Small College Roundup: Tarleton State takes control of Lone Star Conference after beating Midwestern State

By Karson Land

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Team of the Week:

No. 8 Tarleton State Texans (8-0, 7-0)

Last Week: Tarleton State secured at least a share of their first Lone Star Conference title since 2013 last Saturday as they won an intense and thrilling 35-34 overtime game on the road over No. 10 Midwestern State (6-2, 4-2). This was the Texans first ever game where both teams entered ranked in the top 10 in the AFCA NCAA DII poll. Xavier Turner was outstanding for the Texans offense as he gained 214 yards rushing and a touchdown on 36 carries. This was Turner’s fourth straight game with over 100 yards rushing. Ben Holmes completed 13-of-23 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns while adding 34 yards rushing and a touchdown on 10 carries. Jai Edwards had a great game for the Texans defense as he recorded 13 tackles and an interception.

The Verdict: The Texans showed composure and grit last week as they overcame two fumbles, a missed extra point, and an eight-point halftime deficit. The Texans ability to overcome adversity on the road could be valuable in the playoffs. Tarleton State will earn their first at-large bid to the NCAA DII playoffs since 2009 if they win their remaining two games. Tarleton State will host a first round playoff game if they finish in the top four in the final regional rankings which will be released Nov. 11. 

This Week: Tarleton State will begin a two-game homestand to finish the regular season this week as they host Lincoln (Mo.) (3-6, 2-4) Saturday at 2 p.m.

NCAA DI FCS Recap

No. 22 Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-3, 4-2)

Last Week: SHSU held off a late charge by Southeastern Louisiana (3-6, 3-4) as they won 28-25 in their homecoming game last Saturday. Dee Bowens caught eight passes for 155 yards and a touchdown for the Bearkats. Kyran Jackson gained 114 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 19 carries while Ty Brock completed 23-of-32 passes for 320 with one touchdown and one interception.

The Verdict: This is a good win for a Bearkats team coming off a disappointing loss two weeks ago. Even with their struggles, the Bearkats are still tied for second place in the SLC standings. The Kats have been hit by the injury bug this season which has led to inconsistent play for a team used to winning by big margins. SHSU will try and use their remaining three games to prepare for next season.

This Week: SHSU will travel to San Antonio this week as they play Incarnate Word (4-4, 4-2) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Incarnate Word Cardinals (4-4, 4-2)

Last Week: UIW was unable to overcome a 38-7 halftime deficit as they fell 48-21 last Saturday on the road to No. 19 Nicholls (5-3, 4-2). Freshman QB Jon Copeland was impressive once again as he completed 32-of-47 passes for 392 yards and three touchdowns. Nine different receivers caught a pass for the Cardinals. The UIW defense struggled to contain the Nicholls offense as they allowed 566 total yards.

The Verdict: The Cardinals are now one of four teams currently tied for second place in the SLC standings. A brutal stretch in the Cardinals schedule continues this week as they return home for the final time this season before a two-game road trip to finish the season against tough competition.

This Week: UIW returns home to play No. 22 Sam Houston State (5-3, 4-2) in their homecoming game Saturday at 2 p.m.

Abilene Christian Wildcats (4-4, 3-3)

Last week: ACU had a bye last week. 

The Verdict: ACU had a much-needed bye week last week as they had played eight straight weeks to begin the season. A win this week for the Wildcats would be their first three game winning streak since September 2014 and would give ACU four wins in conference play for the first time since the 2014 season.

This Week: The Wildcats are at home this week as they play conference foe Northwestern State (3-5, 2-4) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (3-5, 2-2)

Last Week: PVAMU struggled on both offense and defense last week as they lost 27-13 to Alcorn State (7-2, 5-1) in their homecoming game. Jalen Morton completed 16-of-33 passes for 174 yards and two interceptions for a Panthers offense that only gained 235 total yards in the game. Anthony Stubbs and Drake Cheatum each registered 10 tackles to lead the defense that allowed 512 total yards and 249 rushing yards in the game.

The Verdict: This loss all but eliminates the Panthers from winning the SWAC west division this season. The remaining schedule is favorable for PVAMU as they play a Jackson State team this week who decided to not renew the contract for their head coach and will be playing under an interim coach. The Panthers final two games are both at home.

This Week: PVAMU will play their final road game of the season as they travel to play Jackson State (3-4, 2-2) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Lamar Cardinals (4-4, 3-3)

Last Week: Lamar used a strong first half and held off a furious rally from Stephen F. Austin (2-6, 2-5) as the Cardinals won their third straight game with a 24-17 victory. Jordan Hoy was excellent in his first start as he completed 11-of-16 passes for 72 yards while adding 225 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 21 carries to lead the Lamar offense that rushed for 369 total yards. Rodney Randle led recorded 15 tackles for the defense.

The Verdict: The Cardinals continued their recent strong play last week as they won their third straight game for the first time in two years. Lamar will have a tough challenge this week and two of their final three games are on the road against teams currently ranked in the AFCA poll.

This Week: Lamar will conclude their two-game road trip as they travel to Conway, Ark. to play No. 19 Central Arkansas (5-3, 4-2) at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (2-6, 2-5)

Last Week: SFA mounted a furious second half rally but was unable to overcome a 17-point halftime deficit as they fell 24-17 against Lamar (4-4, 3-3) in their homecoming game last Saturday. Jake Blumrick was outstanding again for the Lumberjacks offense as he completed 25-of-42 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns. Tamrick Pace was the leading receiver as he gained 158 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions.

The Verdict: The bye week has finally arrived for a Lumberjacks team that has played seven straight weeks. The Lumberjacks seem to have found their starting quarterback as Jake Blumrick has been solid over the last three games. SFA has a challenging game following their bye week at No. 20 Nicholls before they finish the season at home against Northwestern State in the Battle for Chief Caddo.

This Week: SFA has a bye this week.

Texas Southern Tigers (2-6, 1-3)

Last Week: TSU ended their six-game losing streak in impressive fashion as they won 42-14 against Mississippi Valley State (1-6, 1-3) in their homecoming game. Devin Williams earned the start at quarterback and completed 14-of-25 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Bobby Hartzog had an outstanding game as he gained 148 yards receiving and two touchdowns on nine catches. Sean Jones registered 11 tackles for the defense. 

The Verdict: This is a huge win for the Tigers as they try and use the momentum from this game in their final three games. TSU only played Devin Williams at quarterback this week and he delivered his second straight solid game. The Tigers defense will be the key to future wins as they held the MVSU to only 223 total yards. 

This Week: TSU travels to Montgomery, Ala. this week as they play conference foe Alabama State (2-5, 1-2) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Houston Baptist Huskies (1-7, 0-6)

Last Week: HBU allowed Northwestern State (3-5, 2-4) to score the final 21 points in the game unanswered last Saturday as they fell 31-28. Bailey Zappe played an outstanding game for the Huskies offense as he completed 25-of-38 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns while adding 132 yards rushing and a touchdown on only 13 carries. Alfred King and Colton Manning each recorded 14 tackles to lead the defense. 

The Verdict: This is another tough loss for the Huskies who held a lead at halftime but was unable to score any points over the last 22 minutes of the game. HBU has struggled to finish games this season and their remaining schedule does not provide a break as two of their last three games are against teams currently ranked.

This Week: HBU returns home this week as they face No. 20 Nicholls (5-3, 4-2) at Husky Stadium at 2 p.m. Saturday. 

NCAA DII Recap

No. 16 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (7-2, 5-1)

Last Week: The Texas A&M-Commerce defense recorded five sacks, forced three fumbles, and recorded an interception in a dominating performance last Saturday to win their homecoming game 41-16 over West Texas A&M (5-4, 3-3). Kane Wilson completed 12-of-15 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown and scored two rushing touchdowns to lead the offense. Ovie Urevbu added 118 yards rushing on 20 carries for the Lions. 

The Verdict: The Lions have gained some valuable momentum over their last two games as they have outscored their opposition 96-23 in those games. TAMUC will need to continue to dominate this week to improve their position in the regional rankings as they try and earn an at-large bid to the playoffs.

This Week: TAMUC will play their final road game of the regular season this week as they play UT Permian Basin (2-7, 1-5) at 6 p.m. Saturday. 

No. 18 Midwestern State Mustangs (6-2, 4-2)

Last Week: A muffed snap on the extra point attempt in overtime was the difference as Midwestern State suffered a heartbreaking 35-34 defeat at home to No. 8 Tarleton State (8-0, 7-0). Juwan Johnson was outstanding for the Mustangs offense as he gained 235 all-purpose yards including nine catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. Josh Wydermyer was huge for the defense in his first start as he registered 17 tackles including one-half tackle for a loss.

The Verdict: This is the second heartbreaking loss of the season for the Mustangs as they have only lost two games this season by a total of two points and both losses were to teams ranked in the top 10 at the time of defeat. Both games they have lost have ended with special teams’ mistakes. MSU Texas will need help to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA DII playoffs this season.

This Week: MSU Texas will play their final road game of the regular season as they travel to Silver City, N.M. to face Western New Mexico (0-8, 0-6) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

West Texas A&M Buffaloes (5-4, 3-3)

Last Week: West Texas was unable to gain any traction on offense as they lost 41-16 last Saturday on the road to No. 18 Texas A&M-Commerce (7-2, 5-1). Justin Houghtaling completed 21-of-32 passes for 264 yards and one interception for the Buffaloes. Marshawn Brown and David Leonty each recorded a rushing touchdown for the Buffs while Payton Gonzales gained 79 yards on four receptions.

The Verdict: WT has been decimated by injuries this season at key positions. Both Buffs main running backs have missed significant time this season with an injury. Things will not get easier for WT in their next two games as they will try and finish their season with momentum.

This Week: The Buffaloes return home this week for their final regular season home game and final game in Kimbrough Memorial Stadium as they host Texas A&M-Kingsville (3-6, 1-5) at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Angelo State Rams (5-4, 3-3)

Last Week: Angelo State scored 59 points unanswered on their way to a dominating 59-20 win at home over Adams State (4-5, 4-4) last Saturday. Payne Sullins completed 11-of-19 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns while adding 63 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Tyrese Nathan scored two rushing touchdowns while Larry Johnson scored two receiving touchdowns and DeShaun Douglas registered 12 tackles and an interception for the defense. 

The Verdict: ASU has now won two games in a row and three of their last four as they are gaining momentum for their final two regular season games. The Rams run defense will be tested this week as they face the triple option. ASU ends their season on the road against No. 16 Texas A&M-Commerce.

This Week: ASU will play their final home game of the season this week as they face Eastern New Mexico (4-5, 4-3) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas (3-6, 1-5)

Last Week: Texas A&M-Kingsville ended a three-game losing streak and earned their first LSC win of the season with a 37-34 victory as home over Western New Mexico (0-8, 0-6). Nick Pelrean gained 153 yards rushing and a touchdown on 24 carries to lead the Javelinas offense. Koy Detmer completed 19-of-33 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns. Caleb Valentine had a great game on defense as he recorded 11 tackles including five tackles for a loss and two and a half sacks.

The Verdict: The Javelinas were able to earn a conference victory this season as they have struggled against the top teams in the conference. They play a West Texas A&M team that has been decimated by injuries this week before finishing their season at home against UT Permian Basin.

This Week: TAMUK will play their final road game of the regular season this week as they face West Texas A&M (5-4, 3-3) Saturday at 6 p.m.

UT Permian Basin Falcons (2-7, 1-5)

Last Week: UTPB was unable to get their offense going last Saturday as they fell 24-7 at home to the triple option attack of Eastern New Mexico (4-5, 4-3). Chris Hoad was a stud for the Falcons defense as he recorded 19 tackles with one-half tackle for a loss and forced a fumble in the game. The Falcons were only able to gain 278 total yards of offense while the defense only allowed 227 yards to a good ground attack.

The Verdict: The Falcons must feel they let a win get away last week as the defense was solid against the triple option. However, the offense was unable to gain any traction despite have a rare time of possession advantage against a triple option team. 

This Week: UTPB returns home this week as they will play their final home game of the regular season as they host No. 16 Texas A&M-Commerce (7-2, 5-1) at 6 p.m. Saturday.

NCAA DIII Recap

No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (8-0, 7-0)

Last Week: The Crusaders consecutive shutout streak was ended last week but they still earned a dominating 80-7 win at home over McMurry (2-6, 2-5). Luke Poorman completed 14-of-16 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Markeith Miller added 146 yards rushing and four touchdowns on only 11 carries. The Cru defense was still dominating as they only allowed 130 total yards in the game.

The Verdict: The Cru continue to make this section very difficult to write. UMHB is obviously maintaining their focus on their goal of winning a national title and they are taking no prisoners during the process.

This Week: UMHB play their final home game of the season this week as they host Louisiana College (4-4, 4-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday. 

No. 8 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys (7-1, 6-1)

Last Week: HSU offense was outstanding last week as they earned a 49-35 win on the road over Southwestern (4-4, 3-4) last Saturday. Ty Hooper completed 17-of-24 passes for 361 yards and five touchdowns while Bryson Hammonds gained 203 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 27 carries. Reese Childress caught six passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns for the Cowboys.

The Verdict: The Cowboys continue to roll as they prepare for a likely at-large playoff bid this season. The remaining two games on their schedule is very favorable for the Cowboys to gain an early lead and rest starters to prepare for the playoffs.

This Week: HSU play their final road game of the regular season as they travel to Jackson, Miss. to play Belhaven (1-7, 1-6) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (6-2, 5-2)

Last Week: Texas Lutheran rebounded nicely from their loss two weeks ago as they dominated Howard Payne (1-7, 1-6) on all sides of the ball on their way to a 53-7 victory.  Kyle Grona threw for four touchdowns on 13 completions while Austin Mathews gained 213 yards rushing and a touchdown on 21 carries. Charles Robinson gained 147 yards receiving and a touchdown on four receptions. TLU defense only allowed 78 total yards of offense.

The Verdict: This was a resounding win for the Bulldogs and the defense was the most impressive part of the victory. The TLU defense only allowed one-yard rushing in the game. That complete team effort will help them over their remaining two games in the regular season.

This Week: The Bulldogs play their final home game of the regular season this week as they face Sul Ross State (1-7, 1-6) Saturday at 1 p.m.

East Texas Baptist Tigers (5-3, 5-2)

Last Week: ETBU amassed 671 total yards last Saturday as they earned a dominating 60-14 win in their homecoming game over Sul Ross State (1-7, 1-6). Brian Baca completed 17-of-29 passes for 288 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions to lead the Tigers offense. The Tigers had eight different running backs earn a rushing attempt and 10 different receivers caught passes as ETBU gained over 300 yards both passing and rushing.

The Verdict: The Tigers have won two games in a row and should win their third straight game this week as they gain momentum for their season ending showdown at home against No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor.

This Week: ETBU will play their final road game of the regular season this week as they play McMurry (2-6, 2-5) Saturday at 1 p.m.

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers (5-3, 4-2)

Last Week: The Trinity used a balanced offense last Saturday to earn a 38-14 road win over Hendrix (1-7, 0-6). Wyatt Messex completed 16-of-21 passes for 166 yards and four touchdowns while adding 69 yards rushing on eight carries. Tommy Lavine led the receivers with eight catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Kievan Boudreaux-Bostic had a great game for the defense as he registered 13 tackles including one-half sack and two and a half tackles for a loss.

The Verdict: The Tigers have won two games in a row for the second time this season and will have a good opportunity to win their third game in a row this week. The momentum the Tigers are building will be crucial when they finish their season at home against No. 11 Berry.

This Week: Trinity will play their final road game of the season this week as they play rival Austin College (2-6, 2-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Southwestern University Pirates (4-4, 3-4)

Last Week: Southwestern was unable to overcome a 21-7 first quarter deficit as they fell 49-35 at home to No. 8 Hardin-Simmons (7-1, 6-1) last Saturday. Frederick Hover was outstanding as he completed 24-of-41 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns while adding 75 yards rushing and a touchdown on 27 carries. Landry Bray led the receiving corps with 112 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.

The Verdict: The Pirates fought hard but came up just short to a very good team. SU can use the positives from this game as they prepare for their final two games of the season. SU should bounce back nicely this week.

This Week: Southwestern will play their final road game of the season this week at they play Howard Payne (1-7, 1-6) Saturday at 4 p.m.

McMurry War Hawks (2-6, 2-5)

Last Week: McMurry had no answer for No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (8-0, 7-0) last week as they lost 80-7 on the road. Kevin Hurley Jr. completed 16-of-30 passes for 115 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Doyle Hughes had a touchdown reception to lead a War Hawks team that had seven different receivers catch a pass and six different players register a rushing attempt. 

The Verdict: The positive for the War Hawks is they became only the second team this season to score points in the first half against the Crusaders all season. While McMurry has this game in their rear-view mirror, the remaining two games on their schedule provide little relief.

This Week: McMurry returns home to play their final home game of the regular season as they host East Texas Baptist University (5-3, 5-2) Saturday at 1 p.m.

Austin College Kangaroos (2-6, 2-4)

Last Week: Austin College had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Kangaroos had a chance to get rest, get healthy, and prepare for their rival game this week against Trinity. The ‘Roos will need to play a complete game and win all three phases this week to pull off the upset at home.

This Week: Austin College begin a two-game homestand to finish the regular season this week as they host rival Trinity (Tex.) (5-3, 4-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Sul Ross State Lobos (1-7, 1-6)

Last Week: Sul Ross State ran into a buzz saw last Saturday as they fell 60-14 on the road to East Texas Baptist (5-3, 5-2). Fabian Baeza completed 13-of-14 passes for 114 yards while adding 41 yards rushing on five carries. Williton Grear gained 80 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Byron Jones caught nine passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Isaiah Jacobs led the Lobos defense with nine tackles.

The Verdict: One week after winning their first game of the season, the Lobos defense was unable to stop a potent ETBU offense. The schedule does not provide any relief this week as the Lobos face a good rushing attack.

This Week: Sul Ross State play their final road game of the regular season this week as they face Texas Lutheran University (6-2, 5-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (1-7, 1-6)

Last Week: HPU was dominated on all sides of the ball last Saturday as they lost 53-7 on the road to Texas Lutheran (6-2, 5-2). Caleb Estes and Gage McClanahan combined to complete 12-of-16 passes for 77 yards. The Yellow Jackets struggled offensively as they gained 78 total yards and two first downs in the game. The defense also struggled as they allowed 601 total yards including 283 rushing yards.

The Verdict: The Yellow Jackets season has gone from bad to worse as the year has progressed. HPU has two games remaining in their season and they are unlikely to win either game unless they can improve quickly.

This Week: HPU returns home for their final home game of the season as they host Southwestern (4-4, 3-4) Saturday at 4 p.m.

NAIA Recap

Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions (5-4, 4-3)

Last Week: The potent SAGU offense was stymied last week as they lost 35-20 at home to Oklahoma Panhandle State (5-4, 5-1). Shephon Free gained 118 yards rushing and two touchdowns on only eight carries for the Lions. Jeremy Carr caught 11 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. Landon Jones was a monster for the Lions defense as he recorded 23 tackles including 13 solo tackles and one tackle for a loss. 

The Verdict: The Lions will try to end their season this week on a high note as they have a bye next week. The good news for the Lions is that Arizona Christian enters the game on a three-game losing streak. SAGU will have to contain the potent ACU offense.

This Week: SAGU will finish their regular season schedule on the road this week as they play Arizona Christian (5-3, 3-3) Saturday at 9 p.m.

Wayland Baptist Pioneers (4-3, 2-3)

Last Week: Wayland Baptist used a ball control offense to earn a 41-30 win at home over Texas Wesleyan (1-7, 1-5) last Saturday. Nick Quintero was a star for the Pioneers offense as he completed 31-of-54 passes for 321 yards with three touchdowns and one interception while adding 92 yards rushing on eight carries. Emanuel Reese and Caleb O’Connor each recorded a receiving touchdown for the Pioneers.

The Verdict: This was a good offensive performance for the Pioneers as they gained 570 total yards including 249 yards rushing. They grounded out 34 first downs and over 36 minutes time of possession. They will need that ball control in the final two weeks as they face two powerful offenses.

This Week: The Pioneers play their final road game of the season this week as they travel to Surprise, Ariz. to face Ottawa (Ariz.) (4-3, 3-3) at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Texas Wesleyan Rams (1-7, 1-5)

Last Week: The Texas Wesleyan defense wore down in the fourth quarter as they fell 41-30 on the road to Wayland Baptist (4-3, 3-3). Donovan Isom completed 12-of-24 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams. Le’Mant Monroe was a stud as he caught eight passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams struggled to get any yards rushing as six different players combined for only 92 rushing yards and one touchdown.

The Verdict: The Rams defense was on the field for 93 plays and over 36 minutes last week. They were unable to get off the field on third down allowing WBU to convert 7 of 16 on third down attempts. The final two games will be difficult for the Rams to pull off an upset.

This Week: Texas Wesleyan begin a season ending two-game homestand this week as they host Lyon (Ark.) (3-5, 2-4) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Texas College Steers (0-6, 0-6)

Last Week: Texas College surrendered 57 points in the first half as they suffered a 71-48 defeat at home last Saturday to No. 13 Langston (7-1, 7-0). Vontyne Williams completed 12-of-25 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown and added three rushing touchdowns on 17 carries. Chris Henry had an outstanding game as he caught three passes for 145 yards and a touchdown. Carlos Mosby added 96 yards and a touchdown on the ground for the Steers.

The Verdict: The final score in this game was surprising only because the Steers were able to move the ball effectively against a good Langston defense. The schedule does not get any easier this week as they face another good run defense.

This Week: Texas College begin a two-game road trip to finish the season this week as they face Oklahoma Panhandle State (5-4, 5-1) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

NJCAA Recap

No. 12 Kilgore Rangers (7-2, 5-2)

Last Week: Kilgore left no doubt they were ready for the conference playoffs as they won 49-17 at home over Tyler Junior College (4-5, 3-4). The Rangers rolled up 347 rushing yards in the game led by Quez Allen who gained 74 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 15 carries. Carlos Frank carried the ball 15 times for 93 yards. The Kilgore defense held Tyler to 207 total yards and forced four turnovers.

The Verdict: The Rangers earned the top seed in the SWJCFC playoffs due to their win earlier this season over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. Kilgore enters the playoffs on a major roll as they have won five straight games and six of their last seven games.

This Week: Kilgore will host the conference semi-final game this week as they play Navarro College (6-3, 4-3) at 3 p.m. Saturday. 

No. 20 Blinn Buccaneers (6-3, 4-3)

Last Week: Blinn earned their way into the SWJCFC playoffs with a 58-35 victory at home over New Mexico Military Institute (3-6, 1-6) last Saturday. Brock Landis was outstanding for the Buccaneers as he completed 20-of-29 passes for 481 yards and six touchdowns as three different receivers gained over 100 yards receiving led by Corey Smith who had five catches for 137 yards and three touchdowns. 

The Verdict: The Buccaneers earned the three seed in the conference playoffs that begin this week. They will play a very difficult road game against a Northeastern Oklahoma A&M team that will be looking for revenge from a 56-28 defeat to Blinn on Oct. 6.

This Week: Blinn will play in the SWJCFC semi-finals this week as they travel to play No. 10 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (7-2, 5-2) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Navarro Bulldogs (6-3, 4-3)

Last Week: Navarro scored 31 unanswered points last Saturday as they earned a spot in the SWJCFC playoffs with a 47-31 win on the road over Trinity Valley Community College (4-5, 3-4). Parker McNeil completed 29-of-45 passes for 552 yards and six touchdowns to six different receivers. Kaylon Geiger had nine receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown for the Bulldogs. Carlos Scott had 11 tackles including one tackle for a loss to lead the defense.

The Verdict: The Bulldogs earned the fourth and final seed in this week’s conference playoffs as they finish the regular season on a three-game winning streak. Navarro does own a 37-32 win at home over Kilgore College earlier this season.

This Week: Navarro will travel this week to play in the conference semi-finals as they face No. 12 Kilgore College (7-2, 5-2) Saturday at 3 p.m.

Cisco Wranglers (5-4, 3-4)

Last Week: Cisco was eliminated from the playoffs last Saturday as they suffered a 49-12 defeat at home to No. 10 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (7-2, 5-2). Blain Kruemcke completed 20-of-46 passes for 282 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Darion Chafin led the receiving corps with three catches for 94 yards and Bradley Rozner caught six passes for 81 and a touchdown.

The Verdict: The Wranglers finish the season disappointed in their results. A three-game losing streak in September and the beginning of October was too much for Cisco to overcome even with two good victories at the end of the season.

This Week: Cisco begins offseason preparation.

Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals (4-5, 3-4)

Last Week: TVCC jumped out to a 31-16 lead in the first half but was unable to hang on as they fell 47-31 at home to Navarro College (6-3, 4-3). Colton Atkinson completed 14-of-24 passes for 163 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while adding 77 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Tevan McAdams and Jamir Williams each recorded 10 tackles for the Cardinals. Williams also had three tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble.

The Verdict: The Cardinals season ends in disappointing fashion as they were inconsistent throughout the season. TVCC will look to regroup and try to get back in the conference playoffs next season.

This Week: TVCC begins offseason preparation.

Tyler Apaches (4-5, 3-4)

Last Week: Four turnovers were too much for Tyler to overcome as they lost 49-17 on the road to No. 12 Kilgore College (7-2, 5-2). The Apaches were only able to gain 207 total yards while the defense struggled to stop the run as they allowed 347 rushing yards. Cameron High caught three passes for 83 yards for the Apaches. Kevon Thompson had two rushing touchdowns on only six carries.

The Verdict: A season ending three-game losing streak will keep Tyler from being able to earn a spot in the playoffs. The Apaches did have a four-game winning streak in September this season and will try to build for next season.

This Week: Tyler begins offseason preparation.

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