Small College Recap: Texas Lutheran pulls off massive upset

Texas Lutheran Football

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Team of the Week:

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (3-1, 3-0)

Last Week: One week after shutting down a potent triple-option attack, the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs went on the road and pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the college football season to date. TLU forced five turnovers and scored four touchdowns off the turnovers to defeat No. 6 Hardin-Simmons 38-27 last Saturday night. Running back Austin Mathews gained 64 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns on 12 carries while quarterback Wade Freeman completed 11-of-19 passes for 96 yards and added 52 yards rushing on 14 carries. Daniel Enriquez intercepted two passes and returned one 58-yards for a touchdown while Manny Longoria had two sacks and a 39-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Jackson Worley gave TLU its final score with a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The Verdict: The Bulldogs defensive performance two weeks ago against Southwestern was impressive but their performance in this game was incredible. TLU has learned some valuable lessons after opening the season with a home loss and have rebounded to put together some impressive wins. The Bulldogs are legitimate contenders for the conference title.

This Week: TLU returns home to play Louisiana College at 6 p.m. on Saturday night.

 

NCAA FCS Recap

No. 24 Sam Houston State Bearkats (4-2, 3-0)

Last Week: SHSU scored the final two touchdowns last Saturday to rally and defeat rival Stephen F. Austin 31-20 in the Battle of the Piney Woods. Quarterback Ty Brock completed 24-of-42 passes for 256 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Nathan Stewart once again led the receiving corps with 134 yards on six receptions and a touchdown while Donovan Williams added 127 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Linebacker Royce See was incredible for the Kats defense with nine tackles, six solo, two interceptions and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Kats found themselves in quite a battle in this year’s rivalry game. However, they were still able to win their ninth straight in the series and continue to dominate since the series moved to NRG Stadium in Houston.

This Week: SHSU returns home to meet Lamar on Saturday at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

 

Houston Baptist Huskies (4-2, 1-1)

Last Week: HBU was unable to convert the game-tying two-point conversion pass late in the fourth quarter as they fell 38-36 at home to Incarnate Word. Quarterback Bailey Zappe completed 49-of-69 passes for 390 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Jerreth Sterns had an incredible game with 136 yards receiving and a touchdown on 18 catches while Ean Beek added 96 yards rushing on 20 carries. Malik Johnson and Brennan Young each recorded 12 tackles for the Huskies while Johnson also forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Huskies have been on quite a roll since dropping their opening game of the season against FCS UTEP. HBU will need to rebound quickly from this loss as they hit the road this week to face another challenging conference opponent.

This Week: HBU begins a two-game road trip as they meet Abilene Christian at 6 p.m. on Saturday night. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

 

Incarnate Word Cardinals (3-2, 2-1)

Last Week: The UIW defense was able to come up with a big stop of a possible game-tying two-point conversion last Saturday to defeat Houston Baptist 38-36 on the road. Quarterback Jon Copeland completed 33-of-44 passes for 342 yards with three touchdowns. Kevin Brown gained 104 yards rushing on 11 carries and Kam Williams led the receivers with nine catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Jacob Harper led the Cardinals defense with 12 tackles while breaking up two passes.

The Verdict: This was a good win for the Cardinals and was their first road win of the season. UIW will hit the road again this week in the always tough Southland Conference against another solid opponent.

This Week: UIW concludes a two-game road trip with a game against Southeastern La. on Saturday at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

 

Prairie View A&M Panthers (2-3, 2-1)

Last Week: PVAMU had a bye last week. 

The Verdict: The Panthers head coach Eric Dooley said last week they would not any easy practices during their bye week as they prepare for another tough SWAC rival this week. Expect PVAMU to be eager to play this week and get its potent ground game going again.

This Week: PVAMU travels to play Southern in Baton Rouge, La. at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

 

Lamar Cardinals (3-3, 1-2)

Last Week: Lamar scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to comeback and defeat Abilene Christian 27-24 at home last Saturday. Quarterback Jordan Hoy was once again the main offense for the Cardinals as he completed 26-of-32 passes for 338 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while adding 103 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Kirkland Banks led all receivers with 145 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. David Crosley registered 12 tackles, seven solo, to lead the Lamar defense.

The Verdict: This was a huge win for the Cardinals following an 0-2 start to conference play. This is the point last season when Lamar went on a remarkable run to the FCS playoffs and face another tough opponent on the road this week.

This Week: Lamar begins a two-game road trip as they visit Sam Houston State at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

 

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-5, 1-2)

Last Week: SFA nearly pulled out one of the most shocking wins in the Battle of the Piney Woods last Saturday but the ‘Jacks were unable to hold a lead in the fourth quarter as they fell 31-20 to Sam Houston State. Quarterback Trae Self completed 28-of-52 passes for 260 yards with three interceptions. Da’Leon Ward led the rushing attack with 96 yards on 12 catches while Xavier Gipson added 97 yards receiving on six catches. Gerard McKnight and Trenton Gordon once again led the ‘Jacks defense with 10 tackles.

The Verdict: Head coach Colby Carthel nearly had the ‘Jacks faithful believing that he could walk on the ag pond. One thing the SFA fans do understand is that this year’s team will fight to the end and is improving every week.

This Week: SFA has a bye this week.

 

Abilene Christian Wildcats (2-4, 1-3)

Last week: ACU fought back from an early deficit last Saturday but was unable to maintain the lead in the fourth quarter as they lost 27-24 on the road to Lamar. Quarterback Sema’J Davis completed 18-of-26 passes for 159 yards with two touchdowns while adding 61 yards rushing on 10 carries. Tracy James led the rushing attack with 76 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and added 24 yards and a touchdown on two receptions. Kobe Clark caught nine passes for 87 yards and a touchdown while Jeremiah Chambers once again led ACU with 14 tackles, 12 solo.

The Verdict: The Wildcats got off to a slow start on offense without injured starter Luke Anthony. However, Sema’J Davis played very well after the slow start and nearly led ACU to a big comeback win on the road. The Wildcats play four of their next five games at home.

This Week: ACU begins a two-game homestand on Saturday when they host Houston Baptist Saturday night at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

 

Texas Southern Tigers (0-5, 0-2)

Last Week: TSU was able to comeback and score a touchdown early in the fourth quarter and tie the game with a two-point conversion. However, Alabama A&M would pull out a 35-28 win in overtime over the Tigers. Quarterback Devin Williams completed 25-of-40 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Wide receiver Donnie Corley was outstanding once again as he gained 104 yards receiving and a touchdown on eight catches. Patrick Howell and Ike Onwuasoanya each registered eight tackles for the Tigers defense.

The Verdict: The Tigers ended a brutal four-game road trip last Saturday and nearly pulled out a huge conference win. TSU will return home this week for its homecoming game against an NCAA D-II opponent before their big game in the Cotton Bowl.

This Week: TSU returns home to host Missouri S&T on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

 

NCAA DII Recap

No. 4 Tarleton Texans (5-0, 3-0)

Last Week: Tarleton faced its toughest opponent to date last Saturday night and the Texans defense stood tall while the offense finally got rolling in the second half of a 30-13 win over No. 23 Angelo State. Running back Daniel McCants gained 158 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries while Zimari Manning and DeShun Qualls each caught a touchdown pass for the Texans. Quarterback Ben Holmes completed 19-of-37 passes for 171 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. B.J. Jefferson once again led the Texans defense with 13 tackles, one and a half sacks and forced a fumble. Read more about this game with comments from head coach Todd Whitten on the Texans recent announcement to move to NCAA Division I by clicking this link.

The Verdict: The Texans finally received a decent challenge last Saturday and was able to do what great teams are supposed to accomplish. They were able to grind out the final minutes of the game with a dominating drive to add to their lead and ice away the game.

This Week: Tarleton travels to face the triple-option offense of Eastern New Mexico at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.

 

No. 20 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (4-1, 2-0)

Last Week: Texas A&M-Commerce broke open a close game with 21 points in the third quarter to roll to a 33-6 road win over Texas A&M-Kingsville last Saturday. Running back Antonio Lealiiee had a breakout performance as he gained 141 yards rushing and a touchdown on only 13 carries for the Lions. Quarterback Miklo Smalls completed 14-of-20 passes for 222 yards with three touchdowns as Darian Owens, Ryan Stokes and Eric Hebert each had a receiving touchdown. Terrell Collins led the Lions defense with 11 tackles.

The Verdict: The Lions did well to focus and win this game on the road as it was set up as a classic trap game. The Lions rebounded after a tough loss on the road last week and will now face one of their rivals in a series that has been crazy of late.

This Week: TAMUC returns home to play Midwestern State on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

 

No. 23 Angelo State Rams (4-1, 2-1)

Last Week: The ASU defense held strong against the top offense in NCAA Division II last Saturday, but 10 third-quarter points were all the separation needed as the Rams fell 30-13 on the road to No. 4 Tarleton. Running back Lloyd Howard III was outstanding as he gained 133 yards rushing on 21 carries while quarterback Payne Sullins completed 18-of-39 passes for 168 yards with one interception. Darrick Dickerson Jr and Leddy French II each registered nine tackles to lead the ASU defense.

The Verdict: The Rams are the toughest team that Tarleton has played this season but was unable to get much going offensively against the stout Texans defense. ASU is an outstanding team that will continue to make noise in the Lone Star Conference this season.

This Week: ASU returns home to play Western New Mexico at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

 

West Texas A&M Buffaloes (4-1, 1-1)

Last Week: WT put 34 points on the board in the first half and held off a vicious rally in the fourth quarter to earn a 48-41 win at home over Central Washington last Saturday. Jarrod Compton gained 117 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 15 carries as three different Buffs recorded a rushing touchdown. Quarterback Nick Gerber completed 18-of-31 passes for 224 yards with two touchdowns and an interception and Juwan McCall caught seven passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. The WT defense was led by Chazz Slatinsky who recorded 16 tackles, 11 solo, and broke up two passes.

The Verdict: WT had another impressive offensive performance in the first half, and it is a good thing they built the lead as CWU struck for 24 points in the fourth quarter to make the game close. The Buffs return to LSC play this week.

This Week: The Buffs travel to play UT Permian Basin at 6 p.m. on Saturday night.

 

Midwestern State Mustangs (3-2, 1-2)

Last Week: The MSU-Texas offense finally found its rhythm in the third quarter, but the Mustangs were unable to hang on for the win last Saturday as they lost 27-24 at home to Eastern New Mexico. Running back Quinton Childs gained 165 yards rushing on 23 carries for the Mustangs while quarterback Triston Williams completed 13-of-23 passes for 181 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Xavier Land had another solid performance as he caught six passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. Matthew Roach recorded 14 tackles to lead the MSU-Texas defense.

The Verdict: The Mustangs dropped another tough conference game and the schedule is not any easier for them this week as they must hit the road to face another solid conference opponent. MSU-Texas needs to find consistent play from its quarterback this week.

This Week: MSU-Texas travels to play No. 21 Texas A&M-Commerce at 6 p.m. on Saturday night. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

 

UT Permian Basin Falcons (2-3, 0-3)

Last Week: UTPB fell behind early in the game last Saturday night and was unable to gain any ground in a 47-28 road loss to Western New Mexico. Freshman quarterback Caleb Leake completed 6-of-18 passes for 115 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions while leading the Falcons with 116 yards rushing and a touchdown on 16 carries. Gabe Nelson added two touchdowns on the ground and linebacker Chris Hoad was incredible once again with 14 tackles, nine solo, for UTPB.

The Verdict: The Falcons will be disappointed with this loss as they have developed a nice rivalry against Western New Mexico over the past few seasons. UTPB faces a tough road ahead if they will earn a win in the LSC this year. 

This Week: UTPB returns home to meet West Texas A&M on Saturday night at 6 p.m.

 

NCAA DIII Recap

No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (4-0, 3-0)

Last Week: Mary Hardin-Baylor was dominant from the start once again last Saturday as they defeated McMurry 79-0. Quarterback Jase Hammack completed 10-of-16 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Hayden Haas caught three passes for 111 yards and three touchdowns while Jonel Reed added 109 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions. Robert McGrue led the rushing attack with 75 yards on four carries. Tevin Jones once again led the defense with 12 tackles, seven solo.

The Verdict: UMHB had no problem with its first road game of the season as they dominated from start to finish. The Cru are beginning to regain the dominance and instill the fear in opponents similar to their past national title runs.

This Week: UMHB returns home to meet East Texas Baptist at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

 

No. 20 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys (4-1, 3-1)

Last Week: Five turnovers were costly for Hardin-Simmons last Saturday night as they suffered a 38-27 loss at home to Texas Lutheran. Quarterback Brennen Wooten completed 9-of-18 passes for 57 yards with four interceptions. Running back Jaquan Hemphill had one of the all-time great college performances with 304 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 32 carries. Zai Zai Smith led the Cowboys defense with 10 tackles.

The Verdict: The Cowboys playoff and conference title hopes took a major blow with this loss. HSU has a bye this week and you can be certain that some issues will be fixed this week. The Cowboys need to win each of their remaining games to have any chance at a conference title or at-large playoff berth.

This Week: HSU has a bye this week.

 

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers (3-2, 2-1)

Last Week: Trinity scored the final points last Saturday to pull out a 52-35 win last Saturday over rival Austin College. Wide receiver Tommy Lavine was incredible with 11 catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Charles Davis added 94 yards rushing and a touchdown on 15 carries while quarterback Wyatt Messex completed 22-of-36 passes for 220 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Linebacker Jeremy Harris and Michael Jewett each recorded 7 tackles, three solo, while Harris added an interception for the Tigers.

The Verdict: The Tigers are an outstanding football team and they have earned a week off this week. Trinity will use the time to get some guys healthy and prepare for the remainder of its conference schedule.

This Week: Trinity has a bye this week.

 

East Texas Baptist Tigers (2-2, 2-1)

Last Week: ETBU scored a touchdown in each quarter last Saturday as they defeated Belhaven 28-17 at home. Quarterback Brian Baca completed 16-of-26 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns while adding 22 yards rushing on 20 carries. Jalen Blanton caught six passes for 122 yards and a touchdown while Davion Carter added 113 yards receiving and a touchdown on six receptions. Anton Clark led the Tigers defense with 15 tackles and a sack.

The Verdict: The Tigers are starting to roll as they have played well over their last two games. However, ETBU has a big challenge ahead of them as they face the defending national champs and top-ranked football team on the road this week.

This Week: ETBU travels to play No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday at 2 p.m.

 

Austin College Kangaroos (2-2, 1-1)

Last Week: Austin College saw its valiant comeback effort fall short as Trinity scored the final 14 points in the game to defeat the ‘Roos 52-35 last Saturday. Quarterback Colt Collins was outstanding as he completed 16-of-35 passes for 374 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 35 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Kai Brinkerhoff had four catches for 146 yards and Aaron Rideaux added 124 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Linebacker Keegan Nichols led the defense with 15 tackles, 11 solo, two sacks, two quarterback hurries and one interception.

The Verdict: The ‘Roos defense struggled as they try to replace their injured secondary with young, inexperienced talent. Austin College will need its outstanding offensive performance to continue next week against a good defense.

This Week: Austin College returns home to play Millsaps on Saturday at 1 p.m.

 

Sul Ross State Lobos (2-3, 2-2)

Last Week: Sul Ross State exploded for 21 points in the second half last Saturday to leave with a 21-9 win over Southwestern. Running back Williton Grear was incredible for the Lobos as he gained 173 yards rushing and a touchdown on 21 carries. Dre’Chon Moody had 71 of the Lobos 95 total passing yards on four receptions and a touchdown. The Sul Ross defense stymied the Pirates triple-option attack as they limited Southwestern to 179 yards rushing. Levah Tarry led the Lobos defensive attack with 10 tackles, five solo, while Cory McMahan, Javeon Moses and J Contreras each recorded an interception.

The Verdict: The Lobos had their most impressive performance to date this season with an incredible win over a tough Southwestern team. Sul Ross will have next week off as they prepare to hit the road for a long road trip.

This Week: Sul Ross State travels has a bye this week.

 

Southwestern University Pirates (2-2, 1-2)

Last Week: Southwestern allowed 21 points in the second half and was unable to keep up offensively as they were defeated 21-9 at home by Sul Ross State last Saturday afternoon. Quarterback Hank Moore completed 2-of-9 passes for 30 yards with two interceptions while adding 19 yards rushing on 18 carries. Elijah Smith led the rushing attack with 64 yards on 14 carries. Peyton Ludemann led the Pirates defense with 11 tackles.

The Verdict: The Pirates typically vaunted triple-option attack has been held under 200 yards rushing each of the last two weeks. Both of those weeks have also resulted in losses for Southwestern. The Pirates need to repair their offensive issues on the fly as they do not have another bye week.

This Week: Southwestern travels to play Belhaven at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

 

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (2-3, 1-3)

Last Week: A touchdown with 45 seconds remaining in the game led to a 27-21 defeat for HPU at home to Louisiana College last Saturday. Quarterback Caleb Estes completed 19-of-30 passes for 237 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Duntayviun Gross led the receiving corps with seven catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Shannon Warren and Cameron Keener each scored a rushing touchdown for the Yellow Jackets. Dylan Zeno led the defense with 10 tackles, eight solo to lead the defense.

The Verdict: The Yellow Jackets will be disappointed with this loss. However, HPU continues to show they are a much-improved team this year and will be competitive in their remaining conference games.

This Week: HPU has a bye this week.

 

McMurry War Hawks (0-5, 0-4)

Last Week: McMurry was unable to establish anything last Saturday at home as they fell 79-0 to No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor. Quarterback Hagen Garvin completed 6-of-11 passes for two yards and one interception. Kameron Session led the rushing attack for the War Hawks with 34 yards on 10 carries. Josh Smith registered six tackles, four solo, to lead the defense.

The Verdict: This was a predictably tough game for McMurry against the defending national champions. The War Hawks have a week off this week to get players healthy and regroup. McMurry faces two more challenging teams in the next few weeks.

This Week: McMurry has a bye.

 

NAIA Recap

Wayland Baptist Pioneers (2-3, 1-2)

Last Week: WBU scored 17 points in the first quarter and cruised to a 40-18 win at home over Texas College. Quarterbacks Nick Quintero and Mitchel Parsley combined to complete 17-of-38 passes for 279 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Wide receiver Daniel Hurn had an incredible game for the Pioneers with four receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Casey Buck and Manny Arguijo each registered seven tackles for the defense while Buck also recorded one sack and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Pioneers rebounded nicely from a tough week and the offense got the team going early. WBU will enjoy a bye week this week as they prepare to travel to face their arch-rival in two weeks. 

This Week: WBU has a bye this week.

 

Texas Wesleyan Rams (1-4, 1-2)

Last Week: Texas Wesleyan was unable to hold a lead late in the fourth quarter but pulled out an incredible 52-44 victory in three overtimes in their home opener last Saturday. Running back Jermarcus Jones was outstanding in the rushing attack as he gained 134 yards and three touchdowns on only eight carries while Keaton Huebner and Trey Jackson each added a rushing touchdown. Le’Mant Monroe and Collier Ricks each registered a receiving touchdown and Mark Seidler led the Rams defense with 15 tackles, eight solo, and four sacks.

The Verdict: The Rams pulled out an impressive victory over a tough conference opponent. TXWES has shown vast improvement in each of the last two seasons and their wins over the last two years have been in incredible games. 

This Week: TXWES travels to play Oklahoma Panhandle State on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

 

Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions (0-4, 0-2)

Last Week: SAGU scored a touchdown with one second remaining in regulation last Saturday to tie the game before falling 52-44 in triple overtime on the road to Texas Wesleyan. Running back Justin Allen recorded 122 yards rushing and a touchdown on 17 carries while Michael Bledsoe added 103 yards rushing on 31 attempts. Bryant Dotson and Reginald Agyei each recorded a receiving touchdown. Landon Jones and Jaylan Moss each registered seven tackles for the Lions. 

The Verdict: A tough season for the Lions only became tougher with this loss last week. SAGU continues to fight in each game and has been agonizingly close to winning this season. The Lions will need to refocus for another conference opponent this week.

This Week: SAGU returns home to play Lyon on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

 

Texas College Steers (0-4, 0-3)

Last Week: A 17-point first quarter proved costly to Texas College last Saturday as they lost 40-18 on the road to Wayland Baptist. Quarterbacks Decorie King and Derrick Cooper combined to complete 12-of-34 passes for 166 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Carlos Mosby had 118 yards rushing on 14 carries while Keysh Henderson led the Steers receivers with 51 yards and three touchdowns on four catches. Montel Barre led the defense with 11 tackles and one-half sack.

The Verdict: One bad quarter was the problem for the Steers again this week as a 17-point second quarter last week presented problems. Texas College will return home this week but are playing one of the best teams in the conference.

This Week: Texas College returns home to meet No. 20 Ottawa-Arizona at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

 

NJCAA Recap

No. 5 Kilgore Rangers (6-1, 5-1)

Last Week: Kilgore scored a late field goal in the fourth quarter and then blocked the potential game-winning field goal as the Rangers won a classic 24-23 over No. 10 Trinity Valley last Saturday. Quarterback Jacob Frazier threw for 222 yards and rushed for a touchdown for the Rangers while Gabe Douglas and Kevon Latulas each added a touchdown for Kilgore. Antonio Brooks had a huge interception to lead the Rangers defense.

The Verdict: This game had all the makings of a classic entering last Saturday night and it did not disappoint. Kilgore took control of the SWJCFC conference race and has the inside track to host each round of the conference playoffs.

This Week: Kilgore has a bye this week.

 

No. 11 Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals (4-2, 4-2)

Last Week: TVCC had a prime chance to earn a huge victory last Saturday night but their potential game-winning field goal was blocked as time expired in a 24-23 loss to No. 6 Kilgore. Quarterback Jeremy Hunt passed for 264 yards and three touchdowns to help the Cardinals build a 23-14 lead in the third quarter. Kenota Fiakpui, Hayward Clay and Willie Cherry each caught a touchdown pass for TVCC.

The Verdict: The Cardinals have an outstanding team and the possible rematch against Kilgore in the SWJCFC playoffs could be one of the most entertaining games this season. TVCC will take out its aggravation this week.

This Week: TVCC continues its four-game homestand on Saturday as they host Rezolution Prep Academy at 1 p.m.

 

No. 20 Blinn Buccaneers (4-2, 2-2)

Last Week: Blinn was unable to keep pace with the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M offense last Saturday as they were defeated 42-12 on the road. Quarterback Brock Landis completed 25-of-51 passes for 242 yards with two interceptions while Danny Gray led the receivers with eight catches for 71 yards. Devin McAdoo led the rushing attack with 28 yards and a touchdown on seven carries and Jared Esparza led the Buccaneers defense with 16 tackles.

The Verdict: The Buccaneers had a rough day in Miami, Okla. last Saturday as they were unable to run the ball, protect the ball or stop the NEO offense. The loss hurts Blinn’s chances of being the top seed in the playoffs.

This Week: Blinn College returns home to play Cisco College on Saturday night at 7 p.m.

 

Cisco Wranglers (4-2, 2-2)

Last Week: Cisco scored 14 points in the second quarter and relied on its defense to finish a 20-0 win over New Mexico Military Institute last Saturday. Wide receiver Gage McCook caught 10 passes for 95 yards while Greg Garner added 84 yards rushing on 20 carries. Quarterback Laki Ellis completed 19-of-30 passes for 167 yards with two interceptions. Travis DeGrate and Damarius Isaac each registered six tackles for the Wranglers defense.

The Verdict: The Wranglers have struggled over the last two weeks to gain any traction on offense. However, they were able to even their conference record with the win and will need their offense to show up in a big game this week.

This Week: Cisco College travels to play Blinn at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.

 

Navarro Bulldogs (3-4, 2-3)

Last Week: Navarro found themselves in more of a battle than expected last Saturday before scoring 28 points in the fourth quarter to defeat Texas A&T 69-41 last Saturday. Quarterback Parker McNeil completed 12-of-14 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon Theus led the rushing attack with 144 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries while Tru Edwards led the receivers with 151 yards and a touchdown on four catches. Jrake Polk registered eight tackles, six solo, to lead the Bulldogs defense.

The Verdict: The Bulldogs found themselves in a fight last week but was able to pull away in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Navarro will need to make sure Parker McNeil remains healthy and they face a tough road trip this week.

This Week: Navarro College travels to play New Mexico Military Institute on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.

 

Tyler Apaches (2-4, 1-3)

Last Week: Tyler had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Apaches begin the final stretch of their season this week as they finish the regular season with three conference games. Each game will be huge as the Apaches try to earn a spot in the conference playoffs.

This Week: Tyler will host Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Saturday night at 5 p.m.

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