for a loss and a sack.

The Verdict: For the second straight week, WBU comes up short against a tough opponent. The brutal schedule continues as they now face arguably the best team in the conference this week on the road. 

This Week: The Pioneers conclude their two-game road trip this week as they travel to Langston, Okla. to face No. 14 Langston (2-1, 2-0) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Texas Wesleyan Rams

Last Week: The Rams (1-3, 1-1) staged a furious rally before falling six yards short of an upset as they fell 36-29 on the road to No. 21 Arizona Christian (4-0, 2-0). Jemarcus Jones rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown to lead an offense that had 403 total yards. Cole Maxwell had four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown to lead the receiving corps. Chance Carroll was a stud on the defense as he registered 10 tackles all solo on the night.

The Verdict: Texas Wesleyan is showing major improvement in year two of their football program. This loss should only build even more confidence in the young team as they advance through the season. 

This Week: The Rams have a bye week before they return to Farrington Field to play host to Langston University.

Texas College Steers

Last Week: Texas College (0-1, 0-1) had a bye this week.

The Verdict: The Steers had a week off to correct their mistakes from their opener last week before they face a tough Arizona Christian team.

This Week: Texas College will have their home opener Saturday as they host No. 19 Arizona Christian (4-0, 2-0) at 11 a.m.

NJCAA Recap

No. 6 Blinn Buccaneers

Last Week: Blinn (4-1, 2-1) had difficulty containing the Trinity Valley Community College (2-3, 2-2) ground game as they suffered their first loss of the season 42-21 Saturday night. Daveon Boys was terrific for the offense as he was 31-of-46 for 305 yards and three touchdowns passing. Keric Wheatfall added 114 yards receiving on nine catches while Corey Smith had 14 receptions for 93 yards. 

The Verdict: The defense for the Buccaneers was not able to get the key stops necessary and struggled to stop the TVCC rushing attack allowing 264 rushing yards. Blinn will need help for any national championship aspirations, but still has control over their fate for a possible bowl game.

This Week: Blinn has a bye this week before they have a showdown with the defending conference champion Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Tyler Apaches

Last Week: Tyler (3-2, 2-1) rolled up 608 yards of offense on their way to dominating Texas A&T 70-0 Saturday night. K’Vonte Jackson had 145 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 13 carries while Kevon Thompson added 128 yards and two touchdowns rushing on only five carries for an offense that racked up 495 rushing yards. Otis Lanier led the receiving corps with three receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown. 

The Verdict: The Apaches continue to roll since two early season losses. The schedule will toughen this week as they return to conference action. Every team must be vigilant in this well-balanced conference.

This Week: Tyler concludes their three-game homestand Saturday at 7 p.m. as they host New Mexico Military Institute (2-2, 0-2).

No. 17 Cisco Wranglers

Last Week: Cisco (3-1, 1-1) held a three-point lead heading into the fourth quarter before surrendering 14 fourth quarter points as they lost 42-31 to Navarro College (3-2, 2-2). Jordan Kitna was 31-of-52 with 327 yards and three touchdowns passing. Kitna was also responsible for two interceptions. Darion Chafin led the receiving corps with 80 yards and a touchdown on four receptions. 

The Verdict: The SWJCFC claimed another undefeated team this week as the conference play continues to be brutal and balanced. The Wranglers are still a solid team but will need to rebound quickly this week as they host a dangerous Trinity Valley Community College.

This Week: The Wranglers return home this Saturday as they host Trinity Valley Community College (2-3, 2-2) at 1 p.m.

Kilgore Rangers

Last Week: Kilgore (3-2, 2-2) scored 24 first half points and held on to shock the NJCAA world by defeating defending conference champion and No. 4 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (3-1, 1-1) 31-24 at home Saturday night. De’Montre Tuggle had a tremendous night for the offense with 143 yards rushing and 98 yards receiving and two touchdowns for the Rangers. Dakota Michaels finished the night 8-of-19 for 172 yards and three touchdowns passing.

The Verdict: This was a huge win for the Rangers and provided the surprise of the night in the NJCAA. There are no weak teams in the SWJCFC and trying to predict winners each week is nearly impossible. Kilgore will enjoy this win before they prepare for what should be another win next week.

This Week: Kilgore goes on the road Saturday afternoon as they travel to play Texas A&T in a non-conference game at 3 p.m.

Navarro Bulldogs

Last Week: The Bulldogs (3-2, 2-2) scored 14 fourth quarter points to rally and defeat No. 17 Cisco (3-1, 1-1) 42-31 Saturday night in Corsicana, Texas. Parker McNeil was 18-of-38 for 348 yards and three touchdowns to lead an offense that gained 520 total yards. Kaylon Geiger had 153 yards receiving and a touchdown while Jared Wyatt added 114 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Keaton Dudik led the rushing attack as he gained 106 yards and a touchdown on only 10 carries.

The Verdict: Navarro was able to correct the interception issue that had plagued the team in recent weeks. This week, however, provides another brutal conference challenge as they face an angry Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

This Week: Cisco will go back on the road this week and face No. 4 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (3-1, 1-1) Saturday at 6 p.m.

Trinity Valley Community College Cardinal

Last Week: TVCC (2-3 2-2) utilized a balanced offensive attack to pull a major upset over No. 6 Blinn (4-1, 2-1) 42-21 last Saturday night. Colton Atkinson and Elijah Walker combined to go 21-of-34 passing for 161 yards. The pair also combined for 62 yards rushing on 17 carries. Artiss Henderson had 91 yards rushing on only nine carries for the Cardinal. Ethan Owens led an impressive defensive effort as he recorded 10 tackles with one and a half for a loss, one-half sack, and recovered two fumbles.

The Verdict: The Cardinal schedule continues to be tough as they now face an angry Cisco team who just suffered their first loss of the season. If TVCC can play with the consistency they showed against Blinn, they could run the table and play in a bowl game this year.

This Week: TVCC continue their tough stretch as they return to the road to face No. 17 Cisco College (3-1, 1-1) Saturday at 1 p.m.

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