Team of the Week:

Lamar Cardinals (5-4, 4-3)

Last Week: Lamar used 35 first half points as they stunned No. 19 Central Arkansas (5-4, 4-3) on the road 38-24 last Saturday. The win was the Cardinals first win in program history over the Bears and their second victory over nationally ranked opponents this season as they now own a four-game winning streak. Jordan Hoy was outstanding for the Cardinals offense as he completed 15-of-25 passes for 346 yards and four touchdowns while adding 49 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries. Isaiah Howard had three receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown to lead all receivers. Lane Taylor recorded nine total tackles with eight solo tackles including two tackles for a loss and a sack to lead the Big Red defense. 

The Verdict: The Cardinals have turned their season completely around after a tough start that included a four-game losing streak. Lamar is now in a four-way tie for second place in the Southland Conference and could finish atop the conference standings as they own a win over Incarnate Word and finish their season on the road against McNeese. The Big Red would still need Nicholls to lose one more game. The Cardinals will be heavily favored to win their fifth game in a row and their sixth game this season this week.

This Week: Lamar will play their final home game of the regular season this week as they host Houston Baptist (1-8, 0-7) at 3 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

NCAA DI FCS Recap

Incarnate Word Cardinals (5-4, 5-2)

Last Week: UIW scored 27 points in the third quarter on their way to their first undefeated home season in program history as they pulled off the 43-26 upset over No. 22 Sam Houston State (5-4, 4-3) last Saturday. Freshman QB Jon Copeland completed 16-of-31 passes for 324 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Kody Edwards led the Cardinals receivers with 122 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions. Mar’kel Cooks led the defense with 12 tackles including one-half sack.

The Verdict: The Cardinals are once again tied atop the Southland Conference standings as they are in a three-way tie at 5-2. UIW owns the tiebreaker advantage over McNeese due to their win this season over the Cowboys, but they would need Nicholls to lose another game to win the conference title.

This Week: UIW begins a two-game road trip to end the regular season as they travel to Conway, Ark. to face Central Arkansas (5-4, 4-3) in their final conference game of the season on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Abilene Christian Wildcats (5-4, 4-3)

Last week: The Wildcats held off a furious fourth quarter rally by Northwestern State (3-6, 2-5) as a failed extra-point attempt by the Demons proved costly as ACU won 49-47 at home last Saturday. Luke Anthony completed 31-of-47 passes for 344 yards with three touchdowns and one interception to lead a Wildcats offense that gained 487 total yards. Tracy James gained 93 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries and scored two receiving touchdowns. Jeremiah Chambers recorded 11 tackles including one and a half tackles for loss to lead the defense that only allowed 33 yards rushing in the game.

The Verdict: This was a good win for ACU as they overcame adversity throughout the game to earn an important conference victory. The Wildcats were in control for most of the game, but four turnovers led to 27 points for the Demons. ACU will need to clean up the mistakes this week if they hope to remain in the race for the SLC title and automatic playoff bid. 

This Week: The Wildcats will play their final road game of the regular season as they play Sam Houston State (5-4, 4-3) on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Eleven Sports network.

Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-4, 4-3)

Last Week: SHSU committed seven turnovers that led to 24 points for Incarnate Word (5-4, 5-2) as they lost 43-26 on the road last Saturday. Ty Brock and Mike Dare each saw time at quarterback for the Bearkats as they combined for 28-of-42 passes for 363 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Nathan Stewart led all receivers with seven receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns while Dee Bowens added 108 yards receiving on seven catches. 

The Verdict: This is another tough loss for a Bearkats squad that has battled multiple injuries at key positions all season. SHSU will try to end the season with some momentum and a two-game winning streak. The Bearkats defense will have their hands full this week as they face an Abilene Christian team on a three-game winning streak.

This Week: SHSU will play their final home game of the regular season this week as they host Abilene Christian (5-4, 4-3) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on the Eleven Sports network.

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

Last Week: SFA had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Lumberjacks bye week provided the team an opportunity to get some players healthy and prepare for their final two games of the regular season. SFA will have their hands full this week with a solid Nicholls defense before they finish the season at home against Northwestern State in the Battle for Chief Caddo.

This Week: SFA will play their final road game of the regular season this week as they travel to Thibodaux, La. to face No. 16 Nicholls (6-3, 5-2) Saturday at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Cox Sports Television and ESPN3.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (3-6, 2-3)

Last Week: PVAMU furious second half rally fell just short as they lost 34-28 on the road to Jackson State (4-4, 3-2) last Saturday. Trazon Connley took over at quarterback in the second quarter for the Panthers and completed 19-of-30 passes for 165 yards with three touchdowns and one interception while adding 110 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries as he nearly rallied PVAMU from a 24-point second quarter deficit. Zarrian Holcombe had nine receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns to lead all receivers.

The Verdict: The Panthers offense had been scuffling the past few weeks but may have found their spark in backup quarterback Trazon Connley. PVAMU have two home games remaining in the regular season after a bye this week. Both of their remaining games are winnable, and the Panthers desperately need to build momentum heading into next season.

This Week: PVAMU have a bye this week.

Texas Southern Tigers (2-7, 1-4)

Last Week: TSU rallied to tie the game at 21 at the end of the third quarter but was unable to score in the fourth quarter as they lost 30-21 on the road to Alabama State (3-5, 2-2) last Saturday. Devin Williams completed 8-of-14 passes for 227 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Brad Woodard gained 72 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 17 carries for the Tigers. Bobby Hartzog gained 113 yards receiving on four receptions while Tren’Davian Dickson added 103 yards and a touchdown on two receptions.

The Verdict: The Tigers finally get a bye week this week after playing nine straight weeks to begin the season. TSU will use this bye week to get some players healthy and rested as well as prepare for their final two games of the regular season. The Tigers will host a beatable Arkansas-Pine Bluff before they play at rival Prairie View A&M to finish the regular season.

This Week: TSU have a bye this week.

Houston Baptist Huskies (1-8, 0-7)

Last Week: HBU defense allowed over 300 yards rushing and passing last Saturday as they lost 41-20 at home to No. 20 Nicholls (6-3, 5-2). Bailey Zappe completed 22-of-38 passes for 258 yards and a touchdown to lead the Huskies offense. Jerreth Sterns tied a school record for receptions as he caught 11 passes for 67 yards while Terry Tillmon added 80 yards receiving and a touchdown on two receptions. Colton Manning and Jack Blanco each registered 13 tackles for the defense.

The Verdict: The Huskies were dominated in this game by a Nicholls team that has an outstanding defense. HBU still has two conference games left to try and win their first conference game of the season. However, the schedule is not easy for the Huskies as they face a red-hot Lamar team on a four-game winning streak this week.

This Week: HBU will play their final road game of the season this week as they play Lamar (5-4, 4-3) at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

NCAA DII Recap

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

Last Week: The Tarleton State defense only allowed 50 total yards in the game as the Texans completely dominated Lincoln (Mo.) (3-7, 2-5) at home to the tune of 59-3 last Saturday. The Texans offense rolled up 552 total yards behind 398 yards rushing. Xavier Turner gained 128 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries while Adam Berryman added 114 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 19 carries and Daniel McCants contributed 107 yards rushing and a touchdown on 14 carries. 

The Verdict: The Texans are a dangerous team this season and they continue to prove they have a team capable of making a national championship run this season. They just held an NCAA DII team that entered averaging 255.9 yards per game to only 50 total yards. The Texans also have a punishing rushing attack that can play in any weather.

This Week: Tarleton State will close out their regular season schedule this week as they host Western New Mexico (0-9, 0-7) Saturday at 2 p.m.

No. 14 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (7-2, 5-1)

Last Week: The Texas A&M-Commerce defense recorded nine sacks and did not allow a point in the second half as the Lions rallied for a 20-17 win over UT Permian Basin (2-8, 1-6) on the road last Saturday. Ovie Urevbu gained 195 yards on 27 carries to lead the Lions offense. Kane Wilson completed 19-of-29 passes for 205 yards and scored a rushing touchdown. Pierre Leonard led the defense as he recorded seven tackles including five tackles for a loss and three sacks.

The Verdict: The Lions struggled in their final road game and will have one more game to impress the regional committee as they try and earn an at-large bid to the NCAA DII playoffs. Their opponent this week typically gives the Lions a difficult game and the Rams bring a good defense and a three-game winning streak to Commerce, Texas this week.

This Week: TAMUC will play their final game of the regular season this week as they host Angelo State (6-4, 4-3) at 4 p.m. Saturday.

No. 16 Midwestern State Mustangs (7-2, 5-2)

Last Week: Western New Mexico (0-9, 0-7) put a real scare in Midwestern State last Saturday before MSU Texas was finally able to gain distance late in the fourth quarter of a 48-35 win. Vincent Johnson gained 135 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries to lead an MSU Texas offense that gained 530 total yards. Layton Rabb had another 300-yard passing game as he completed 21-of-31 passes for 300 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Verdict: MSU Texas needed a convincing victory last week to keep any human element from entering the equation with the regional committee. The Mustangs will have one last opportunity to make a statement this week as they try to end a two-game home losing streak.

This Week: Midwestern State will play their final game of the regular season this week as they host West Texas A&M (6-4, 4-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Angelo State Rams (6-4, 4-3)

Last Week: The Angelo State defense only allowed three points in the second half last Saturday as they won their final home game of the regular season 34-17 over Eastern New Mexico (4-6, 4-4). The Rams defense held the Greyhounds triple option attack to 193 rushing yards in the game led by Kyle Hunter who registered 15 tackles including one tackle for loss, one-half sack while also forcing and recovering a fumble. Payne Sullins led the offense as he completed 19-of-30 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns while also gaining 92 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.

The Verdict: The Rams have won three straight games and are playing well heading into their rivalry game this week. A win this week for ASU would most likely keep the defending national champions from an at-large bid to the NCAA DII playoffs.

This Week: ASU finish the regular season on the road this week as they play No. 14 Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday at 4 p.m.

West Texas A&M Buffaloes (6-4, 4-3)

Last Week: West Texas scored a touchdown with 1:28 remaining in the game as they pulled out a 35-31 victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville (3-7, 1-6) in the final game at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium history. Brandon Blair was outstanding for the Buffs as he gained 182 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries while Marshawn Brown added 73 yards and a touchdown on only five carries. Chris Thomas led the Buffs defense as he registered 11 tackles including one-half sack.

The Verdict: WT has overcome multiple injuries at key position this season to earn six wins in the second year of their rebuilding process. The Buffs are moving in the right direction as they open a new football stadium on campus next season. WT could make one more statement this week if they can pull off an upset on the road.

This Week: The Buffaloes will finish their regular season schedule on the road this week as they play No. 16 Midwestern State (7-2, 5-2) Saturday at 1 p.m.

Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas (3-7, 1-6)

Last Week: Texas A&M-Kingsville was unable to hold onto a 10-point lead last Saturday as they lost 35-31 on the road to West Texas A&M (6-4, 4-3). Koy Detmer Jr. completed 28-of-47 passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Aaron Dilworth caught 11 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns while Tyler Wilson added 154 receiving yards on nine reception to lead the Javelinas. Tre Tutt led the defense as he recorded nine tackles including two tackles for a loss.

The Verdict: The Javelinas played well this week as they fell just short of a win. The Javelinas offense has played better over the past few weeks. TAMUK will need a full team effort this week as they finish the season against a UTPB team they can win against at home.

This Week: TAMUK will finish their regular season schedule this week as they host UT Permian Basin (2-8, 1-6) on Saturday at 7 p.m.

UT Permian Basin Falcons (2-8, 1-6)

Last Week: UTPB held a lead into the fourth quarter last Saturday but were unable to score late as they lost 20-17 at home to No. 16 Texas A&M-Commerce (8-2, 6-1). Taylor Null completed 18-of-34 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Falcons offense. Kristian Brown caught four passes for 86 yards and a touchdown and Michael Myers also scored a receiving touchdown for the Falcons. Chris Hoad led the defense as he registered 17 tackles and forced a fumble. 

The Verdict: The Falcons have shown improvement throughout this season and once again played tough against a quality team. This is only their third season of playing football and are struggling to win games late which is not unusual for young teams as they must learn how to win and handle success as part of the growing process.

This Week: UTPB finishes the regular season on the road this week as they play Texas A&M-Kingsville (3-7, 1-6) at 7 p.m. Saturday.

NCAA DIII Recap

No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (9-0, 8-0)

Last Week: The Crusaders intercepted four passes last Saturday as they rolled to an 80-7 victory over Louisiana College (4-5, 4-4) in their final home game of the regular season. Jalen Martin intercepted two passes to lead the Cru defense that only surrendered 156 total yards in the game. Jase Hammack led the Cru offense as he completed 10-of-16 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns. Markeith Miller added two rushing touchdowns on 15 carries. 

The Verdict: The Cru locked up the American Southwest Conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA DIII playoffs with last week’s win. This is the first step in the Cru’s mission to return to the national championship game in Shenandoah, Texas in mid-December.

This Week: UMHB will finish their regular season schedule this week on the road as they play East Texas Baptist (6-3, 6-2) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

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

Last Week: The HSU defense only allowed 136 total yards to Belhaven (1-8, 1-7) as they rolled to a dominating 61-13 win on the road last Saturday. Bryson Hammonds gained 179 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries as four different Cowboys scored a rushing touchdown. Kevi Evans led all receivers with five receptions for 92 yards and three touchdowns. The Cowboys defense recorded four sacks and Dedrick Strambler intercepted two passes in the game.

The Verdict: The Cowboys needed an impressive performance after the regional committee released their first rankings and had the Cowboys in danger of missing the playoffs. HSU will have one more chance to make a statement to the committee this week as they host their crosstown rival.

This Week: HSU will play their final game of the regular season as they host McMurry (2-7, 2-6) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (7-2, 6-2)

Last Week: Texas Lutheran dominated Sul Ross State (1-8, 1-7) as they won their final home game of the regular season 63-20 last Saturday. Austin Matthews had a great game for the Bulldogs as he gained 225 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 40 carries. Kyle Grona completed 23-of-33 passes for 245 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. D’Andre Gallagher and Pearce Loth each scored a receiving touchdown for the Bulldogs. 

The Verdict: This was another impressive win for the Bulldogs as they seek to finish the regular season in third place in the conference. They will be tested this week against a good Southwestern team that has been playing solid football over the last four weeks.

This Week: TLU will play their final game of the regular season on the road this week as they face Southwestern University (5-4, 4-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

East Texas Baptist Tigers (6-3, 6-2)

Last Week: ETBU rolled up an impressive 793 total yards of offense as they scored a convincing 62-7 win on the road over McMurry (2-7, 2-6) last Saturday. Brian Baca was incredible for the Tigers as he completed 18-of-29 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns while adding 144 yards rushing on 18 carries. Jeremiah Robertson gained 109 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 13 carries while Richard Johnson caught seven passes for 160 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers. 

The Verdict: The Tigers are on a three-game winning streak and have been very impressive on offense and defense the last two weeks. But ETBU will have to contend with a juggernaut this week and will need to win all three phases of the game to pull off the upset and shock the NCAA DIII world.

This Week: ETBU will play their final game of the regular season this week as they host No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (9-0, 8-0) on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers (6-3, 5-2)

Last Week: The Trinity defense only allowed 245 yards last Saturday as they won a defensive battle 14-0 over Austin College (2-7, 2-5) on the road. Wyatt Messex completed 16-of-28 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions to lead the Tigers offense. Chris Stewart caught five passes for 48 yards and a touchdown to lead all receivers. Nic Hover intercepted two passes to lead the Tigers defense. 

The Verdict: The Tigers have won three straight games and enter their season finale playing very good defense. Trinity will need a complete game from the offense and defense this week as they seek to pull off an upset and finish the season with four straight victories. 

This Week: Trinity will play their final game of the regular season this week as they host No. 11 Berry (9-0, 7-0) at 1 p.m. Saturday. 

Southwestern University Pirates (5-4, 4-4)

Last Week: Southwestern gained 407 yards rushing last Saturday as they rolled to a 54-17 win on the road over Howard Payne (1-8, 1-7). Frederick Hover had another outstanding game for the Pirates as he completed 8-of-15 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown and one interception while also rushing for 120 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries. Markell Henderson added 121 yards rushing and a touchdown on only six carries.

The Verdict: The Pirates bounced back nicely from their disappointing loss two weeks ago. SU has an opportunity to finish their season strong this week if they can pull of a win over the team that is currently the third best in the conference. 

This Week: Southwestern will play the final game of their regular season this week as they host Texas Lutheran (7-2, 6-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

McMurry War Hawks (2-7, 2-6)

Last Week: McMurry could not contain the potent East Texas Baptist (6-3, 6-2) offense last Saturday as they lost 62-7 in their final home game. Kevin Hurley Jr. completed 18-of-39 passes for 177 yards and one interception and added 33 yards rushing on 11 carries. Davian Smith gained 47 yards and a touchdown on eight carries for the War Hawks. Josh Smith had an incredible game as he recorded 21 total tackles including 12 solo tackles and two tackles for a loss.

The Verdict: The War Hawks have predictably struggled the past two weeks against teams at the top of the conference. McMurry will have another tough contest this week as they play their crosstown rival who needs a big win to earn an at-large bid into the playoffs. 

This Week: McMurry will finish their regular season schedule on the road this week as they play No. 7 Hardin-Simmons (8-1, 7-1) Saturday at 1 p.m.

Austin College Kangaroos (2-7, 2-5)

Last Week: Austin College was unable to convert on key downs as they lost a defensive battle 14-0 at home to Trinity (Tex.) (6-3, 5-2) last Saturday. Colt Collins completed 11-of-32 passes for 127 yards with three interceptions while adding 102 yards rushing on 21 carries for the ‘Roos. Darius Hypolite recorded 10 tackles to lead a defense that only allowed 307 total yards in the game to the Tigers.

The Verdict: The Kangaroos possibly had their best defensive effort of the season last week, but the offense was unable to score any points. The ‘Roos will finish the season this week in their homecoming game against a team they can defeat and earn their third win of the season.

This Week: Austin College will finish the regular season this week as they host Rhodes (4-5, 2-5) at 1 p.m. Saturday. 

Sul Ross State Lobos (1-8, 1-7)

Last Week: Sul Ross State was unable to keep pace with Texas Lutheran (7-2, 6-2) last Saturday as they lost 63-20 on the road. Fabian Baeza completed 11-of-18 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns for the Lobos while Williton Grear scored two rushing touchdowns. Byron Jones and De’Andre Bergen each recorded a receiving touchdown for the Lobos offense. James Parker and Levah Tarry each registered 12 tackles to lead the defense. 

The Verdict: The Lobos were once again overwhelmed by a more talented team. Sul Ross State will have a chance to end the season on a winning note this week at home as they host a beatable Belhaven (Miss.).

This Week: Sul Ross State will play their final game of the regular season this week as they host Belhaven (1-8, 1-7) Saturday at 6 p.m.

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (1-8, 1-7)

Last Week: The HPU offense was unable to keep up with Southwestern (5-4, 4-4) last Saturday as they lost 54-17 in their final home game of the season. Gage McClanahan broke a school record in completions as he completed 39-of-62 passes for 318 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. DunTayviun Gross was the leading receiver in the game as he caught 13 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown for the Yellow Jackets. 

The Verdict: The Yellow Jackets have now lost seven straight games this season. They will try to end the season on a positive note this week on the road. They will need the offense and defense to play some of their best football to pull off the victory. 

This Week: HPU will play their final game of the regular season this week as they travel to Pineville, La. to face Louisiana College (4-5, 4-4) Saturday at noon.

NAIA Recap

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

Last Week: SAGU was unable to hold onto the lead in the second half as they lost 34-30 on the road to Arizona Christian (6-3, 4-3) in their final game of the regular season. CJ Collins completed 30-of-54 passes for 307 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Michael Bledsoe gained 118 yards on 13 carries for the Lions. Blayne Rowe and Toras Hill each scored two receiving touchdowns for SAGU. Landon Jones led the defense with 15 tackles including one-half tackle for a loss.

The Verdict: The Lions season did not reach their lofty expectations as they lost three of their final four games. SAGU will look to return their high-powered offense next year and strengthen a defense that was unable to earn key stops at critical times this season.

This Week: SAGU regular season has concluded.

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

Last Week: Wayland Baptist was unable to gain any traction against Ottawa (Ariz.) (5-3, 4-3) as they lost 75-14 on the road. Christian Vaughn scored two rushing touchdowns to lead the Pioneers offense. Nick Quintero completed 12-of-29 passes for 167 yards and three interceptions. Ben Owen led the receiving corps with three receptions for 67 yards. Darrian Williams and Manny Arguijo each recorded nine tackles for the Pioneers defense. 

The Verdict: The Pioneers ran into the buzz saw of an offense last week. They will need to get their mistakes corrected quickly as another high-powered offense will visit this week in their regular season finale. 

This Week: WBU will play their final game of the regular season this week as they host Arizona Christian University (6-3, 4-3) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Texas Wesleyan Rams (2-7, 2-5)

Last Week: Texas Wesleyan scored the game winning touchdown with 6:54 remaining in the game as they won 21-20 over Lyon (Ark.) (3-6, 2-5) in their homecoming game last Saturday. Donovan Isom completed 21-of-39 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Rams offense. Brandon Rolfe led all receivers with five catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. Collier Ricks added two receiving touchdowns for the Rams. Michael Miller was the star on defense as he recorded 14 tackles and an interception.

The Verdict: This is a great win for the Rams who have now won two games in only their second season since resurrecting their football program. They will try to finish the season on a winning streak this week as a potent offense comes to Farrington Field.

This Week: Texas Wesleyan will conclude their regular season at home this week as they host Ottawa University (Ariz.) (5-3, 4-3) on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Texas College Steers (0-7, 0-7)

Last Week: Texas College had a rough day against a talented Oklahoma Panhandle State (6-4, 6-1) team last Saturday as they lost 42-0 on the road. Markese Denmon gained 86 yards on 16 carries to lead the Steers offense. The Steers defense was able to sack the Aggies quarterback four times and forced a fumble as they held the Aggies to 110 rushing yards. 

The Verdict: This was another tough contest for the Steers as they have played the conference’s two best teams the last two weeks. Texas College will look to avoid a winless season this week as they finish on the road. 

This Week: Texas College will conclude their regular season schedule this week as they face Lyon College (Ark.) (3-6, 2-5) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

NJCAA Recap

No. 12 Kilgore Rangers (8-2, 5-2)

Last Week: Kilgore scored 38 points over the second and third quarters last Saturday as they won 45-14 over Navarro (6-4, 4-3) to advance to the SWJCFC championship. Quarterback Quez Allen passed for 139 yards and two touchdowns while adding 81 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Omar Manning had two touchdown receptions and De’Montre Tuggle added 64 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Rangers.

The Verdict: The Rangers have now won six straight games and have been dominating over the last few weeks. Kilgore now has an opportunity to win the SWJCFC title and earn a spot in the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Bowl on Dec. 1. The Rangers will be looking to repeat their 31-24 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M earlier this season.

This Week: Kilgore will host the conference championship game this Saturday as they face No. 9 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (8-2, 5-2) at 3 p.m.

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

Last Week: A 21-point third quarter was too much for Blinn to overcome as they lost 35-21 to No. 9 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (8-2, 5-2) in the SWJCFC semi-finals last Saturday. Carlos Grace scored two rushing touchdowns for the Buccaneers while quarterback Brock Landis also scored a rushing touchdown. Tuciano Pope had an incredible game for the Buccaneers defense as he recorded 12 tackles with 10 solo tackles.

The Verdict: The Buccaneers season did not finish the way they expected, but they had a remarkable season considering the amount of injuries they overcame including an injury to their starting quarterback late in the season. Blinn earning a spot in the conference playoffs was a good achievement this season.

This Week: Blinn College regular season has concluded. 

Navarro Bulldogs (6-4, 4-3)

Last Week: Navarro was unable to keep pace with Kilgore (8-2, 5-2) last Saturday as they lost 45-14 in the SWJCFC semi-finals. Parker McNeil completed 26-of-39 passes for 212 yards and one interception. Jared Wyatt caught nine passes for 115 yards for the Bulldogs. Travell Lumpkin and Michael Massarella each scored a rushing touchdown for the Bulldogs. 

The Verdict: The Bulldogs season ended last week after a total meltdown in the fourth quarter that included six unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against Navarro and three ejections over the last five minutes of the game. The Bulldogs should not allow the ending of the game to change their opinion of their season as they won four of their final six games following a 2-2 start.

This Week: Navarro College regular season has concluded.

Cisco Wranglers (5-4, 3-4)

Last Week: Cisco did not have a game last week.

The Verdict: The Wranglers season did not end the way they had hoped, but they were not eliminated from the conference playoffs until the final game of the regular season. The Wranglers will look to reload for a run at the conference playoffs next season.

This Week: Cisco College regular season has concluded.

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

Last Week: TVCC did not have a game last week.

The Verdict: The Cardinals had a disappointing finish to their season as they lost two of their last three games. TVCC suffered from inconsistency throughout the season on both offense and defense. The Cardinals will look to reload and re-group for next season.

This Week: TVCC regular season has concluded.

Tyler Apaches (4-5, 3-4)

Last Week: Tyler Junior College did not have a game last week.

The Verdict: The Apaches had an up and down season this year. They began the season with a two-game losing streak followed by a four-game winning streak before finishing on a three-game losing streak and missing out on the playoffs by one game. 

This Week: Tyler Junior College regular season has concluded.