For the second week in a row, the LSC has four teams ranked in the top 10 AFCA poll, three of which are undefeated. That will change this week as two of the unbeaten squads (ACU and TAMK) will face off in a huge LSC matchup. If that game is close, the loser could remain in the top 10. The MIAA has three teams in the top 25, with Northwest Missouri and Missouri Western at number 7 and 8 respectively. They face off this Saturday in another huge Super Region 4 matchup. The LSC North looks upside down after the first week of divisional play, with preseason favorites at the bottom of the pack, while Northeastern State and East Central find themselves tied with ENMU for the top spot.
Statistically Speaking - Check out Tuesday's post on LSC team and individuals ranking in the NCAA top 10 statistics.
Last Week's Games
Eastern New Mexico 44, Texas A&M-Commerce 21 - The Greyhounds got an early leg up in the LSC North race in defeating the preseason favorite Lions. Wes Wood threw for 437 yards and 5 TDs to lead ENMU. Surprisingly, ENMU outrushed TAMC by a 153 to 135 margin. TAMC's offense struggled again, picking up just 249 yards and scoring just one TD (the defense and special teams each had a TD as well).
Abilene Christian 65, Tarleton State 3 - The Texans suffered the worst loss in team history and were totally dominate by #5 ACU. The Wildcats got TDs from their defense, special teams and (6)offense. ACU's defense allowed just 6 first downs after the first quarter, and two of those came via penalties.
West Texas A&M 37, Angelo State 27 - The Buffs jumped out to a 37-13 halftime lead, but could not generate any offense in the second half. It was enough to top Angelo State, as Josh Neiswander had an uncharacteristically off game. Very surprising tidbit - Neither QB threw a TD pass (they had a combined 19 coming into the game), unless you count INTs returned for TDs by each team.
East Central 23, Southwestern Oklahoma 0 - The Tigers snapped their long losing streak in this defensive struggle. Neither team scored an offensive TD (ECU's TDs were on special teams and defense) and combined for just 418 yards offensively for the day.
Northeastern State 26, Southeastern Oklahoma 24 - This turned out to be one of the most entertaining games of the day, with the lead changing hands 3 times in the final 6 minutes of the game. The Riverhawks started the game winning drive on their own 11 yard line, with 2:22 to play. They methodically drove down the field, converting 3 third downs, and set up Drew Patton for a 20 yard game winning field goal.
Texas A&M-Kingsville 37, Incarnate Word 9 - The Javelinas jumped out to a big lead early on, and cruised to a comfortable win. The defense once again held the opponents to under 200 yards, and the special teams got into the act, scoring a TD in the second quarter. The rushing game picked up 137 yards in the post Winborn-era, scoring four TDs in the game.
Midwestern State 30, Central Oklahoma 24 - Instead of hanging their heads after dropping an overtime game to Incarnate Word, UCO came to play and very nearly handed the Mustangs their first loss of the year. Ethan Sharp's TD pass to Tucker Holland gave UCO a 7 point lead early in the fourth quarter, but MSU responded with two TDs on their next two possessions to avoid the upset.
This week's games
#9 West Texas A&M at Northeastern State
It's not a big surprise that the Buffs have the nations's top offense through 4 games. They got their running game cranking against ASU, topping the 200 yard mark, plus they have three receivers with a good shot at topping the 1,000 mark for the season. One troubling number - QB Taylor Harris' TD to Int ratio is just 11-0. With the meaty portion of their schedule coming up, that number needs to improve. The Redmen find themselves with a 2-2 record. They have won two close games, and been blown out twice. This week should be another blowout loss. WT 49-17.
Eastern New Mexico at Southwestern Oklahoma
The Greyhounds are moving the ball through the air - no surprise. Six different receivers are in double digits for receptions and eight different players have caught TD passes. They are also running it effectively, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 118 per game, making it harder for teams to just play pass defense. The Bulldogs on the other hand have struggled mightily on offense - they are averaging under 200 yards per game, have scored just 4 TDs, and were shutout by East Central last week. ENMU moves to 2-0 in the LSC North, 42-14.
Southeastern Oklahoma at Texas A&M-Commerce
This was supposed to be the game that decided the LSC North title. Instead these two preseason favorites will fight to stay out of the North cellar. What has happened to the Lion's offense? In their last three games, the offense is averaging just 6.7 points and 197 yards per game. Adam Farkes is completing just 43% of his passes, with 6 interceptions (vs. 1 TD) and has a QB rating of 75.7. The rushing attack (?) is 12th in the LSC, gaining just 88 yards per game. For Southeastern Oklahoma, the problem has been their defense. They are currently last in the LSC, allowing 478.5 yards per game, and teams are scoring 32.5 points per game. Look for TAMC's woes to continue this weekend, SOSU 31-24.
Angelo State at Tarleton State
Another matchup that looked great at the beginning of the season, but not so much now. The Rams shut out the vaunted WT offense in the second half last week, but was unable to overcome a 24 point halftime deficit. They have sported an upper half of the LSC offense (33 pt and 387 yd per game avg) and a mid to lower half defense (28.3 pt and 412 yard avg) to date. The Texans are coming off of a disastrous rout at the hands of ACU. They are near the bottom of the LSC in scoring offense (12th, 15.2 pts avg.) and defense (13th, 37.5 pt. avg.). Look for Josh Neiswander to get back on track for the Rams as Angelo wins comfortably, 38-14.
Incarnate Word at #10 Midwestern State
The Cardinals followed up their first LSC win with a respectable showing against the #6 team in the nation, dropping a 37-9 decision to TAMK. However, UIW was never in a threatening position, with their offense only able to cross midfield four times, once each in the second and third quarters, and on their final two possessions. The Mustangs found themselves in a real battle at Central Oklahoma, and needed to fourth quarter touchdowns to come from behind for the win. A strong rushing attack once again led the way, as the Mustangs gained 263 yards on the ground, highlighted by Keidrick Jackson's 69 yard TD run to tie the game at 24. Look for the Mustangs to come out strong and put to rest any questions that may have arisen last week - MSU 42-14.
East Central at Central Oklahoma
You'll have to excuse the Tigers if they are a little giddy this week. Ending a 16 game losing streak is reason enough, but to shut out their rival and hold them to just 224 yards is just icing on the cake. They better be ready to play Saturday, because the Bronchos look like a young team that is rounding into form. Their official record is 1-3, but they could easily be 3-1 or even 4-0. Josh Birmingham continues to run the ball very well, averaging 114.5 yards per game with 6 TDs. Ethan Sharp has buried his opening game performance and has thrown for 255 yds per game with 7 TDs and 3 Ints in the last three games. Five different receivers have 10 or more catches, and six have at least one TD reception. The Bronchos should be able to fatten up those numbers this week - UCO 38-10.
#5 Abilene Christian at #6 Texas A&M-Kingsville - Game of the Year (Vol. 1)
Outside of the playoffs, you don't see very many match ups of two top 6 ranked teams. Both opened 2010 with solid wins on the road against MIAA teams that were supposed to compete for the playoffs. Since then they have taken care of business against their LSC foes. So how does our first "Game of the Year" stack up?
Offense - ACU leads the conference in scoring (47.2) while TAMK is 7th (23.5). The Wildcats are 2nd in rushing yards (171.5), Kingsville is 5th (141.2). ACU is 3rd in passing yards (268.2), while the Javelinas are 8th (198.2). Overall, ACU is 4th in total yards (439.8) and TAMK is 8th (339.5).
ACU's Mitchell Gale tops the LSC in passing efficiency (169.2). He has completed 72% of his passes for 1,015 yards with 11 TDs and 0 Ints. His favorite target has been Edmund Gates (19-327 and 3 TDs). Kendrick Johnson and Raymond Radaway are also more than capable if teams focus too much on Gates. Darrell Cantu-Harkless has emerged as another offensive weapon, with Reggie Brown out for the season with an injury, and Darryl Richardson nicked up a bit. He has rushed for 219 yards, averaging more than 10 yards per carry, has another 118 receiving yards, and a combined 5 TDs. The ACU offensive line might be the best in the LSC.
For the Javelinas, Nate Poppell is 8th among LSC starter in passing efficiency (117.7), completing 61% of his passes for 736 yards with 4 TDs and 4 Ints. He has some talented receivers to throw to - Ryan Lincoln, Delashaun Dean and Robert Armstrong have combined for 50 receptions for 532 yards - while Sherman Batiste has yet to have his breakout game. The running game was the strength of the offense coming into the season, but with Fred Winborn no longer on the team (leading the LSC in rushing with 131 yds per game when dismissed), this is more of a question mark than strength. The team did rush for 137 yards and 4 TDs last week, with Connell Davis starting and getting help from Jonathan Woodson and Myron Brew. The offensive line is a sturdy and experienced group and will benenfit greatly if Tim Byerly returns to the starting lineup.
Defense - So far in 2010, these are the top two defenses in the LSC. Texas A&M-Kingsville leads the league in scoring (5.8), total defense (134.2), rushing defense (24.5) and pass defense (109.8). In those same categories, ACU is second (12.2), second (240.2), second (66.5) and third (173.8).
The Javelinas have yet to allow a team to gain 200 yards in a game and twice holding opponents to under 100 yards. They did not allow a touchdown for 189 minutes, have been great in the red zone (1-6) and have held opponents to a paltry 25% conversion rate on third downs. Ends Matt Romig and Michael Talamantez have combined for 8 sacks, while linebackers Marcus Sanders, Tressor Batiste and Hector Sobers have 60 tackles, including 9 for losses.
Over the past three weeks, the Wildcats have been just as stingy, allowing just 173 yards and 7.7 points per game over that period. Aston Whiteside and Fred Thompson have had a bit of a slow start, with just two sacks between them, but they could easily double that in any given quarter. Kevin Washington has been huge, leading the team with 28 tackles, with 7.5 for losses, and 2.5 sacks. The secondary has been busy with the starters combining for 58 tackles good for second, third, and two tied for fourth on the team in tackles).
Special Teams - ACU has been great on special teams this year. The Wildcats lead the LSC in both kick returns (28.0 yd average) and punt returns (24.1 yd average with 4 TDs). They have blocked thee punts (all against NSU) and a field goal. The Javelinas have been okay, 4th in kick returns (24.7) but only 11th in punt returns (6.3).
Outlook - This has all the makings of a defensive slugfest. So of course that means a 45-42 shootout right? The Wildcats have shown better balance between the offense and defense and after a solid game one win over Washburn have dominated their opponents. The Javelinas have relied on their defense to carry them, but outside of a mistake filled performance at East Central, the offense hasn't been that bad. With a week of good practices for the first time in two weeks, look for a performance in line with what they did in Maryville in week one. If they can do that again, they should win this one. But if they slip up in one area, look for ACU to take advantage. Flip of the coin on this one.....and we'll go with ACU in a hard-hitting war, ACU 24-21.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
LSC Roundup 9-30
Texas A&M-Kingsville win win because ... - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller Times
CORPUS CHRISTI — The prevailing questions and concerns surrounding Texas A&M-Kingsville's football team have centered around the Javelinas' offense and its consistency.
No, the Javelinas haven't proven to be a juggernaut when they have the ball. But here is the thing -- they haven't had to run roughshod over their first four opponents.
A&M-Kingsville has let its defense do the dirty work, and it has been filthy. Abilene Christian, ranked one spot better at No. 5 than the Javelinas in American Football Coaches Association Division II poll, will get to experience that Saturday night at Javelina Stadium.
Abilene Christian will win because ... - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
CORPUS CHRISTI — Sure, Texas A&M-Kingsville has a great defense. But Abilene Christian has a much more well-rounded team.
The Wildcats offense can put points on the scoreboard, and that Wildcats defense? Well, it's not too shabby itself.
ACU's defense can hold its own with the Javelinas. Kingsville is ranked No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense (24.50 yards per game), total defense (134.25) and scoring defense (5.75 points per game). But the Wildcats are ranked No. 10 in rushing defense (68), No. 11 in total defense (242.50) and No. 8 in scoring defense (12.25).
Gale turns the corner for ACU - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
A few weeks before Abilene Christian University’s first game of the season, Ken Collums, the Wildcats offensive coordinator, noticed a change in quarterback Mitchell Gale. “To be honest with you, I can’t pinpoint any one thing it was,” Collums said. “But in the course of several days, I started thinking, ‘Who is this guy?’ You look at him on video, and he looks like a real quarterback. He would be a little more consistent with his feet, and that had been a struggle last year. All of sudden, his feet looked really good and the ball was coming out quick. He was way more accurate.”
At that point, Collums knew his sophomore quarterback finally was starting to mature.
“I was telling him, ‘You’re about to turn the corner. I don’t when you’ll get there. But whatever you’re doing, whatever approach you’re taking, it’s right. There’s a difference, and you’re about to turn the corner,’” Collums said.
Staying the course in Kingsville - Jerry Briggs, San Antonio Express
As sixth-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville prepares to host No. 5 Abilene Christian on Saturday, adrenaline in the home team locker room is pumping.
Both Division II teams are undefeated, and fans in Kingsville are talking about a game with Lone Star Conference title implications.
“This is fun,” Javelinas cornerback Derrick Thomas said. “It's a lot of fun.”
Javelinas coach Bo Atterberry also is enjoying the challenge. Abilene has won six games in a row in the series, including all three in Atterberry's tenure.
“Every game is important,” Atterberry said, “but when a team has your number like that, sometimes that game just sticks out a little more on your schedule.”
Javelinas, Wildcats to square off in key matchup - J. Scott Russell, Times Record News
There was no movement in the top 10 of either NCAA Division II polls this week as all 10 teams held the same spots in both the AFCA and d2football.com polls for the second straight week.
There will, however, be some movement after this Saturday’s games — and it will be because of a couple of showdowns in Super Region 4.
No. 5 Abilene Christian will be at No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville in the Lone Star Conference showdown, while the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association’s game of the week will pit No. 8 Missouri Western at No. 7 Northwest Missouri.
LSC fans will be more interested in the ACU-TAMUK contest as the winner will take the early lead in the South Division and will give a better indication of just how good both teams are.
TRULY Special teams - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — In its first three games, the Angelo State University football team has seen exceptional performances in all three phases of the game. In their season opener against Eastern New Mexico, the Rams had nearly 500 yards of offense and scored six touchdowns in a 41-38 victory. A week later at the Cotton Bowl, the ASU defense had seven sacks and three interceptions in a 31-10 win against Texas A&M-Commerce.
Last week against No. 9 West Texas A&M, the Rams’ special teams took center stage with long returns, including a punt runback for a touchdown and a 46.2 punting average. That special teams play is what kept ASU in the game against the Buffs until the end.
“This is the third game in a row that we have won the special teams battle,” ASU head coach Dale Carr said. “It is starting to take form as we get a more mature team and more experienced players.”
Sherwood's perseverance pays off - Dave Henry, Amarillo Globe News
It is hard to imagine a 23-year-old man being considered a grandpa, but that's life for West Texas A&M starting offensive tackle Dan Sherwood.
Sherwood, who turns 24 Oct. 10, graduated from Amarillo High way back in 2005.
For perspective, Facebook was only about a year old at the time - which makes him downright ancient to some of his teammates.
"I guess I am the grandfather of the team," Sherwood said.
MSU's Faradineh focused on wins, not stats - J. Scott Russell
To say the tight end is an afterthought in the Midwestern State passing game is something of an understatement.
Four games into the 2010 season and they have combined for seven catches for 31 yards and no touchdowns.
Not a very significant number, considering the Mustang quarterbacks have completed 84 passes for 905 yards and seven scores.
But fifth-year senior Sasan Faradineh has grown accustomed to the big discrepancy and is making the most with the opportunities he gets.
“The philosophy here (for the tight end) is block first and catch passes second,” the 6-5, 250-pounder said. “That’s our reward for blocking. I’m in on every pass play, but I’m usually just a check down. It all depends on what type of coverage we’re facing as to what I run. That (blocking) is how I’m going to get on the field. We have a very talented receiving corp, so if I’m going to get on the field, blocking is where I’m going to make my name. Everybody would love to catch passes. I would. But whatever I’m asked to do I’m going to do it. Blocking is more of a challenge for me. When I’m running a route, I know I have them beat. But when I’m blocking I have a certain assignment and I have to be at the right place at the right time.”
Lone Star Conference rankings 9/30/2010 - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
2010 A&M-Commerce sports Hall of Fame inductees announced - The East Texan
The Texas A&'M University-Commerce athletic department announced its newest inductees for the Hall of Fame for 2010 today. The inductees include the 1999 soccer team, the 1980 football team, the 1980 volleyball team and former Lions standouts – Dennis Dyce, Harry Fritz, James Thrower and Cheryl Zachary. In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, Clarence Lynch and Marvin Sedberry will be recognized as the Bobby Fox Outstanding Coach Award recipients.
Summer in minors frustrates Calfee - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
Former Angelo State University baseball standout Clay Calfee is still slowly working his way through the minor-league ranks of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
Calfee is back in San Angelo after a summer with the Island Empire 66ers, the Dodgers’ high-A affiliate in San Bernardino, Calif. Despite moving up a level following his first summer in affiliated baseball, the former ASU first baseman described the last few months as “frustrating.”
LSC Scoop Soccer Report
Women’s Soccer Update.
No LSC team appears in this weeks National Rankings. According to a story on Midwestern’s website a slipup occurred in paying dues to NSCAA and prevented the mens program from being ranked for the first time in years. Evidently that applies to the women’s program as well, as there is no reason the Lady Mustangs should have fallen out of the national rankings. Abilene Christian did receive votes this week.
West Texas fell out due to their tie with St. Mary’s.
Regional Rankings (South Central)
1 Central Missouri
2 St Edwards
3 Truman
4 Abilene Christian
5 Central Oklahoma
6 A&M Commerce
7 NSU
8 Angelo State
9 East Central
10 Washburn
Players of the week : Offensive Mickey Brown Midwestern, Defensive Andrea Choate TWU, Goalkeeper Mallory Whitworth Midwestern
ACU. Lost conference opener to Midwestern in a Sunday match in Abilene. Friday the match ran for 22 minutes until called for lightning and eventually rescheduled. ACU struck first when frosh Andrea Carpenter slipped one in on keeper Mallory Whitworth in the fifth minute. The Mustangs had an answer in the 20th minute when Kelsey Hill challenged ACU’s keeper on a looping ball into the area. In the 72nd MSU scored the winning goal when Mickey Brown’s header rebounded off the crossbar and she touched it in herself. The match was a physical contest with almost as many fouls (19) as shots (25), but only one caution.
This week the Cats travel to Oklahoma with their 0-1 conference record, looking for W’s on the road against ECU and NSU.
Angelo State. Managed to get their Friday match against UIW in and pulled off a 2-1 upset in “wet and sloppy” conditions. ASU netted goal number 1 in the 31st minute and a minute later were awarded a successful PK for the 2-0 halftime lead. The Cardinals scored in the 88th minute to draw within one. Sunday #11 St Edwards visited and managed a 1-0 victory via a 19th minute goal. The Rambelles have to be pleased with their weekends results and will attempt to carry that momentum into home matches against conference foes Central Oklahoma and SWOSU. The Rambelles are currently 1-0 in LSC play.
Central Oklahoma. Notched first conference win over neighbor SWOSU 2-1 in Weatherford. Brittni Walker scored both first half goals for the 2-0 halftime lead. The Bulldogs netted a 75th minute goal to pull within one. The Bronchos travel to Texas with their 1-0 conference mark for matches with Angelo State and Incarnate Word.
ECU. Sunday the Tigers fell 1-3 to Oklahoma City U in a non-conference match. Their conference opener against NSU at home on Tuesday afternoon resulted in a 1-1 2OT draw. NSU scored in the first minute of the match – ECU equaled via a PK in the 15th minute. This weekend ACU visits on Friday and the Tigers trek to Wichita Falls for a match with Midwestern on Sunday. Currently the Tigers stand 0-0-1.
Midwestern. Upheld their dominance over ACU by outlasting the Cats on the road for a 2-1 win. Mallory Whitworth was steady in goal, snuffing all but one of the home sides shots. The Mustangs look to build upon their current 1-0 standing, facing NSU in Tahlequah before returning home to face ECU.
NSU. Against ECU on Tuesday had to settle for a 1-1 draw. The Riverhawks drew first blood but gave up a penalty to knot the score. After the PK the two played 95 minutes of scoreless soccer. Currently NSU is undefeated in conference play at 0-0-1, but face two physical matches this weekend as Midwestern and ACU come to visit.
ENMU. Faced UTPB last Thursday and emerged a 5-3 winner (are we sure that is a soccer score? Eight goals?). Tuesday evening in Canyon faced West Texas and were dispatched 0-2 while being outshot 19-5. The Zia’s stand 0-1 in LSC play, and welcome TWU and A&M Commerce to Portales for matches.
UIW. Dropped their first ever LSC match in a surprise 1-2 loss to Angelo State. Second half of the match was played in a downpour, but Cardinals were already down 0-2 at that point. On Sunday a 3-3 2OT draw against UTPB resulted from a five goal first half (the Cards were up 3-2 at half). UTPB tied things up in the 85th minute, and the two OT periods failed to produce a winner. The Cardinals find themselves 0-1 in LSC play and will be looking for their first LSC win with SWOSU and Central Oklahoma visiting San Antonio.
A&M Commerce. Last Wednesday outlasted TWU in Denton to open with a 1-0 win. Taylor Hunt notched a 26th minute goal that held for the win. A weekend trip to Florida yielded a 0-1 loss to #6 Rollins on Sunday in the first OT period. A scheduled Friday match against Lenoir Rhyne was cancelled due to weather. The Lions take their 1-0 conference mark to face WT A&M and ENMU this weekend.
WT A&M. Handled DBU 2-1 last Thursday and Sunday tied St. Mary’s 2-2 through 2OT periods, while outshooting the Rattlers 27-8. The draw proved expensive as the Buffs fell out of the national rankings. Tuesday the conference opener against ENMU at Canyon produced a 2-0 win. The Buffs stand 1-0 and will face A&M Commerce and TWU this weekend.
TWU. Lost their conference opener to A&M Commerce at home last Wednesday 0-1. Tuesday evening entertained DBU in Denton and earned a 1-0 win. The Pioneers take their 0-1 conference mark and go west looking for wins at ENMU and WT A&M.
SWOSU. Sunday began LSC play against travel partner Central Oklahoma, dropping a 1-2 decision.
The Bulldogs stand 0-1 in conference play and will look for improvement against Incarnate Word and Angelo State.
The LSC always seems to produce interesting results and surprises. This week was no exception with Angelo notching a surprise W over UIW. Even ranked WT stumbled against St Marys to fall out of the national view. ACU was looking to take a step into the top tier of the conference but Midwestern showed poise in their 2-1 road win against the physical Wildcats. What sort of surprises and unusual results will this weekend bring? Stay tuned.
CORPUS CHRISTI — The prevailing questions and concerns surrounding Texas A&M-Kingsville's football team have centered around the Javelinas' offense and its consistency.
No, the Javelinas haven't proven to be a juggernaut when they have the ball. But here is the thing -- they haven't had to run roughshod over their first four opponents.
A&M-Kingsville has let its defense do the dirty work, and it has been filthy. Abilene Christian, ranked one spot better at No. 5 than the Javelinas in American Football Coaches Association Division II poll, will get to experience that Saturday night at Javelina Stadium.
Abilene Christian will win because ... - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
CORPUS CHRISTI — Sure, Texas A&M-Kingsville has a great defense. But Abilene Christian has a much more well-rounded team.
The Wildcats offense can put points on the scoreboard, and that Wildcats defense? Well, it's not too shabby itself.
ACU's defense can hold its own with the Javelinas. Kingsville is ranked No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense (24.50 yards per game), total defense (134.25) and scoring defense (5.75 points per game). But the Wildcats are ranked No. 10 in rushing defense (68), No. 11 in total defense (242.50) and No. 8 in scoring defense (12.25).
Gale turns the corner for ACU - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
A few weeks before Abilene Christian University’s first game of the season, Ken Collums, the Wildcats offensive coordinator, noticed a change in quarterback Mitchell Gale. “To be honest with you, I can’t pinpoint any one thing it was,” Collums said. “But in the course of several days, I started thinking, ‘Who is this guy?’ You look at him on video, and he looks like a real quarterback. He would be a little more consistent with his feet, and that had been a struggle last year. All of sudden, his feet looked really good and the ball was coming out quick. He was way more accurate.”
At that point, Collums knew his sophomore quarterback finally was starting to mature.
“I was telling him, ‘You’re about to turn the corner. I don’t when you’ll get there. But whatever you’re doing, whatever approach you’re taking, it’s right. There’s a difference, and you’re about to turn the corner,’” Collums said.
Staying the course in Kingsville - Jerry Briggs, San Antonio Express
As sixth-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville prepares to host No. 5 Abilene Christian on Saturday, adrenaline in the home team locker room is pumping.
Both Division II teams are undefeated, and fans in Kingsville are talking about a game with Lone Star Conference title implications.
“This is fun,” Javelinas cornerback Derrick Thomas said. “It's a lot of fun.”
Javelinas coach Bo Atterberry also is enjoying the challenge. Abilene has won six games in a row in the series, including all three in Atterberry's tenure.
“Every game is important,” Atterberry said, “but when a team has your number like that, sometimes that game just sticks out a little more on your schedule.”
Javelinas, Wildcats to square off in key matchup - J. Scott Russell, Times Record News
There was no movement in the top 10 of either NCAA Division II polls this week as all 10 teams held the same spots in both the AFCA and d2football.com polls for the second straight week.
There will, however, be some movement after this Saturday’s games — and it will be because of a couple of showdowns in Super Region 4.
No. 5 Abilene Christian will be at No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville in the Lone Star Conference showdown, while the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association’s game of the week will pit No. 8 Missouri Western at No. 7 Northwest Missouri.
LSC fans will be more interested in the ACU-TAMUK contest as the winner will take the early lead in the South Division and will give a better indication of just how good both teams are.
TRULY Special teams - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — In its first three games, the Angelo State University football team has seen exceptional performances in all three phases of the game. In their season opener against Eastern New Mexico, the Rams had nearly 500 yards of offense and scored six touchdowns in a 41-38 victory. A week later at the Cotton Bowl, the ASU defense had seven sacks and three interceptions in a 31-10 win against Texas A&M-Commerce.
Last week against No. 9 West Texas A&M, the Rams’ special teams took center stage with long returns, including a punt runback for a touchdown and a 46.2 punting average. That special teams play is what kept ASU in the game against the Buffs until the end.
“This is the third game in a row that we have won the special teams battle,” ASU head coach Dale Carr said. “It is starting to take form as we get a more mature team and more experienced players.”
Sherwood's perseverance pays off - Dave Henry, Amarillo Globe News
It is hard to imagine a 23-year-old man being considered a grandpa, but that's life for West Texas A&M starting offensive tackle Dan Sherwood.
Sherwood, who turns 24 Oct. 10, graduated from Amarillo High way back in 2005.
For perspective, Facebook was only about a year old at the time - which makes him downright ancient to some of his teammates.
"I guess I am the grandfather of the team," Sherwood said.
MSU's Faradineh focused on wins, not stats - J. Scott Russell
To say the tight end is an afterthought in the Midwestern State passing game is something of an understatement.
Four games into the 2010 season and they have combined for seven catches for 31 yards and no touchdowns.
Not a very significant number, considering the Mustang quarterbacks have completed 84 passes for 905 yards and seven scores.
But fifth-year senior Sasan Faradineh has grown accustomed to the big discrepancy and is making the most with the opportunities he gets.
“The philosophy here (for the tight end) is block first and catch passes second,” the 6-5, 250-pounder said. “That’s our reward for blocking. I’m in on every pass play, but I’m usually just a check down. It all depends on what type of coverage we’re facing as to what I run. That (blocking) is how I’m going to get on the field. We have a very talented receiving corp, so if I’m going to get on the field, blocking is where I’m going to make my name. Everybody would love to catch passes. I would. But whatever I’m asked to do I’m going to do it. Blocking is more of a challenge for me. When I’m running a route, I know I have them beat. But when I’m blocking I have a certain assignment and I have to be at the right place at the right time.”
Lone Star Conference rankings 9/30/2010 - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
2010 A&M-Commerce sports Hall of Fame inductees announced - The East Texan
The Texas A&'M University-Commerce athletic department announced its newest inductees for the Hall of Fame for 2010 today. The inductees include the 1999 soccer team, the 1980 football team, the 1980 volleyball team and former Lions standouts – Dennis Dyce, Harry Fritz, James Thrower and Cheryl Zachary. In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, Clarence Lynch and Marvin Sedberry will be recognized as the Bobby Fox Outstanding Coach Award recipients.
Summer in minors frustrates Calfee - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
Former Angelo State University baseball standout Clay Calfee is still slowly working his way through the minor-league ranks of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
Calfee is back in San Angelo after a summer with the Island Empire 66ers, the Dodgers’ high-A affiliate in San Bernardino, Calif. Despite moving up a level following his first summer in affiliated baseball, the former ASU first baseman described the last few months as “frustrating.”
LSC Scoop Soccer Report
Women’s Soccer Update.
No LSC team appears in this weeks National Rankings. According to a story on Midwestern’s website a slipup occurred in paying dues to NSCAA and prevented the mens program from being ranked for the first time in years. Evidently that applies to the women’s program as well, as there is no reason the Lady Mustangs should have fallen out of the national rankings. Abilene Christian did receive votes this week.
West Texas fell out due to their tie with St. Mary’s.
Regional Rankings (South Central)
1 Central Missouri
2 St Edwards
3 Truman
4 Abilene Christian
5 Central Oklahoma
6 A&M Commerce
7 NSU
8 Angelo State
9 East Central
10 Washburn
Players of the week : Offensive Mickey Brown Midwestern, Defensive Andrea Choate TWU, Goalkeeper Mallory Whitworth Midwestern
ACU. Lost conference opener to Midwestern in a Sunday match in Abilene. Friday the match ran for 22 minutes until called for lightning and eventually rescheduled. ACU struck first when frosh Andrea Carpenter slipped one in on keeper Mallory Whitworth in the fifth minute. The Mustangs had an answer in the 20th minute when Kelsey Hill challenged ACU’s keeper on a looping ball into the area. In the 72nd MSU scored the winning goal when Mickey Brown’s header rebounded off the crossbar and she touched it in herself. The match was a physical contest with almost as many fouls (19) as shots (25), but only one caution.
This week the Cats travel to Oklahoma with their 0-1 conference record, looking for W’s on the road against ECU and NSU.
Angelo State. Managed to get their Friday match against UIW in and pulled off a 2-1 upset in “wet and sloppy” conditions. ASU netted goal number 1 in the 31st minute and a minute later were awarded a successful PK for the 2-0 halftime lead. The Cardinals scored in the 88th minute to draw within one. Sunday #11 St Edwards visited and managed a 1-0 victory via a 19th minute goal. The Rambelles have to be pleased with their weekends results and will attempt to carry that momentum into home matches against conference foes Central Oklahoma and SWOSU. The Rambelles are currently 1-0 in LSC play.
Central Oklahoma. Notched first conference win over neighbor SWOSU 2-1 in Weatherford. Brittni Walker scored both first half goals for the 2-0 halftime lead. The Bulldogs netted a 75th minute goal to pull within one. The Bronchos travel to Texas with their 1-0 conference mark for matches with Angelo State and Incarnate Word.
ECU. Sunday the Tigers fell 1-3 to Oklahoma City U in a non-conference match. Their conference opener against NSU at home on Tuesday afternoon resulted in a 1-1 2OT draw. NSU scored in the first minute of the match – ECU equaled via a PK in the 15th minute. This weekend ACU visits on Friday and the Tigers trek to Wichita Falls for a match with Midwestern on Sunday. Currently the Tigers stand 0-0-1.
Midwestern. Upheld their dominance over ACU by outlasting the Cats on the road for a 2-1 win. Mallory Whitworth was steady in goal, snuffing all but one of the home sides shots. The Mustangs look to build upon their current 1-0 standing, facing NSU in Tahlequah before returning home to face ECU.
NSU. Against ECU on Tuesday had to settle for a 1-1 draw. The Riverhawks drew first blood but gave up a penalty to knot the score. After the PK the two played 95 minutes of scoreless soccer. Currently NSU is undefeated in conference play at 0-0-1, but face two physical matches this weekend as Midwestern and ACU come to visit.
ENMU. Faced UTPB last Thursday and emerged a 5-3 winner (are we sure that is a soccer score? Eight goals?). Tuesday evening in Canyon faced West Texas and were dispatched 0-2 while being outshot 19-5. The Zia’s stand 0-1 in LSC play, and welcome TWU and A&M Commerce to Portales for matches.
UIW. Dropped their first ever LSC match in a surprise 1-2 loss to Angelo State. Second half of the match was played in a downpour, but Cardinals were already down 0-2 at that point. On Sunday a 3-3 2OT draw against UTPB resulted from a five goal first half (the Cards were up 3-2 at half). UTPB tied things up in the 85th minute, and the two OT periods failed to produce a winner. The Cardinals find themselves 0-1 in LSC play and will be looking for their first LSC win with SWOSU and Central Oklahoma visiting San Antonio.
A&M Commerce. Last Wednesday outlasted TWU in Denton to open with a 1-0 win. Taylor Hunt notched a 26th minute goal that held for the win. A weekend trip to Florida yielded a 0-1 loss to #6 Rollins on Sunday in the first OT period. A scheduled Friday match against Lenoir Rhyne was cancelled due to weather. The Lions take their 1-0 conference mark to face WT A&M and ENMU this weekend.
WT A&M. Handled DBU 2-1 last Thursday and Sunday tied St. Mary’s 2-2 through 2OT periods, while outshooting the Rattlers 27-8. The draw proved expensive as the Buffs fell out of the national rankings. Tuesday the conference opener against ENMU at Canyon produced a 2-0 win. The Buffs stand 1-0 and will face A&M Commerce and TWU this weekend.
TWU. Lost their conference opener to A&M Commerce at home last Wednesday 0-1. Tuesday evening entertained DBU in Denton and earned a 1-0 win. The Pioneers take their 0-1 conference mark and go west looking for wins at ENMU and WT A&M.
SWOSU. Sunday began LSC play against travel partner Central Oklahoma, dropping a 1-2 decision.
The Bulldogs stand 0-1 in conference play and will look for improvement against Incarnate Word and Angelo State.
The LSC always seems to produce interesting results and surprises. This week was no exception with Angelo notching a surprise W over UIW. Even ranked WT stumbled against St Marys to fall out of the national view. ACU was looking to take a step into the top tier of the conference but Midwestern showed poise in their 2-1 road win against the physical Wildcats. What sort of surprises and unusual results will this weekend bring? Stay tuned.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Lone Star Conference Cross Country - Mid-term Report
by Don Garrett
The LSC teams have run their meets for September and with the LSC XC Championship meet scheduled for November 6 in Abilene, it is a good time to look and see who is running up to expectations and who has fallen short thus far. I will review the teams in the order I picked them preseason, but there will be movement from the preseason, I guarantee you!
WOMEN
1. Midwestern – looking very good thus far. The returning LSC champ (Sidney Cole) has been running #2 to the JC transfer Brissia Montalvo – it appears that the rich have gotten even richer. Midwestern is getting outstanding performances from 2 freshmen - Ashley Flores (Haltom City) and Janel Campbell (Ingram Tom Moore). It looks like the freshman are good enough that Coach Styles appears to be redshirting 2 of his better returnees - Kayla Hendrix (12th in 2009) and Lindsey Pate (18th in 2009). At this point, the reigning champs look in great shape to keep the string going.
2. Central Oklahoma – they are simply not running very well, but a lot of that is because some key runners are not running regularly. Potential top-10 runner Alina Istrate and Cara Cox (19th in 2009) ran the first week, but not since. Angel Vick (29th in 2009) and top HS recruit, Jacquelynn Skocik, the Oklahoma 6A XC champ last year, have not run at all this year. Katie Kerns and Julie Crocker (47th) appear to running the best of the returnees who are running each meet. If Istrate, Cox, Vick and Skocik run this year, this team is a contender. If not, they will finish far back in the pack, like they did at the Cowboy Jamboree this past weekend.
3. Incarnate Word – pretty solid team. Thus far, they are not getting much production from their new kids, except for Bailey Lloyd, who was on the roster in 2009, but did not run at conference for them. She looks greatly improved and has been running #2 for UIW behind their frontrunner, Marie Troufflard. This team still looks like a top-3 contender to me. Veterans Alison Gonzales, Alma Santos, and particularly Stephanie Glatt need to step it up a little for UIW to truly contend.
4. Angelo State – very hard to read ASU. They are getting good production from two freshmen – Kelsey Merritt of East Bernard and Katy Williams from A&M Consolidated. However, part of the reason they need that production is that their more seasoned competitors – Alyssa Priest (22nd), Jessica Boudreau (26th) , Kami Orsak – are not running up to expectations yet. Emeline Crutcher (8th in 2009) is their leading runner, but it not running as well as in 2009. However, I also remember that in 2009, ASU ran poorly in all the meets leading up to the LSC meet, then ran their best meet of the year at conference and finished 2nd. Not sure whether to expect the same thing in 2010.
5. West Texas A&M – Both Aries Bazaldua (3rd) and Jessica Blakely (34th) are running pretty well early in the season. Freshman Amber Moore (Longview Spring Hill) is also running well. But, this team will need more help from Allie Reyna (21st) and either Allison Medina or Brieana Garcia to truly contend. They have little depth this year – they ran 5 kids at the TTU Open and 6 runners at the Cowboy Jamboree.
6. ACU – if you only scored 3 runners at conference, ACU might be the early favorites. They have a strong top three in returnee Chloe Susset (6th) and newcomers Anais Belledant (won the 1500 and the 5K on the track last spring) and Alyse Goldsmith (transfer from Oklahoma State). For ACU, the conference meet will turn on the performances of freshmen – Sally Hays and Oksana Hays, both from A&M Consolidated but not related, and Rachel Belcher, from tiny TAPPS school Bulverde Bracken Christian. With reasonable performances from 2 of the freshman, this team could contend for a top 3 spot.
7. East Central - was picked 3rd in the LSC preseason poll and 7th in my picks. It looks like they may end up about in the middle of those 2 rankings. They are running okay – soph Hayley Jennings (9th) is again their #1 and running well. Samanda Bartlett (77th) looks to be greatly improved, but JC transfers Jordan Earle and Caroline Masai are not showing they can fill the loss of 2 good runners from 2009.
8. Tarleton – always tough to read the Texans early in the season – Coach Ponder always has them start later than any other LSC team. They have run 1 meet and ran decently, running in a weak field at UNT last weekend. The big disappointment after 1 meet is the poor performance of Vanessa Elizondo, who was 7th last year, yet only ran #4 for TSU this past weekend. The most pleasant surprise for Tarleton had to be Ashley Husbands, the freshman from Denton, who finished well ahead of fellow freshman Payton Shoush, the 2A state champ in the 800 for Brock last spring. Rhyland Pittenger (46th) also ran well at UNT. Will have to wait and see about TSU.
9. Eastern New Mexico – the biggest surprise of the 2009 season was the emergence of a strong men’s team from ENMU. In 2010, it may be the ENMU women’s team following in the men’s footsteps. A much improved team that finished 6th in the strong college field at the Cowboy Jamboree this past weekend, beating fellow LSC foes UCO, ECU, UIW, SWO, SWO, and WT (Midwestern won the college division). Freshman Adrienne Montoya, a state champ at the smallest New Mexico HS division – 2A, has run very well, finishing #1 or #2 for ENMU in all three meets. Nicky Reid (15th) is running well, and Jerri Martin (24th) seems to be rounding into shape after a poor start. ENMU has also gotten production from freshman Brittany Buchanan (Alb. Hope Christian) and Theresa Chacon (58th in 2009). Can they jump all the way to 3rd like the ENMU men did in 2009? Probably not, but they are looking like possible top-5 contenders, which would be a huge step for the program.
10. Southwest Oklahoma - has to lean too heavily on Chelsey Dillon (10th in 2009). It does look like Melissa Banks (76th) is vastly improved over last year. JC transfer Temer Yimer has yet to run in 2010 and she should be someone who really helps this team. The best newcomer is Jennifer Osbourne, who has spent 2 years on the campus as a student, but did not compete and therefore, is at least 3 years removed from XC competition in HS. I incorrectly assumed in my preseason rundown that Sarah Hix (39th) was not on the team because she was not on the preseason roster. She is running, but not well at all, so I assume she is injured and contemplated not competing this year.
11. Texas A&M-Kingsville - has run in 2 meets and in both meets the kids who ran are all XC newcomers to Kingsville – Marrissa Acosta (from Alice), Briana Villareal (from LaFeria), Tezna Roy (from Palacios) , Danica Huerta, Ashley Nunez, Rowena Trevino, and Crystal Avalos. Hard to tell what to expect from the 2 meets – both of which were meets hosted by D-I programs with lots of D-I runners. It looks like the Javs are looking hard for new kids and that will probably mean this season will be tough. I am very surprised that Jessica Martinez (17th) has not run – she must be injured. She could be the difference between finishing 11th or 12th for TAMU-K in 2010.
12. TAMU-Commerce - is also hard to read – they have a huge roster, but have only run 4 or 5 women in the first 2 meets. It looks like Vanderbilt transfer Carolyn Bell will run #1 for Commerce. Kate Donovan (42nd in 2009, but 23rd in 2008) does not look to be running up to her 2008 standard. The only freshman to run so far this year is Rachel Biggers (Dallas Lincoln). Inexplicably, TAMU-C ran in the University division at the Cowboy Jamboree (with ACU), where they finished in last. It would have been much easier to read this team if they had competed in the college division against the 7 other LSC schools in that division.
13. Southeastern Oklahoma – it is painful to read about SEO finishing last each and every week. I hate to say anything negative about the 5 young women who compose the team – after all, I respect that they have the guts to compete on the college level. Barring a surprise of cataclysmic proportions, though, this team will finish last in the LSC meet. Next year won’t be any easier for SEO, as they move to their new Arky-Okie conference, since several of the Arky schools have good XC programs, particularly Harding.
MEN
1. ACU – still fronted by the best distance runner in the conference (Amos Sang – the defending champ in the conference in XC, 800, 1500, 5K and 10K!) and Cleophas Tanui (2nd). The ‘Cats look deep and are getting good production from their large freshman class. In fact, they are getting enough production from the freshmen that they are redshirting 2 of their best runners – JC transfer James Grantham from Rend Lake and sophomore Spencer Lynn (13th) who is still trying to come back from an Achilles injury from the indoor track season. Jake Schofield and Will Pike have looked pretty good (until Pike ran poorly at the Cowboy Jamboree). The top freshmen appear to be Erik Forrister, from Llano, and Will Mack, from national HS champion Boerne Champion. However, this past weekend, ECU managed to beat ACU as the Wildcats #3 runner, Romain Rybicki, failed to finish the race. ECU is greatly improved in 2010 and that must be a huge wakeup call for ACU.
2. ENMU – the feel-good story of 2009 was a Greyhound team that improved by leaps and bounds jumping to 3rd place at the LSC meet and competing reasonably well at the regional meet. I actually think they are better in 2010! Top JC transfer Mohamed Noor (7th in the JC national XC meet in 2009) is running lights-out. Richard Kogo (14th) and Jacob Lozano (11th) are both running reasonably well. ENMU is also getting better than expected production from freshmen Brett Villareal, from Amarillo Tascosa and Derrick Vriseno, from Belton. If veterans like (Logan Robertson (39th), Pedro Martinez (40th), and Patrick Lueras (59th) step it up a bit, ENMU could really make it interesting. This is a deep team, trotting out 11-12 runners each week and even having the luxury of redshirting 3 of the runners I thought might make a difference for them in 2010.
3. Incarnate Word – good solid team led by Howard Gill and Adrian Carrillo. They ran well in the Cowboy Jamboree, finishing 5th overall in the college division behind ENMU’s 2nd place. They have also gotten solid work from freshman Alex Hernandez, from San Antonio Wagner, who looks to be the only freshman who will make a big contribution. If they can get better production from the middle of their order – Solomon Rotich, Juan Perez, and Sebastian Jaraba-Heffner, they could hold onto their 3rd place preseason pick.
4. Cameron – the Cowboys ran pretty well at the Jamboree this past weekend, finishing 7th in the college division, getting good runs from Mohamed Khelalfa (10th) and transfer Brian Mulwo (transferring from American International). But the big question for Cameron – where is Julius Korir (3rd in 2009)? Korir is a difference maker for Cameron and has not run yet in 2010. Cameron has seen freshmen Eli Hernandez (from EP Jefferson) and Marcus Trevino (Mineral Wells) run well. Also, the Jamboree was the first time to see newcomer Moses Kipkosgei, who ran reasonably well. Cameron is always an enigmatic team and this year is no different.
5. West Texas A&M – early returns says this ranking may be a little high for WT, but I don’t think we have yet seen the whole team for the Buffs. They are led by Canadian Luke Irwin, the LSC steeplechase champ on the track last spring. Thomas Harris (27th) is always a steady hand, but so far this year Andrew Striley (26th) and Rolando Vasquez (28th) seem to be struggling a bit. The freshman Jadon Rankins (Al Paso Americas) ran decently well in the TTU meet, but did not show up in the Jamboree results. There is potential for WT to have a very competitive squad, but it will take the 3rd, 4th and 5th seeds running to potential.
6. East Central – take at look at the surprise team of the year – ECU! There is a very good chance that ECU will take a huge leap in the standings. The conference preseason had them at 8th and I picked them here at 6th and I think both will prove to be far too low. Top 3? There is a real possibility of that. ECU beat ACU last week at the Cowboy Jamboree. You could say “the ACU #3 guy did not finish the race”, BUT you can also say “the ECU #3 guy, Armando Saldivar, did not run in the race”. This is a vastly improved team. Newcomer Ezekiel Kissorio ran great at their first meet and then literally had to crawl the last 800 meters of the 2nd race. He could be very, very good. Daniel Kiptoo is back from injury in 2009 and is running very well – he was named the LSC runner o f the week 2 weeks ago. The aforementioned Saldivar is eligible this year. They are getting good races from newcomers Cale Eidson (Calera, OK), as well as old hands like Joel Dutton (22nd), Mitchell Haun (43rd) and Austin Christian (46th). They are very deep, running 13-14 kids in each race. The only negative to the season thus far has been the performance of Jim Sutrick who was 6th last year. I have to think he is injured. ECU has a legit shot to shoot into the top 3 and possibly even vie for the whole championship in their last year in the LSC, which will leave a much better taste than that dreadful 8th place finish last year.
7. Tarleton – just like it was for the women, it is hard to tell much from one meet against mediocre competition. From that one meet, it looks like Westyn Rosiles (25th) will be the frontrunner and that Chris Hearell (35th) has improved over the off-season. I did not see results for Jonathan Kern (19th), who could really help this team when he starts running. With only 6-7 on the roster, the Texans are shorthanded, but I also suspect they may still have another runner or two who may show up before the year it out.
8. Angelo State – it looks like a down year for ASU. They are also terribly shorthanded – they have run with 6-7 each meet. They did pick up Josh Tolentino, who ran for Western Texas College last year and he will help with depth. Randall Guinn (21st) looks to running in that #1 spot and Isac Valdez looks to be improved over 2009. When you include Robert Hummingbird (37th) and Nick Wargo (42nd), the Rams are fairly experienced, but no one on the team have been running particularly well this season.
9. TAMU-C – just like their women, the Commerce men chose to run in the University division at the Cowboy Jamboree and I don’t have any idea why. They finished a distant 17th and only veteran Robert Reed (8th in 2008, redshirted in 2009) managed to finish in the top 50% of competitors. The Lions do have some freshmen who are showing some promise – Everett Wilder (Sulphur Bluff), Raymond Mata (Mansfield Legacy), Alex Kimp (Keller Central) and Taylor Hemenway (Anna). These 4 form a nucleus that could make Commerce much more competitive in the future.
10. TAMU-K – just like Commerce, the Hoggies will have to depend heavily on new faces. One “old” face in particular returns – Kiya Dandena (15th) who is running extremely well this year, he could be a top 10 contender. Another returnee who has improved by leaps and bounds is Esteban Lopez (67th), who does not look like he will be running at the back of the conference pack in 2010. All the other faces are either redshirt freshmen (Amanuel Belay, Greg Carmona, Josh Prado) or true freshmen like Andre Fuqua. This team does look more competitive than 2009, but still has a ways to be consistently competitive at the conference level.
The LSC teams have run their meets for September and with the LSC XC Championship meet scheduled for November 6 in Abilene, it is a good time to look and see who is running up to expectations and who has fallen short thus far. I will review the teams in the order I picked them preseason, but there will be movement from the preseason, I guarantee you!
WOMEN
1. Midwestern – looking very good thus far. The returning LSC champ (Sidney Cole) has been running #2 to the JC transfer Brissia Montalvo – it appears that the rich have gotten even richer. Midwestern is getting outstanding performances from 2 freshmen - Ashley Flores (Haltom City) and Janel Campbell (Ingram Tom Moore). It looks like the freshman are good enough that Coach Styles appears to be redshirting 2 of his better returnees - Kayla Hendrix (12th in 2009) and Lindsey Pate (18th in 2009). At this point, the reigning champs look in great shape to keep the string going.
2. Central Oklahoma – they are simply not running very well, but a lot of that is because some key runners are not running regularly. Potential top-10 runner Alina Istrate and Cara Cox (19th in 2009) ran the first week, but not since. Angel Vick (29th in 2009) and top HS recruit, Jacquelynn Skocik, the Oklahoma 6A XC champ last year, have not run at all this year. Katie Kerns and Julie Crocker (47th) appear to running the best of the returnees who are running each meet. If Istrate, Cox, Vick and Skocik run this year, this team is a contender. If not, they will finish far back in the pack, like they did at the Cowboy Jamboree this past weekend.
3. Incarnate Word – pretty solid team. Thus far, they are not getting much production from their new kids, except for Bailey Lloyd, who was on the roster in 2009, but did not run at conference for them. She looks greatly improved and has been running #2 for UIW behind their frontrunner, Marie Troufflard. This team still looks like a top-3 contender to me. Veterans Alison Gonzales, Alma Santos, and particularly Stephanie Glatt need to step it up a little for UIW to truly contend.
4. Angelo State – very hard to read ASU. They are getting good production from two freshmen – Kelsey Merritt of East Bernard and Katy Williams from A&M Consolidated. However, part of the reason they need that production is that their more seasoned competitors – Alyssa Priest (22nd), Jessica Boudreau (26th) , Kami Orsak – are not running up to expectations yet. Emeline Crutcher (8th in 2009) is their leading runner, but it not running as well as in 2009. However, I also remember that in 2009, ASU ran poorly in all the meets leading up to the LSC meet, then ran their best meet of the year at conference and finished 2nd. Not sure whether to expect the same thing in 2010.
5. West Texas A&M – Both Aries Bazaldua (3rd) and Jessica Blakely (34th) are running pretty well early in the season. Freshman Amber Moore (Longview Spring Hill) is also running well. But, this team will need more help from Allie Reyna (21st) and either Allison Medina or Brieana Garcia to truly contend. They have little depth this year – they ran 5 kids at the TTU Open and 6 runners at the Cowboy Jamboree.
6. ACU – if you only scored 3 runners at conference, ACU might be the early favorites. They have a strong top three in returnee Chloe Susset (6th) and newcomers Anais Belledant (won the 1500 and the 5K on the track last spring) and Alyse Goldsmith (transfer from Oklahoma State). For ACU, the conference meet will turn on the performances of freshmen – Sally Hays and Oksana Hays, both from A&M Consolidated but not related, and Rachel Belcher, from tiny TAPPS school Bulverde Bracken Christian. With reasonable performances from 2 of the freshman, this team could contend for a top 3 spot.
7. East Central - was picked 3rd in the LSC preseason poll and 7th in my picks. It looks like they may end up about in the middle of those 2 rankings. They are running okay – soph Hayley Jennings (9th) is again their #1 and running well. Samanda Bartlett (77th) looks to be greatly improved, but JC transfers Jordan Earle and Caroline Masai are not showing they can fill the loss of 2 good runners from 2009.
8. Tarleton – always tough to read the Texans early in the season – Coach Ponder always has them start later than any other LSC team. They have run 1 meet and ran decently, running in a weak field at UNT last weekend. The big disappointment after 1 meet is the poor performance of Vanessa Elizondo, who was 7th last year, yet only ran #4 for TSU this past weekend. The most pleasant surprise for Tarleton had to be Ashley Husbands, the freshman from Denton, who finished well ahead of fellow freshman Payton Shoush, the 2A state champ in the 800 for Brock last spring. Rhyland Pittenger (46th) also ran well at UNT. Will have to wait and see about TSU.
9. Eastern New Mexico – the biggest surprise of the 2009 season was the emergence of a strong men’s team from ENMU. In 2010, it may be the ENMU women’s team following in the men’s footsteps. A much improved team that finished 6th in the strong college field at the Cowboy Jamboree this past weekend, beating fellow LSC foes UCO, ECU, UIW, SWO, SWO, and WT (Midwestern won the college division). Freshman Adrienne Montoya, a state champ at the smallest New Mexico HS division – 2A, has run very well, finishing #1 or #2 for ENMU in all three meets. Nicky Reid (15th) is running well, and Jerri Martin (24th) seems to be rounding into shape after a poor start. ENMU has also gotten production from freshman Brittany Buchanan (Alb. Hope Christian) and Theresa Chacon (58th in 2009). Can they jump all the way to 3rd like the ENMU men did in 2009? Probably not, but they are looking like possible top-5 contenders, which would be a huge step for the program.
10. Southwest Oklahoma - has to lean too heavily on Chelsey Dillon (10th in 2009). It does look like Melissa Banks (76th) is vastly improved over last year. JC transfer Temer Yimer has yet to run in 2010 and she should be someone who really helps this team. The best newcomer is Jennifer Osbourne, who has spent 2 years on the campus as a student, but did not compete and therefore, is at least 3 years removed from XC competition in HS. I incorrectly assumed in my preseason rundown that Sarah Hix (39th) was not on the team because she was not on the preseason roster. She is running, but not well at all, so I assume she is injured and contemplated not competing this year.
11. Texas A&M-Kingsville - has run in 2 meets and in both meets the kids who ran are all XC newcomers to Kingsville – Marrissa Acosta (from Alice), Briana Villareal (from LaFeria), Tezna Roy (from Palacios) , Danica Huerta, Ashley Nunez, Rowena Trevino, and Crystal Avalos. Hard to tell what to expect from the 2 meets – both of which were meets hosted by D-I programs with lots of D-I runners. It looks like the Javs are looking hard for new kids and that will probably mean this season will be tough. I am very surprised that Jessica Martinez (17th) has not run – she must be injured. She could be the difference between finishing 11th or 12th for TAMU-K in 2010.
12. TAMU-Commerce - is also hard to read – they have a huge roster, but have only run 4 or 5 women in the first 2 meets. It looks like Vanderbilt transfer Carolyn Bell will run #1 for Commerce. Kate Donovan (42nd in 2009, but 23rd in 2008) does not look to be running up to her 2008 standard. The only freshman to run so far this year is Rachel Biggers (Dallas Lincoln). Inexplicably, TAMU-C ran in the University division at the Cowboy Jamboree (with ACU), where they finished in last. It would have been much easier to read this team if they had competed in the college division against the 7 other LSC schools in that division.
13. Southeastern Oklahoma – it is painful to read about SEO finishing last each and every week. I hate to say anything negative about the 5 young women who compose the team – after all, I respect that they have the guts to compete on the college level. Barring a surprise of cataclysmic proportions, though, this team will finish last in the LSC meet. Next year won’t be any easier for SEO, as they move to their new Arky-Okie conference, since several of the Arky schools have good XC programs, particularly Harding.
MEN
1. ACU – still fronted by the best distance runner in the conference (Amos Sang – the defending champ in the conference in XC, 800, 1500, 5K and 10K!) and Cleophas Tanui (2nd). The ‘Cats look deep and are getting good production from their large freshman class. In fact, they are getting enough production from the freshmen that they are redshirting 2 of their best runners – JC transfer James Grantham from Rend Lake and sophomore Spencer Lynn (13th) who is still trying to come back from an Achilles injury from the indoor track season. Jake Schofield and Will Pike have looked pretty good (until Pike ran poorly at the Cowboy Jamboree). The top freshmen appear to be Erik Forrister, from Llano, and Will Mack, from national HS champion Boerne Champion. However, this past weekend, ECU managed to beat ACU as the Wildcats #3 runner, Romain Rybicki, failed to finish the race. ECU is greatly improved in 2010 and that must be a huge wakeup call for ACU.
2. ENMU – the feel-good story of 2009 was a Greyhound team that improved by leaps and bounds jumping to 3rd place at the LSC meet and competing reasonably well at the regional meet. I actually think they are better in 2010! Top JC transfer Mohamed Noor (7th in the JC national XC meet in 2009) is running lights-out. Richard Kogo (14th) and Jacob Lozano (11th) are both running reasonably well. ENMU is also getting better than expected production from freshmen Brett Villareal, from Amarillo Tascosa and Derrick Vriseno, from Belton. If veterans like (Logan Robertson (39th), Pedro Martinez (40th), and Patrick Lueras (59th) step it up a bit, ENMU could really make it interesting. This is a deep team, trotting out 11-12 runners each week and even having the luxury of redshirting 3 of the runners I thought might make a difference for them in 2010.
3. Incarnate Word – good solid team led by Howard Gill and Adrian Carrillo. They ran well in the Cowboy Jamboree, finishing 5th overall in the college division behind ENMU’s 2nd place. They have also gotten solid work from freshman Alex Hernandez, from San Antonio Wagner, who looks to be the only freshman who will make a big contribution. If they can get better production from the middle of their order – Solomon Rotich, Juan Perez, and Sebastian Jaraba-Heffner, they could hold onto their 3rd place preseason pick.
4. Cameron – the Cowboys ran pretty well at the Jamboree this past weekend, finishing 7th in the college division, getting good runs from Mohamed Khelalfa (10th) and transfer Brian Mulwo (transferring from American International). But the big question for Cameron – where is Julius Korir (3rd in 2009)? Korir is a difference maker for Cameron and has not run yet in 2010. Cameron has seen freshmen Eli Hernandez (from EP Jefferson) and Marcus Trevino (Mineral Wells) run well. Also, the Jamboree was the first time to see newcomer Moses Kipkosgei, who ran reasonably well. Cameron is always an enigmatic team and this year is no different.
5. West Texas A&M – early returns says this ranking may be a little high for WT, but I don’t think we have yet seen the whole team for the Buffs. They are led by Canadian Luke Irwin, the LSC steeplechase champ on the track last spring. Thomas Harris (27th) is always a steady hand, but so far this year Andrew Striley (26th) and Rolando Vasquez (28th) seem to be struggling a bit. The freshman Jadon Rankins (Al Paso Americas) ran decently well in the TTU meet, but did not show up in the Jamboree results. There is potential for WT to have a very competitive squad, but it will take the 3rd, 4th and 5th seeds running to potential.
6. East Central – take at look at the surprise team of the year – ECU! There is a very good chance that ECU will take a huge leap in the standings. The conference preseason had them at 8th and I picked them here at 6th and I think both will prove to be far too low. Top 3? There is a real possibility of that. ECU beat ACU last week at the Cowboy Jamboree. You could say “the ACU #3 guy did not finish the race”, BUT you can also say “the ECU #3 guy, Armando Saldivar, did not run in the race”. This is a vastly improved team. Newcomer Ezekiel Kissorio ran great at their first meet and then literally had to crawl the last 800 meters of the 2nd race. He could be very, very good. Daniel Kiptoo is back from injury in 2009 and is running very well – he was named the LSC runner o f the week 2 weeks ago. The aforementioned Saldivar is eligible this year. They are getting good races from newcomers Cale Eidson (Calera, OK), as well as old hands like Joel Dutton (22nd), Mitchell Haun (43rd) and Austin Christian (46th). They are very deep, running 13-14 kids in each race. The only negative to the season thus far has been the performance of Jim Sutrick who was 6th last year. I have to think he is injured. ECU has a legit shot to shoot into the top 3 and possibly even vie for the whole championship in their last year in the LSC, which will leave a much better taste than that dreadful 8th place finish last year.
7. Tarleton – just like it was for the women, it is hard to tell much from one meet against mediocre competition. From that one meet, it looks like Westyn Rosiles (25th) will be the frontrunner and that Chris Hearell (35th) has improved over the off-season. I did not see results for Jonathan Kern (19th), who could really help this team when he starts running. With only 6-7 on the roster, the Texans are shorthanded, but I also suspect they may still have another runner or two who may show up before the year it out.
8. Angelo State – it looks like a down year for ASU. They are also terribly shorthanded – they have run with 6-7 each meet. They did pick up Josh Tolentino, who ran for Western Texas College last year and he will help with depth. Randall Guinn (21st) looks to running in that #1 spot and Isac Valdez looks to be improved over 2009. When you include Robert Hummingbird (37th) and Nick Wargo (42nd), the Rams are fairly experienced, but no one on the team have been running particularly well this season.
9. TAMU-C – just like their women, the Commerce men chose to run in the University division at the Cowboy Jamboree and I don’t have any idea why. They finished a distant 17th and only veteran Robert Reed (8th in 2008, redshirted in 2009) managed to finish in the top 50% of competitors. The Lions do have some freshmen who are showing some promise – Everett Wilder (Sulphur Bluff), Raymond Mata (Mansfield Legacy), Alex Kimp (Keller Central) and Taylor Hemenway (Anna). These 4 form a nucleus that could make Commerce much more competitive in the future.
10. TAMU-K – just like Commerce, the Hoggies will have to depend heavily on new faces. One “old” face in particular returns – Kiya Dandena (15th) who is running extremely well this year, he could be a top 10 contender. Another returnee who has improved by leaps and bounds is Esteban Lopez (67th), who does not look like he will be running at the back of the conference pack in 2010. All the other faces are either redshirt freshmen (Amanuel Belay, Greg Carmona, Josh Prado) or true freshmen like Andre Fuqua. This team does look more competitive than 2009, but still has a ways to be consistently competitive at the conference level.
LSC Roundup 9-29
State college football - Scott Munn, The Oklahoman
MSU unranked for first time since 2006: Snafu costs Mustangs likely No. 1 ranking - MSU Website
WICHITA FALLS, Texas - A snafu associated with a payment of dues has cost Midwestern State an apparent No. 1 national ranking in the latest National Soccer Coaches' Association of America Division Poll which was released Tuesday afternoon.
The Mustangs, who remain the lone undefeated and untied team in NCAA Division II, spent the last two weeks at No. 2 and appeared destined for the top spot after last week's No. 1 Cal State-Los Angeles dropped consecutive matches to Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State-San Bernardino.
Instead, MSU will see its streak of consecutive reporting periods in the NSCAA Division II Poll end abruptly at 49. It marks the first time the Mustangs failed to achieve a national ranking since Sep. 26, 2006.
Colorado Mines jumps in into the top spot despite suffering a scoreless draw last week against No. 7 Metro State (Colo.) as a slew of upsets helped a group of 10 new teams in the rankings including Eastern New Mexico which entered the poll at No. 17.
The Mustangs will be eligible to return to the rankings next week.
Golf roundup: ACU wins first fall tournament - Abilene Reporter News
Alex Carpenter won a share of his fifth career tournament to help Abilene Christian win The Oklahoma Collegiate on Tuesday at Lawton Country Club.
The eight-team tournament featured two scoring systems. The Wildcats beat Dallas Baptist 5-4 in match play on Tuesday and finished two strokes better than Central Oklahoma for the overall stroke play lead with an 817.
Carpenter shot an even-par 71 on the final to finish with a nine-under 202, tying him with Central Oklahoma’s Josh Creel, who shot a 69 on Tuesday. It was Carpenter’s first tournament victory of the season.
ACU’s Cyril Bouniol tied for third with a 203. Tyler Sheppard was sixth (205). Kyle Dickerson (213) was 16th, and Trey Sullivan (216) was 25th.
ASU GOLF: Rambelles finish fourth in Amarillo - San Angelo Standard Times
The Angelo State women’s golf team shot 310 on Tuesday to finish fourth at the Lady Buff Stampede at Tascosa Country Club.
ASU, which improved 10 strokes from its opening round, moved up one spot in the standings and finished the team’s season-opening tournament three strokes out of third.
Krista Czarnecki led the Rambelles with a 3-over-par 75 Tuesday and finished the tournament in sixth place with a two-day score of 75-75—150.
Angelo State’s Randy Stegman tied for 13th with a 78-77—155. Maury McCormick finished in the top 25 with a 79-80—159, and Courtney Rutledge, who shot a first-round 88, improved to 78 on Tuesday to finish at 166.
“It was a good showing for us,” head coach Kathleen Price said. “We scrambled really well and made clutch putts when we had to. I’m very pleased.”
WT golf teams takes 5th, 6th in tourneys - Amarillo Globe News
Two Amarillo High products led the West Texas A&M women's and men's golf teams with top-15 individual performances this week.
Junior Sara Coe led the Lady Buffs to a fifth-place finish Tuesday in the Lady Buff Stampede at Tascosa Golf Club. Coe finished in a tie for seventh with a two-round score of 151.
Junior Ben Hargis led the WT men to sixth-place at the Oklahoma Intercollegiate in Lawton, Okla. Hargis finished in a tie for 12th with 864 in his two-day, 54-hole event at Lawton Country Club.
LSC Weekly Soccer Release - LSC Office
Lone Star Conference match-ups are in full swing next week. Eastern New Mexico and Midwestern State are leading the men’s side, while five women’s teams began conference play with a win. The men and women combined for 7 shutouts last week.
Click here for complete release
MEN’S OFFENSIVE
Kal Herbert, Eastern New Mexico University, Sr., M, Willaston, England, Neston High School Kal Herbert scored two goals in the final 1:15 of the first half at Northeastern State, on Friday, lifting the Hounds to their first-ever win in Tahlequah, Okla. On Sunday, he netted the game-winning goal, 10:17 into the second half at Newman. For the week, he scored three goals, including two game-winners and had two assists.
MEN’S DEFENSIVE
Sebastian Furness, West Texas A&M University, Jr., GK, Middlesbrough, England, Middlesbrough College
Sebastian Furness made a total of thirteen saves and picked up a pair of shutouts on Sept. 24 against Newman and Sept. 26 against Northeastern State.
WOMEN’S OFFENSIVE
Mickey Brown, Midwestern State University, Fr., F, Fort Worth, Texas, Paschal HS
Brown tallied the game winner to lift Midwestern State to a 2-1 conference opening win over Abilene Christian Sunday afternoon at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch. The freshman from Fort Worth worked a through ball from Jordan Smith in the 72nd minute, ripped a shot off the cross bar, collected the rebound and tapped in her third goal of the season.
WOMEN’S DEFENSIVE
Andrea Choate, Texas Woman’s University, Sr., M, Mesquite, TX, John Horn HS
Choate was the Pioneers’ leader on defense the last two games. She matched up against the top scorers from Texas A&M-Commerce and Dallas Baptist on defense and limited them to just one shot on goal. Choate helped the Pioneers snap a three-game losing streak and pick up their second win of the season against Dallas Baptist.
WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER
Mallory Whitworth, Midwestern State University, So., GK, McKinney, Texas, McKinney HS Whitworth made four big saves to hold Abilene Christian scoreless over the final 85 minutes of Midwestern State’s 2-1 Lone Star Conference opening win Sunday afternoon at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch. The sophomore from McKinney made a key one-on-one save in the 71st minute to allow the Mustangs to notch the comeback victory. Whitworth has allowed just one goal in her last 270 minutes between the posts.
MSU unranked for first time since 2006: Snafu costs Mustangs likely No. 1 ranking - MSU Website
WICHITA FALLS, Texas - A snafu associated with a payment of dues has cost Midwestern State an apparent No. 1 national ranking in the latest National Soccer Coaches' Association of America Division Poll which was released Tuesday afternoon.
The Mustangs, who remain the lone undefeated and untied team in NCAA Division II, spent the last two weeks at No. 2 and appeared destined for the top spot after last week's No. 1 Cal State-Los Angeles dropped consecutive matches to Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State-San Bernardino.
Instead, MSU will see its streak of consecutive reporting periods in the NSCAA Division II Poll end abruptly at 49. It marks the first time the Mustangs failed to achieve a national ranking since Sep. 26, 2006.
Colorado Mines jumps in into the top spot despite suffering a scoreless draw last week against No. 7 Metro State (Colo.) as a slew of upsets helped a group of 10 new teams in the rankings including Eastern New Mexico which entered the poll at No. 17.
The Mustangs will be eligible to return to the rankings next week.
Golf roundup: ACU wins first fall tournament - Abilene Reporter News
Alex Carpenter won a share of his fifth career tournament to help Abilene Christian win The Oklahoma Collegiate on Tuesday at Lawton Country Club.
The eight-team tournament featured two scoring systems. The Wildcats beat Dallas Baptist 5-4 in match play on Tuesday and finished two strokes better than Central Oklahoma for the overall stroke play lead with an 817.
Carpenter shot an even-par 71 on the final to finish with a nine-under 202, tying him with Central Oklahoma’s Josh Creel, who shot a 69 on Tuesday. It was Carpenter’s first tournament victory of the season.
ACU’s Cyril Bouniol tied for third with a 203. Tyler Sheppard was sixth (205). Kyle Dickerson (213) was 16th, and Trey Sullivan (216) was 25th.
ASU GOLF: Rambelles finish fourth in Amarillo - San Angelo Standard Times
The Angelo State women’s golf team shot 310 on Tuesday to finish fourth at the Lady Buff Stampede at Tascosa Country Club.
ASU, which improved 10 strokes from its opening round, moved up one spot in the standings and finished the team’s season-opening tournament three strokes out of third.
Krista Czarnecki led the Rambelles with a 3-over-par 75 Tuesday and finished the tournament in sixth place with a two-day score of 75-75—150.
Angelo State’s Randy Stegman tied for 13th with a 78-77—155. Maury McCormick finished in the top 25 with a 79-80—159, and Courtney Rutledge, who shot a first-round 88, improved to 78 on Tuesday to finish at 166.
“It was a good showing for us,” head coach Kathleen Price said. “We scrambled really well and made clutch putts when we had to. I’m very pleased.”
WT golf teams takes 5th, 6th in tourneys - Amarillo Globe News
Two Amarillo High products led the West Texas A&M women's and men's golf teams with top-15 individual performances this week.
Junior Sara Coe led the Lady Buffs to a fifth-place finish Tuesday in the Lady Buff Stampede at Tascosa Golf Club. Coe finished in a tie for seventh with a two-round score of 151.
Junior Ben Hargis led the WT men to sixth-place at the Oklahoma Intercollegiate in Lawton, Okla. Hargis finished in a tie for 12th with 864 in his two-day, 54-hole event at Lawton Country Club.
LSC Weekly Soccer Release - LSC Office
Lone Star Conference match-ups are in full swing next week. Eastern New Mexico and Midwestern State are leading the men’s side, while five women’s teams began conference play with a win. The men and women combined for 7 shutouts last week.
Click here for complete release
MEN’S OFFENSIVE
Kal Herbert, Eastern New Mexico University, Sr., M, Willaston, England, Neston High School Kal Herbert scored two goals in the final 1:15 of the first half at Northeastern State, on Friday, lifting the Hounds to their first-ever win in Tahlequah, Okla. On Sunday, he netted the game-winning goal, 10:17 into the second half at Newman. For the week, he scored three goals, including two game-winners and had two assists.
MEN’S DEFENSIVE
Sebastian Furness, West Texas A&M University, Jr., GK, Middlesbrough, England, Middlesbrough College
Sebastian Furness made a total of thirteen saves and picked up a pair of shutouts on Sept. 24 against Newman and Sept. 26 against Northeastern State.
WOMEN’S OFFENSIVE
Mickey Brown, Midwestern State University, Fr., F, Fort Worth, Texas, Paschal HS
Brown tallied the game winner to lift Midwestern State to a 2-1 conference opening win over Abilene Christian Sunday afternoon at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch. The freshman from Fort Worth worked a through ball from Jordan Smith in the 72nd minute, ripped a shot off the cross bar, collected the rebound and tapped in her third goal of the season.
WOMEN’S DEFENSIVE
Andrea Choate, Texas Woman’s University, Sr., M, Mesquite, TX, John Horn HS
Choate was the Pioneers’ leader on defense the last two games. She matched up against the top scorers from Texas A&M-Commerce and Dallas Baptist on defense and limited them to just one shot on goal. Choate helped the Pioneers snap a three-game losing streak and pick up their second win of the season against Dallas Baptist.
WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER
Mallory Whitworth, Midwestern State University, So., GK, McKinney, Texas, McKinney HS Whitworth made four big saves to hold Abilene Christian scoreless over the final 85 minutes of Midwestern State’s 2-1 Lone Star Conference opening win Sunday afternoon at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch. The sophomore from McKinney made a key one-on-one save in the 71st minute to allow the Mustangs to notch the comeback victory. Whitworth has allowed just one goal in her last 270 minutes between the posts.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
LSC Roundup 9-28
Streak over! - Bob Forrest
Ada — East Central’s football family lingered a lot longer than usual on the turf at Norris Field after Saturday night’s historic 23-0 victory over Southwestern.
Parents — some from as far away as California — visited with players and coaches and took pictures of their kids with the stars of the game. Nobody seemed to be in too big a hurry, because this win was not only too long in coming — it was special. Instead of heading to the locker room after another disappointing loss in a streak that had reached a school-record 16 games, everyone associated with the ECU football program hung around to savor that elusive — but not forgotten — winning feeling.
Tim McCarty was able enjoy his first victory as a head coach in almost five years. Second-year defensive coordinator Justin Deason accepted congratulations for his first career shutout. Armonty Bryant, who put an exclamation mark on a career night with his first-ever touchdown, was all smiles, along with the rest of a defensive unit that pitched ECU’s first shutout since 2006.
“This obviously feels great,” said McCarty, whose club was roughed up by Fort Hays State and nationally-ranked Lone Star Conference opponents Texas A&M-Kingsville and Abilene Christian in the first three weeks of the season but earned a share of the early lead in the LSC North with Saturday’s victory. “This team won a game and shut out an opponent. It’s hard to shut a team out. We scored on defense, and we scored on special teams, but we still have a lot to do,” he added. “The win is great. I’m happy for our kids, our coaches, for ECU and for our fans.”
Buffs bolt past Angelo State - Dave Henry, Amarillo Globe News
SAN ANGELO — The West Texas A&M Buffs presented head coach Don Carthel with the game ball Saturday night, signifying his 100th career coaching victory.
The Angelo State Rams did their best to postpone that ceremony for at least another week, but it wasn’t quite enough.
ASU shut out the Buffs in the second half — the first time WT has been scoreless in a half this season — but 23 unanswered points by WT in the first half provided enough of a cushion as the Buffs edged the Rams, 37-27, before 5,208 fans at San Angelo Stadium.
The Buffs improved to 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the Lone Star Conference. The Rams are 2-1, 2-1.
“This feels good, but every win feels good,” said Carthel, who also tied the legendary Frank Kimbrough for the No. 2 spot in WT career wins with 54. “This one was special because it was an LSC South game and it was a battle. We knew it would be. (ASU) is a much-improved football team fighting for their lives and very confident.”
Who is the newest Jaguar, Keith Null? - Adam Stites, Big Cat Country
In the moments directly after the news from Adam Schefter that the Jaguars are flying in and subsequently signing QB Keith Null, the reaction was similar to that of draft day when Gene Smith drafted Tyson Alualu. With Trent Edwards, a player that the common fan has heard of, available and backup quarterbacks seemingly an option as trade possibilities, Gene signed the relatively unknown Null.
The jokes are already rolling in with the news that Null played college football at West Texas A&M with Ryan Leaf as his quarterback coach. But all jokes aside, who and what did the Jaguars just acquire and what can we expect as fans from him?
National Football Stats Update (LSC Teams and players in top 10)
Team Rushing Offense - #3 Midwestern State - 287 yds per game
Team Passing Offense - #1 West Texas A&M - 437.25 yds per game, #5 Eastern New Mexico - 354 yds per game
Total Offense - #1 West Texas A&M - 578 yds per game, #5 Midwestern State - 513.25 yds per game, #10 Eastern New Mexico - 472.25 yds per game
Scoring Offense - #3 Abilene Christian - 47.25 pts per game, #4 West Texas A&M - 46.5 pts per game, #8 Midwester State - 43 pts per game
Rushing Defense - #1 Texas A&M-Kingsville - 24.5 yds per game, #10 Abilene Christian - 68 yds per game
Passing Defense - #3 Texas A&M-Kingsville - 109.75 yds per game
Total Defense - #1 Texas A&M-Kingsville - 134.25 yds per game
Scoring Defense - #1 Texas A&M-Kingsville - 5.75 pts per game, #8 Abilene Christian - 12.25 pts per game
Individual leaders
Total Offense - #2 Taylor Harris - 396.5 yds per game, #4 Wes Wood - 381.25 yds per game
Passing Efficiency - #8 Mitchell Gale - 169.25
Receptions per game - #4 Tyson Williams - 9.25 per game, #8 Jesse Poku - 8.75 per game
Receiving yds per game - #7 Tyson Williams - 124.50 yds per game
Sacks - #7 Matt Romig 1.25 per game
Interceptions - #3(tie) Alvin Johnson - 1 per game, #10 (tie) Darien Williams, Marvin Tribble - .75 per game
Tackles - #5 Tillman Stevens - 12 per game
Punt Returns - #3 Kendrick Johnson - 22.0 yd per return
Kick Returns - #5 Darrell Cantu-Harkless - 34.5 yd per return
Scoring - #5 Morgan Lineberry - 12.75 pts per game
Field Goals - #1 Morgan Lineberry - 2.5 per game, #5 Jose Martinez - 1.75 per game, #10 Tyler Cannon - 1.5 per game
Punting - #9 George Shamblin - 43.20 yd per punt
CONFERENCE AND NON-CONFERENCE ACTION ON TAP
A mix of Lone Star Conference and non-conference action will take place this week. Abilene Christian and West Texas A&M are both 4-0 in conference play to lead the league with three squads behind them at 3-1 as teams compete for one of eight spots at the LSC Volleyball Championship.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
OFFENSIVE
Flynn Harrell, Tarleton State University, FR, Brownwood, Texas/Brownwood
Harrell had an outstanding week, recording 34 kills, while hitting a .391 percentage in three Tarleton victories. In the TexAnns’ 3-2 win over St. Edwards, Harrell hit 12 kills, before setting a career-high on Saturday versus Southeastern Oklahoma with 15 kills, leading Tarleton to a 3-0 sweep. Between those two performances, Harrell added seven kills, but hit a .467 percentage in a 3-0 victory over East Central. She also contributed 15 digs and a block to the TexAnns’ efforts.
Amanda Waclawczyk, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, JR, Poth, Texas/Poth
Waclawczyk led the Javelinas to a 2-1 week. In a three-set win over Huston-Tillotson, she had 10 kills and a .562 attack. She came back with 13 kills, no attack errors, four blocks and a .542 attack in a four-set win at Cameron in the first LSC road game of the season. She finished the week with 10 kills in the team’s loss at Midwestern State. She averaged 3.3 kills per set with a .377 attack.
DEFENSIVE
Shea McBrearty, Tarleton State University, SR, Dripping Springs, Texas/Dripping Springs
McBrearty added to her already robust school record in digs with 47 over three matches this past week, helping Tarleton to a 3-0 record, including a 2-0 record in conference play. With 22 digs at St. Edwards, 10 against East Central, and 15 against Southeastern Oklahoma, McBrearty anchored a tough Tarleton defense that lost just two of their 11 games last week. She averaged 4.27 digs per game, while playing in all 11 sets for the TexAnns, and committed just a single receiving error in 48 tries.
Hillary White, Midwestern State University, JR, North Richland Hills, Texas/Richland HS
White may have been Midwestern State’s top offensive threat with 3.36 kills per set while helping the Mustangs to a pair of Lone Star Conference wins over Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Kingsville, but the junior from North Richland Hills showed her versatility with solid averages of 4.00 digs and 0.91 blocks per set. White notched her fifth double-double of the season with a career-high 17 kills and 15 digs Tuesday against Dallas Baptist before quickly tacking on her sixth with 14 kills and 17 digs in Thursday’s win over Incarnate Word. The all-around performer, who notched her fifth-straight match with 10-or-more digs with 12 Saturday against Texas A&M-Kingsville, also showed her value at the net matching a season-high with four total blocks against Incarnate Word while notching three against Dallas Baptist and Texas A&M-Kingsville.
SETTER
Taryn Westerman, Midwestern State University, JR, Liberal, Kan./Liberal HS
Westerman directed Midwestern State to a pair of Lone Star Conference wins over Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Kingsville by delivering a pair of 50-assist performances last week. The junior transfer from Seward County CC averaged 11.64 assists per set while directed the MSU to a .184 team hitting percentage. Westerman posted double-doubles with 51 assists and 15 digs against Dallas Baptist on Tuesday before notching 50 assists and 12 digs Thursday against Incarnate Word. She concluded her stellar week with 27 assists while leading the Mustangs to a .225 hitting percentage Saturday versus Texas A&M-Kingsville to go along with nine digs.
Alex Woolsey, Angelo State University, SO, Plano, Texas/Plano East HS
Woolsey had 61 assists (10.17 assists per set) leading the Rambelles to a pair of 3-0 sweeps at Texas A&M-Commerce and Texas Woman’s University over the weekend. Woolsey just missed her fifth double-double of the season when she notched 30 assists and nine digs at Texas Woman’s. The Plano, Texas, native totalled three kills, a service ace, 12 digs and four total blocks in the two matches. The sophomore setter leads Angelo State in assists (452) and has registered 44 kills, three service aces, 108 digs, and 16 total blocks on the season.
Ada — East Central’s football family lingered a lot longer than usual on the turf at Norris Field after Saturday night’s historic 23-0 victory over Southwestern.
Parents — some from as far away as California — visited with players and coaches and took pictures of their kids with the stars of the game. Nobody seemed to be in too big a hurry, because this win was not only too long in coming — it was special. Instead of heading to the locker room after another disappointing loss in a streak that had reached a school-record 16 games, everyone associated with the ECU football program hung around to savor that elusive — but not forgotten — winning feeling.
Tim McCarty was able enjoy his first victory as a head coach in almost five years. Second-year defensive coordinator Justin Deason accepted congratulations for his first career shutout. Armonty Bryant, who put an exclamation mark on a career night with his first-ever touchdown, was all smiles, along with the rest of a defensive unit that pitched ECU’s first shutout since 2006.
“This obviously feels great,” said McCarty, whose club was roughed up by Fort Hays State and nationally-ranked Lone Star Conference opponents Texas A&M-Kingsville and Abilene Christian in the first three weeks of the season but earned a share of the early lead in the LSC North with Saturday’s victory. “This team won a game and shut out an opponent. It’s hard to shut a team out. We scored on defense, and we scored on special teams, but we still have a lot to do,” he added. “The win is great. I’m happy for our kids, our coaches, for ECU and for our fans.”
Buffs bolt past Angelo State - Dave Henry, Amarillo Globe News
SAN ANGELO — The West Texas A&M Buffs presented head coach Don Carthel with the game ball Saturday night, signifying his 100th career coaching victory.
The Angelo State Rams did their best to postpone that ceremony for at least another week, but it wasn’t quite enough.
ASU shut out the Buffs in the second half — the first time WT has been scoreless in a half this season — but 23 unanswered points by WT in the first half provided enough of a cushion as the Buffs edged the Rams, 37-27, before 5,208 fans at San Angelo Stadium.
The Buffs improved to 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the Lone Star Conference. The Rams are 2-1, 2-1.
“This feels good, but every win feels good,” said Carthel, who also tied the legendary Frank Kimbrough for the No. 2 spot in WT career wins with 54. “This one was special because it was an LSC South game and it was a battle. We knew it would be. (ASU) is a much-improved football team fighting for their lives and very confident.”
Who is the newest Jaguar, Keith Null? - Adam Stites, Big Cat Country
In the moments directly after the news from Adam Schefter that the Jaguars are flying in and subsequently signing QB Keith Null, the reaction was similar to that of draft day when Gene Smith drafted Tyson Alualu. With Trent Edwards, a player that the common fan has heard of, available and backup quarterbacks seemingly an option as trade possibilities, Gene signed the relatively unknown Null.
The jokes are already rolling in with the news that Null played college football at West Texas A&M with Ryan Leaf as his quarterback coach. But all jokes aside, who and what did the Jaguars just acquire and what can we expect as fans from him?
National Football Stats Update (LSC Teams and players in top 10)
Team Rushing Offense - #3 Midwestern State - 287 yds per game
Team Passing Offense - #1 West Texas A&M - 437.25 yds per game, #5 Eastern New Mexico - 354 yds per game
Total Offense - #1 West Texas A&M - 578 yds per game, #5 Midwestern State - 513.25 yds per game, #10 Eastern New Mexico - 472.25 yds per game
Scoring Offense - #3 Abilene Christian - 47.25 pts per game, #4 West Texas A&M - 46.5 pts per game, #8 Midwester State - 43 pts per game
Rushing Defense - #1 Texas A&M-Kingsville - 24.5 yds per game, #10 Abilene Christian - 68 yds per game
Passing Defense - #3 Texas A&M-Kingsville - 109.75 yds per game
Total Defense - #1 Texas A&M-Kingsville - 134.25 yds per game
Scoring Defense - #1 Texas A&M-Kingsville - 5.75 pts per game, #8 Abilene Christian - 12.25 pts per game
Individual leaders
Total Offense - #2 Taylor Harris - 396.5 yds per game, #4 Wes Wood - 381.25 yds per game
Passing Efficiency - #8 Mitchell Gale - 169.25
Receptions per game - #4 Tyson Williams - 9.25 per game, #8 Jesse Poku - 8.75 per game
Receiving yds per game - #7 Tyson Williams - 124.50 yds per game
Sacks - #7 Matt Romig 1.25 per game
Interceptions - #3(tie) Alvin Johnson - 1 per game, #10 (tie) Darien Williams, Marvin Tribble - .75 per game
Tackles - #5 Tillman Stevens - 12 per game
Punt Returns - #3 Kendrick Johnson - 22.0 yd per return
Kick Returns - #5 Darrell Cantu-Harkless - 34.5 yd per return
Scoring - #5 Morgan Lineberry - 12.75 pts per game
Field Goals - #1 Morgan Lineberry - 2.5 per game, #5 Jose Martinez - 1.75 per game, #10 Tyler Cannon - 1.5 per game
Punting - #9 George Shamblin - 43.20 yd per punt
CONFERENCE AND NON-CONFERENCE ACTION ON TAP
A mix of Lone Star Conference and non-conference action will take place this week. Abilene Christian and West Texas A&M are both 4-0 in conference play to lead the league with three squads behind them at 3-1 as teams compete for one of eight spots at the LSC Volleyball Championship.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
OFFENSIVE
Flynn Harrell, Tarleton State University, FR, Brownwood, Texas/Brownwood
Harrell had an outstanding week, recording 34 kills, while hitting a .391 percentage in three Tarleton victories. In the TexAnns’ 3-2 win over St. Edwards, Harrell hit 12 kills, before setting a career-high on Saturday versus Southeastern Oklahoma with 15 kills, leading Tarleton to a 3-0 sweep. Between those two performances, Harrell added seven kills, but hit a .467 percentage in a 3-0 victory over East Central. She also contributed 15 digs and a block to the TexAnns’ efforts.
Amanda Waclawczyk, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, JR, Poth, Texas/Poth
Waclawczyk led the Javelinas to a 2-1 week. In a three-set win over Huston-Tillotson, she had 10 kills and a .562 attack. She came back with 13 kills, no attack errors, four blocks and a .542 attack in a four-set win at Cameron in the first LSC road game of the season. She finished the week with 10 kills in the team’s loss at Midwestern State. She averaged 3.3 kills per set with a .377 attack.
DEFENSIVE
Shea McBrearty, Tarleton State University, SR, Dripping Springs, Texas/Dripping Springs
McBrearty added to her already robust school record in digs with 47 over three matches this past week, helping Tarleton to a 3-0 record, including a 2-0 record in conference play. With 22 digs at St. Edwards, 10 against East Central, and 15 against Southeastern Oklahoma, McBrearty anchored a tough Tarleton defense that lost just two of their 11 games last week. She averaged 4.27 digs per game, while playing in all 11 sets for the TexAnns, and committed just a single receiving error in 48 tries.
Hillary White, Midwestern State University, JR, North Richland Hills, Texas/Richland HS
White may have been Midwestern State’s top offensive threat with 3.36 kills per set while helping the Mustangs to a pair of Lone Star Conference wins over Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Kingsville, but the junior from North Richland Hills showed her versatility with solid averages of 4.00 digs and 0.91 blocks per set. White notched her fifth double-double of the season with a career-high 17 kills and 15 digs Tuesday against Dallas Baptist before quickly tacking on her sixth with 14 kills and 17 digs in Thursday’s win over Incarnate Word. The all-around performer, who notched her fifth-straight match with 10-or-more digs with 12 Saturday against Texas A&M-Kingsville, also showed her value at the net matching a season-high with four total blocks against Incarnate Word while notching three against Dallas Baptist and Texas A&M-Kingsville.
SETTER
Taryn Westerman, Midwestern State University, JR, Liberal, Kan./Liberal HS
Westerman directed Midwestern State to a pair of Lone Star Conference wins over Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Kingsville by delivering a pair of 50-assist performances last week. The junior transfer from Seward County CC averaged 11.64 assists per set while directed the MSU to a .184 team hitting percentage. Westerman posted double-doubles with 51 assists and 15 digs against Dallas Baptist on Tuesday before notching 50 assists and 12 digs Thursday against Incarnate Word. She concluded her stellar week with 27 assists while leading the Mustangs to a .225 hitting percentage Saturday versus Texas A&M-Kingsville to go along with nine digs.
Alex Woolsey, Angelo State University, SO, Plano, Texas/Plano East HS
Woolsey had 61 assists (10.17 assists per set) leading the Rambelles to a pair of 3-0 sweeps at Texas A&M-Commerce and Texas Woman’s University over the weekend. Woolsey just missed her fifth double-double of the season when she notched 30 assists and nine digs at Texas Woman’s. The Plano, Texas, native totalled three kills, a service ace, 12 digs and four total blocks in the two matches. The sophomore setter leads Angelo State in assists (452) and has registered 44 kills, three service aces, 108 digs, and 16 total blocks on the season.
Monday, September 27, 2010
LSC Scoop Power Poll and Week Five Superlatives
- ACU (1) - Wildcats are clicking on all cylinders heading into this week's showdown.
- TAMK (2) - Jumped out to an early commanding lead and let the defense do the rest.
- WTAM (3) - No punts in first half, no points in second.
- MSU (4) - Survived a scare in Edmond.
- ASU (5) - Neiswander struggled, but Rams kept it close.
- ENMU (7) - Greyhounds are now the LSC North favorites.
- UCO (9) - Stood toe to toe with the Mustangs.
- TAMC (6) - Completed just 8 of 28 passes against ENMU.
- NSU (11) - The Riverhawks take another step back toward respectability.
- UIW (8) - Team does not give up, after falling behind early, kept game within reason.
- SOSU (10) - Defense gave up 16 fourth quarter points to Northeastern State.
- ECU (13) - Not the prettiest game, but do you think anyone in Ada cares?
- TSU (12) - Worst loss in school history - nothing more to say.
- SWO (14) - Defense played well, but where is the offense?
Best Overall Team Performance - Abilene Christian
Dominated Tarleton State in every category. Outgained Texans 526 to 196, with 9 Tarleton possessions lasting three plays or less, forced four turnovers, defense scored, special teams scored... At the end of the night, the Wildcats handed Tarleton their worst loss in school history, 65-3.
Best Overall Offensive Performance - Eastern New Mexico
The Greyhounds rolled up 590 yards of offense against LSC North preseason favorite, Texas A&M-Commerce. Wesley Wood threw for 437 yards and 5 TDs, and ENMU racked up 153 rushing yards in the win. Eastern New Mexico converted 13 of 24 third down opportunities and were a perfect 6-6 in the red zone.
Best Overall Defensive Performance - Texas A&M-Kingsville
The Javelinas defense gave up a touchdown this week, ending a 12 quarter defensive shutout streak, but once again held their opponent to under 200 yards offensively. TAMK did not allow a first down until early in the second quarter, and UIW was unable to get a first down on 6 of their 12 possessions.
Best Offensive Performance - Josh Birmingham, Central Oklahoma
Birmingham led the Bronchos to a near upset of #10 Midwestern State, rushing for 183 on 18 carries. He scored two touchdowns, a one yarder in the first quarter capping off a 10 play 72 yard drive, and an 81 yarder early in the third quarter, which put UCO up 14-10.
Best Defensive Performance - Armonty Bryant, East Central
Bryant, a 6-6, 245 lb. defensive end registered 9 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2 tackles for losses, but it was his interception and 65 yard return for a TD that was the icing on the cake for East Central, as they snapped a 16 game losing streak, beating Southwestern Oklahoma 23-0.
Best Special Teams Performance - Drew Patton, Northeastern State
The Riverhawks freshman kicker hit a game winning 20 yard field goal as time expired, giving Northeastern State a win over LSC North rival Southeastern Oklahoma, 26-24. Patton has now hit 5-6 field goals this year, with Saturday's first quarter block the only blemish so far.
AFCA Poll 9-27
After a four-year run in Football Championship Subdivision, Winston-Salem State (N.C.) is back in Division II and makes an appearance in the AFCA Division II Coaches’ Top 25 Poll for the first time since 2002. The Rams moved their record to 5-0 after a 31-14 victory over Fayetteville State (N.C.) and enter the poll at No. 23.
Grand Valley State (Mich.), Minnesota-Duluth, North Alabama, California (Pa.) and Abilene Christian (Texas) still hold down the Top 5 places. There will be three Top 25 matchups in this week’s games, including a pair of Top 10 games. No. 5 Abilene Christian (Texas) will travel south to face conference rival, No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville, while No. 7 Northwest Missouri State plays host to No. 8 Missouri Western State. In the final Top 25 matchup, No. 15 West Alabama will travel to No. 19 Delta State (Miss.) in a Thursday night showdown in the Gulf South Conference.
1. Grand Valley (1 last week)
2. Minnesota Duluth (2)
3. North Alabama (3)
4. California, PA (4)
5. Abilene Christian (5)
6. Texas A&M-Kingsville (6)
7. Northwest Missouri (7)
8. Missouri Western (8)
9. West Texas A&M (9)
10. Midwestern State (10)
16. Central Missouri (21)
21. Central Washington (22)
LSC FOOTBALL
Three Lone Star Conference teams - Abilene Christian, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Midwestern State - remain undefeated after victories last week. This week, No. 5 ACU will travel south to face No. 6 Kingsville in a top-10 match-up.
FOUR LSC TEAMS RANKED IN TOP-10
Four LSC squads remain ranked in top-10 of the AFCA Division II Coaches’ Top 25 Poll (Sept. 27). ACU leads the way at No. 5, while Kingsville is ranked sixth, West Texas A&M ninth and MSU 10th.
Click here for the complete release
DIVISIONAL PLAY CONTINUES
Division play continues in week six with six contests. A lone crossover game will be played as well. The league has played 15 crossover contests this season with the South Division holding a 12-3 advantage.
WEEKLY LEADERS
In week five, the LSC had three quarterbacks throw for 300-plus yards, two receivers and five rushers over the century mark and eight double-digit tacklers. Top performances included:
Passing: 437, Wesley Wood (44-73-2), ENMU vs A&M-C
Rushing: 18-183, Josh Birmingham, UCO vs MSU
Receiving: 8-126, Trey McVay, NSU at SE
Tackles: 15, Tillman Stevens, ENMU vs A&M-C
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
NORTH OFFENSIVE
Trey McVay, Northeastern State University, JR, WR, Muskogee, Okla./Fort Gibson HS
McVay caught eight passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns (64 yards and 6 yards) as Northeastern State edged Southeastern Oklahoma 26-24 in Durant in the LSC North opener for both schools. Three of his receptions came during the RiverHawks’ game-winning drive where he hauled in catches of seven, nine and 11 yards. He leads Northeastern State in receptions (19), yards (308) and average/game (77.0) this season. The RiverHawks are 2-2 overall, 2-1 in the LSC and 1-0 in LSC North action.
NORTH DEFENSIVE
Armonty Bryant, East Central University, JR, DE, Wichita Falls, Texas/Wichita Falls HS
Bryant led ECU with six tackles, including four solo efforts, and returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown late in the game during the Tigers’ 23-0 home win over Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday. Two of Bryant’s tackles led to minus 15 yards as he also had 1.5 sacks which led to 10 yards in losses.
NORTH SPECIAL TEAMS
Drew Patton, Northeastern State University, FR, K, Fayetteville, Ark./Fayetteville HS
Patton made two-of-three field goals, including a 20-yarder as time expired, to lift Northeastern State to a 26-24 win over Southeastern Oklahoma in Durant on Saturday night. Patton’s other field goal was from 37 yards in the third quarter to bring the RiverHawks to within 14-10 with 11:32 to play in the period. His other attempt was blocked in the first quarter. Patton, a true freshman, is 5-of-6 on field goals this season and 7-of-8 on PATs.
SOUTH OFFENSIVE
Keidrick Jackson, Midwestern State University, R-FR, RB, Arlington, Texas/Bowie HS
Jackson single-handedly sparked No. 10 Midwestern State to a come-from-behind 30-24 win over Central Oklahoma Saturday night at Wantland Stadium. The redshirt freshman from Arlington broke 69 yards to tie the game with 13:56 remaining in the fourth quarter before carrying the ball five straight times for 46 yards on the Mustangs’ go-ahead drive later in the stanza. Jackson ran for 127 of his team- and career-high 136 yards to key Midwestern to a 4-0 start for the fifth straight season.
SOUTH DEFENSIVE
Kevin Washington, Abilene Christian University, SR, LB, Sugar Land, TX/Sugar Land Austin HS
Washington was all over the field for the Wildcats, leading a defensive charge that held Tarleton State to just 196 yards of total offense Saturday in No. 5 ACU’s 65-3 win over the Texans. ... Washington finished the night with 12 total tackles, including five tackles for loss that resulted in 10 yards in losses. ... ACU’s defense finished the night with 17 tackles for loss and five sacks. ... Washington also had one sack for a four-yard loss. ... Washington was a big part of a defensive effort that only allowed 60 rushing yards on 31 carries (1.9 yards per attempt).
SOUTH SPECIAL TEAMS
Morgan Lineberry, Abilene Christian University, SO, K, Dallas, TX/Lakehill Prep Academy
Lineberry put his name in the ACU football record book with his performance in Saturday’s 65-3 win over Tarleton State. ... Lineberry didn’t miss a kick, hitting all 8 of his PAT tries and all three of his field goal tries to give him 17 kicking points in the victory. ... That tied the single-game ACU record for kicking points in a game, matching the mark of Matt Adams in a 2008 win over Midwestern State.
Grand Valley State (Mich.), Minnesota-Duluth, North Alabama, California (Pa.) and Abilene Christian (Texas) still hold down the Top 5 places. There will be three Top 25 matchups in this week’s games, including a pair of Top 10 games. No. 5 Abilene Christian (Texas) will travel south to face conference rival, No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville, while No. 7 Northwest Missouri State plays host to No. 8 Missouri Western State. In the final Top 25 matchup, No. 15 West Alabama will travel to No. 19 Delta State (Miss.) in a Thursday night showdown in the Gulf South Conference.
1. Grand Valley (1 last week)
2. Minnesota Duluth (2)
3. North Alabama (3)
4. California, PA (4)
5. Abilene Christian (5)
6. Texas A&M-Kingsville (6)
7. Northwest Missouri (7)
8. Missouri Western (8)
9. West Texas A&M (9)
10. Midwestern State (10)
16. Central Missouri (21)
21. Central Washington (22)
LSC FOOTBALL
Three Lone Star Conference teams - Abilene Christian, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Midwestern State - remain undefeated after victories last week. This week, No. 5 ACU will travel south to face No. 6 Kingsville in a top-10 match-up.
FOUR LSC TEAMS RANKED IN TOP-10
Four LSC squads remain ranked in top-10 of the AFCA Division II Coaches’ Top 25 Poll (Sept. 27). ACU leads the way at No. 5, while Kingsville is ranked sixth, West Texas A&M ninth and MSU 10th.
Click here for the complete release
DIVISIONAL PLAY CONTINUES
Division play continues in week six with six contests. A lone crossover game will be played as well. The league has played 15 crossover contests this season with the South Division holding a 12-3 advantage.
WEEKLY LEADERS
In week five, the LSC had three quarterbacks throw for 300-plus yards, two receivers and five rushers over the century mark and eight double-digit tacklers. Top performances included:
Passing: 437, Wesley Wood (44-73-2), ENMU vs A&M-C
Rushing: 18-183, Josh Birmingham, UCO vs MSU
Receiving: 8-126, Trey McVay, NSU at SE
Tackles: 15, Tillman Stevens, ENMU vs A&M-C
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
NORTH OFFENSIVE
Trey McVay, Northeastern State University, JR, WR, Muskogee, Okla./Fort Gibson HS
McVay caught eight passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns (64 yards and 6 yards) as Northeastern State edged Southeastern Oklahoma 26-24 in Durant in the LSC North opener for both schools. Three of his receptions came during the RiverHawks’ game-winning drive where he hauled in catches of seven, nine and 11 yards. He leads Northeastern State in receptions (19), yards (308) and average/game (77.0) this season. The RiverHawks are 2-2 overall, 2-1 in the LSC and 1-0 in LSC North action.
NORTH DEFENSIVE
Armonty Bryant, East Central University, JR, DE, Wichita Falls, Texas/Wichita Falls HS
Bryant led ECU with six tackles, including four solo efforts, and returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown late in the game during the Tigers’ 23-0 home win over Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday. Two of Bryant’s tackles led to minus 15 yards as he also had 1.5 sacks which led to 10 yards in losses.
NORTH SPECIAL TEAMS
Drew Patton, Northeastern State University, FR, K, Fayetteville, Ark./Fayetteville HS
Patton made two-of-three field goals, including a 20-yarder as time expired, to lift Northeastern State to a 26-24 win over Southeastern Oklahoma in Durant on Saturday night. Patton’s other field goal was from 37 yards in the third quarter to bring the RiverHawks to within 14-10 with 11:32 to play in the period. His other attempt was blocked in the first quarter. Patton, a true freshman, is 5-of-6 on field goals this season and 7-of-8 on PATs.
SOUTH OFFENSIVE
Keidrick Jackson, Midwestern State University, R-FR, RB, Arlington, Texas/Bowie HS
Jackson single-handedly sparked No. 10 Midwestern State to a come-from-behind 30-24 win over Central Oklahoma Saturday night at Wantland Stadium. The redshirt freshman from Arlington broke 69 yards to tie the game with 13:56 remaining in the fourth quarter before carrying the ball five straight times for 46 yards on the Mustangs’ go-ahead drive later in the stanza. Jackson ran for 127 of his team- and career-high 136 yards to key Midwestern to a 4-0 start for the fifth straight season.
SOUTH DEFENSIVE
Kevin Washington, Abilene Christian University, SR, LB, Sugar Land, TX/Sugar Land Austin HS
Washington was all over the field for the Wildcats, leading a defensive charge that held Tarleton State to just 196 yards of total offense Saturday in No. 5 ACU’s 65-3 win over the Texans. ... Washington finished the night with 12 total tackles, including five tackles for loss that resulted in 10 yards in losses. ... ACU’s defense finished the night with 17 tackles for loss and five sacks. ... Washington also had one sack for a four-yard loss. ... Washington was a big part of a defensive effort that only allowed 60 rushing yards on 31 carries (1.9 yards per attempt).
SOUTH SPECIAL TEAMS
Morgan Lineberry, Abilene Christian University, SO, K, Dallas, TX/Lakehill Prep Academy
Lineberry put his name in the ACU football record book with his performance in Saturday’s 65-3 win over Tarleton State. ... Lineberry didn’t miss a kick, hitting all 8 of his PAT tries and all three of his field goal tries to give him 17 kicking points in the victory. ... That tied the single-game ACU record for kicking points in a game, matching the mark of Matt Adams in a 2008 win over Midwestern State.
LSC Roundup 9-27
ACU, Kingsville set up early LSC showdown - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
Abilene Christian and Texas A&M-Kingsville did their part to make sure two of the nation’s top teams tangle in a showdown of unbeatens Saturday night in Kingsville.
ACU, ranked No. 5 in the American Football Coaches Association Division II national poll, crushed Tarleton State 65-3 on Saturday at Shotwell Stadium, while No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville took care of Incarnate Word 37-9 in San Antonio.
Both ACU and Kingsville are 4-0 overall and 3-0 in Lone Star Conference play.
Javelinas' defense sees room to improve - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller Times
SAN ANTONIO — While the first game for Texas A&M-Kingsville without running back Fred Winborn produced mixed offensive results, it was business as usual for the Javelinas’ defense.
And business has been booming.
The sixth-ranked Javelinas continued to place their collective cleats on the throats of opponents Saturday night at Incarnate Word in front of 5,412, the most people to file into Benson Stadium since the Cardinals’ initial game against Monterrey Tech last season.
Boasting the top-ranked defense among NCAA Division II teams entering the game, the Javelinas allowed their first offensive touchdown in 12 quarters but little else. For the fourth consecutive ballgame, A&M-Kingsville didn’t allow a point in the second half. The 4-0 Javelinas rode the momentum of 28 first-half points to silence the Cardinals 37-9 in a Lone Star Conference South Division opener.
In typical fashion, and perhaps as a signal for A&M-Kingsville’s remaining seven regular-season opponents, the Javelinas aren’t satisfied.
“We can get way better. I know we’ve played well the first couple weeks of the season. But it’s early in the season,” said senior free safety Corey Robertson, who returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown. “The longer you go the more chemistry you have as a defensive unit, the defensive line coming in and out, the linebackers, the secondary. We have enough players that we can come out and dominate the rest of the season.”
Buffs' secondary provides big plays - Dave Henry, Amarillo Globe News
SAN ANGELO - West Texas A&M's spread offense usually gets most of the attention, and lighting up the scoreboard once a week will do that.
However, the Buffs' 37-27 victory at Angelo State on Saturday featured a strong defensive effort that proved to be the difference.
The Rams, with two weeks to prepare for WT's offense - which entered the game first in the nation in total offense (593.33 yards a game) and second in scoring offense (49.67 points a game) - gave up 532 yards but did an impressive job stopping the pass.
That put the pressure on the WT defense, playing without starting defensive ends Bryan Braman, arguably the top defensive lineman in the Lone Star Conference, and Simi Kuli. Braman was held out of the game with a knee injury suffered in practice last week. Kuli was suspended indefinitely last week after his arrest on drug-related charges.
Other Headlines
ACU can't hold early lead in 2-1 LSC soccer loss to Midwestern - Abilene Reporter News
ACU pair tough in tennis - Abilene Reporter News
ASU SOCCER: Rambelles battle in loss - San Angelo Standard Times
MSU rallies for a 2-1 win over ACU - Times Record News
Lady Buffs tie Saint Mary's, 2-2; Buffs topple Northeastern State - Amarillo Globe News
Abilene Christian and Texas A&M-Kingsville did their part to make sure two of the nation’s top teams tangle in a showdown of unbeatens Saturday night in Kingsville.
ACU, ranked No. 5 in the American Football Coaches Association Division II national poll, crushed Tarleton State 65-3 on Saturday at Shotwell Stadium, while No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville took care of Incarnate Word 37-9 in San Antonio.
Both ACU and Kingsville are 4-0 overall and 3-0 in Lone Star Conference play.
Javelinas' defense sees room to improve - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller Times
SAN ANTONIO — While the first game for Texas A&M-Kingsville without running back Fred Winborn produced mixed offensive results, it was business as usual for the Javelinas’ defense.
And business has been booming.
The sixth-ranked Javelinas continued to place their collective cleats on the throats of opponents Saturday night at Incarnate Word in front of 5,412, the most people to file into Benson Stadium since the Cardinals’ initial game against Monterrey Tech last season.
Boasting the top-ranked defense among NCAA Division II teams entering the game, the Javelinas allowed their first offensive touchdown in 12 quarters but little else. For the fourth consecutive ballgame, A&M-Kingsville didn’t allow a point in the second half. The 4-0 Javelinas rode the momentum of 28 first-half points to silence the Cardinals 37-9 in a Lone Star Conference South Division opener.
In typical fashion, and perhaps as a signal for A&M-Kingsville’s remaining seven regular-season opponents, the Javelinas aren’t satisfied.
“We can get way better. I know we’ve played well the first couple weeks of the season. But it’s early in the season,” said senior free safety Corey Robertson, who returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown. “The longer you go the more chemistry you have as a defensive unit, the defensive line coming in and out, the linebackers, the secondary. We have enough players that we can come out and dominate the rest of the season.”
Buffs' secondary provides big plays - Dave Henry, Amarillo Globe News
SAN ANGELO - West Texas A&M's spread offense usually gets most of the attention, and lighting up the scoreboard once a week will do that.
However, the Buffs' 37-27 victory at Angelo State on Saturday featured a strong defensive effort that proved to be the difference.
The Rams, with two weeks to prepare for WT's offense - which entered the game first in the nation in total offense (593.33 yards a game) and second in scoring offense (49.67 points a game) - gave up 532 yards but did an impressive job stopping the pass.
That put the pressure on the WT defense, playing without starting defensive ends Bryan Braman, arguably the top defensive lineman in the Lone Star Conference, and Simi Kuli. Braman was held out of the game with a knee injury suffered in practice last week. Kuli was suspended indefinitely last week after his arrest on drug-related charges.
Other Headlines
ACU can't hold early lead in 2-1 LSC soccer loss to Midwestern - Abilene Reporter News
ACU pair tough in tennis - Abilene Reporter News
ASU SOCCER: Rambelles battle in loss - San Angelo Standard Times
MSU rallies for a 2-1 win over ACU - Times Record News
Lady Buffs tie Saint Mary's, 2-2; Buffs topple Northeastern State - Amarillo Globe News
Sunday, September 26, 2010
LSC Football Recap 9-26
Wildcats erase memory of last year's stumble in Stephenville - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
A year ago, the Abilene Christian University football team hit rock bottom in Stephenville, not only losing the game, but not scoring a touchdown in a 13-6 loss to Tarleton State.
What a difference a year makes.
The Wildcats scored on offense, defense and special teams in a 65-3 victory over the Texans in a Lone Star Conference game Saturday at Shotwell Stadium.
“I was proud of all three phases,” ACU coach Chris Thomsen said. “I think our guys are really taking their preparation seriously and working real hard, making sure they know what they’re doing, whether it’s offense, defense or the kicking game. I’m proud of the way they competed tonight.”
Jackson leads Mustangs to comeback victory - J. Scott Russell, Times Record News
EDMOND, Okla. — Midwestern State found itself in an unfamiliar spot Saturday night at Wantland Stadium — behind on the scoreboard.
But the 10th-ranked Mustangs used a steady diet of Keidrick Jackson — the fifth back to carry the ball — and they scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns, taking a 30-24 win over the Central Oklahoma Bronchos in a Lone Star Conference crossover game.
The win improves the Mustangs to 4-0 on the season and 3-0 in the LSC, while the Bronchos fall to 1-3 and 1-2. MSU will host Incarnate Word next Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.
“This was a hard-fought win,” MSU head coach Bill Maskill said. “I loved it. There was no panic on our sideline when we got behind. The offense never gave up and the defense didn’t either. It was a real nice win. We really needed a win a game like this. It’ll make us a better football team.”
Javelinas bend a little in breaking UIW - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller Times
SAN ANTONIO — Beginning the game as if its offensive consistency issues might be coming to a close, Texas A&M-Kingsville had to once again rely on defense and special teams to remain undefeated.
Facing upstart Incarnate Word, the sixth-ranked Javelinas scored four touchdowns — one on special teams — in the first two quarters and then sputtered on offense. The Javelinas’ defense, however, pitched a second-half shutout and A&M-Kingsville prevailed in a 37-9 win over the Cardinals in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener at Benson Stadium.
“This is what we’re here for. We’re trained to get the ball back and to stop them right there for the offense,” said senior defensive end Mike Talamantez, who knocked down two passes and had two tackles. “We’re here for the offense, and that’s how it’s going to be.”
Javelinas' 37-9 win against Cards less than impressive - David Flores, KENSTV
The University of the Incarnate Word learned another important lesson in its football education Saturday night at Benson Stadium.
Don’t fall behind by three touchdowns in the first quarter, especially against a ranked opponent with the best defense in NCAA Division II.
Texas A&M-Kingsville stunned the Cardinals by scoring on its first three possessions, and then did just enough to record an uninspiring 37-9 victory in the first Lone Star Conference football game between the two schools.
“Texas A&M-Kingsville is a very good and athletic team,” UIW coach Mike Santiago said. “Our kids played their tails off. I think we were a little intimidated at the beginning. You have to play excellent and damn near perfect. You can’t give them 21 points.”
Javelinas pile on Cards in first quarter - BLAKE HURTIK, San Antonio Express-News
The 37-9 score suggests that sixth-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville rolled to an easy victory over Lone Star Conference newcomer Incarnate Word at Benson Stadium on Saturday.
But the Cardinals (1-3, 1-2 LSC) were left feeling they had let one get away.
“We know we can battle with these guys,” safety Chaz Pavliska said. “We know we're good enough to compete with whoever comes in. I think we showed that tonight.”
ASU upset bid falls short - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Just a few minutes into the second quarter, the Angelo State University football team appeared to have No. 9 West Texas A&M just where it wanted it.
The Rams were inside the Buffaloes’ 10-yard line poised to take their first lead of the game.
But ASU quarterback Josh Neiswander’s pass to V’Keon Lacey in the end zone was intercepted, killing the drive and the Rams’ momentum.
The Buffs turned the interception into an 80-yard scoring drive to extend their lead, and they eventually defeated ASU 37-27 in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener for both teams Saturday at San Angelo Stadium.
“We had our chances,” ASU head coach Dale Carr said. “I wouldn’t lay the blame with one group or the other. We just made a lot of mistakes that we have to fix.”
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LSC Football Recap: Sept. 25
No. 5 Abilene Christian 65, Tarleton State 3
ABILENE, Texas - Abilene Christian University quarterback Mitchell Gale threw for a career-high 344 yards and two scores Saturday night to lead the No. 5 Wildcats to a 65-3 win over Tarleton State in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener for both teams at Shotwell Stadium.
The win pushes the Wildcats to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the LSC South, while the Texans fall to 0-4 and 0-1. ACU will be back in action next Saturday at 7 p.m. when they take on No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville at 7 p.m. in Kingsville.
After completing 13 of 23 passes for 212 yards and a score in the first half, Gale helped the Wildcats outscore the Texans 38-0 in the second half as he completed 12 of 15 passes for 132 yards and one score in the blowout victory.
The loss was the worst for Tarleton State since it became a senior college in 1961, and for the Wildcats it was their most points in a regular season game since a 66-7 win over East Central on Oct. 4, 2008.
One week after throwing a career-best five touchdown passes, Gale had his way with the Tarleton defense, completing a season-high 24 passes on career-high 38 attempts.
He completed passes to seven different receivers, including hitting senior wideout Kendrick Johnson six times for 80 yards and senior receiver Edmund Gates five times for 91 yards.
Incredibly, however, this offensive showcase for the Wildcats turned on a defensive play in the first quarter.
With the game tied 3-3 and the Texans driving late in the first quarter, ACU defensive end Aston Whiteside came up with an interception, kept his feet and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown to make it a 10-3 ACU lead with 1:52 left in the first quarter.
That took the wind out of the Texans and was the first of 24 straight points for the Wildcats to end the half, who took a 27-3 lead to the locker room.
No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville 37, Incarnate Word 9
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – It was not the prettiest of victories, but in college football all that matters is the winning part and #6 Texas A&M-Kingsville took care of that by jumping all over University of the Incarnate Word on Saturday night at Benson Stadium. The Javelinas led 21-0 after one quarter and finished with a 37-9 win in Lone Star Conference South Division play.
The Javelinas (4-0, 3-0, 1-0) came out of the gates ready to play as they scored on each of their first three drives of the game. The first score was a 31-yard run by junior quarterback Nate Poppell (Spring/Spring HS) with 9:59 left in the first quarter. The touchdown was set up by a 22-yard run by Connell Davis (Portland/Gregory-Portland HS).
After forcing a Cardinal (1-3, 1-2, 0-1) punt the Hoggies drove 75 yards in nine plays. The offense used a nice mix of run and pass as Poppell scored again on a quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line with 3:13 left in the quarter.
The Hoggie defense forced another three-and-out possession by the Cardinals and the offense took advantage. A long 37-yard pass from Poppell to Delashaun Dean (Fairfield, CA/Fairfield HS) gave the team a first-and-goal at the 10. On second down, sophomore Jonathon Woodson (Missouri City/Marshall HS) scored his first career touchdown on a 10-yard sweep with 36 seconds left in the quarter.
The Cardinals finally picked up their initial first down of the game on the third play of the second quarter, but were forced to punt shortly after. The Javelinas found themselves pinned back at their own 5-yard line after a block in the back penalty on the return. After an incomplete pass, Davis was smothered in the end zone for a safety by Anthony Vela with 11:53 remaining in the second quarter.
After the free kick by the Javelinas, the Cardinals had good field position at their own 40. The Hoggie defense stood strong and forced the Cardinals to punt. A bad snap forced punter Aaron Willis to field the ball and he then fumbled when he was hit by Paul Fontenot (Dayton/Dayton HS). Corey Robertson (Denison/Denison HS) was there for the recovery and returned the fumble for a 24-yard touchdown with 10:37 to play in the half.
Just when it looked like the game would turn into a blowout, the Cardinals bounced back with an 11-play, 68-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 26-yard pass from Eric Massoni to Dominic Hamilton with 5:59 left in the half. The score ended the Javelinas’ streak of not allowing an offensive point at 189:36 covering 12 full quarters.
Woodson returned the ensuing kickoff 59 yards to give the Javelinas great field position at the UIW 36-yard line. On the first play, Poppell hit Ryan Lincoln (Bastrop/Bastrop HS) with a little swing pass that he took all the way down to the 3-yard line, but the play was called back for a holding call. It was just one of many penalties that would slow down the Javelina offense the rest of the game.
The Javelinas led 28-9 at halftime and the score remained that way through the entire third quarter. Each team managed only two first downs in the period. The Javelinas gained 54 yards from scrimmage while the Cardinals were held to 16 yards.
The fourth quarter was marked by a pair of long drives by each team. First, the Cardinals drove 60 yards in 15 plays only to have Thomas Rebold’s 47-yard field goal attempt hit the right upright and bounce wide.
Then, the Javelinas methodically drove 70 yards in 14 plays while eating up 7:41 on the clock. Sophomore Myron Brew (San Antonio/Jay HS) capped off the drive with an 18-yard scoring run on his only carry of the night.
The Javelinas also tacked on a field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter after recovering a Cardinal fumble at the UIW 8-yard line. Christian Brom (McAllen/McAllen HS) drilled a 25-yarder to improve to 4-for-5 on the season.
The Javelina defense held their fourth straight opponent to under 200 yards of offense. The Cardinals gained 40 yards rushing on 36 carries and added 147 yards passing. Junior linebacker Marcus Sanders (Houston/Westfield HS) led the team with nine tackles and a half sack. Overall, the team had nine tackles for losses totaling 54 yards.
The Javelina offense picked up 321 total yards of offense as they sputtered over the final three quarters of action. Davis led the team with 44 yards rushing while Poppell added 35 and Woodson 34 yards. Poppell went 14-of-24 for 131 yards passing while Daniel Ramirez (Sinton/Sinton HS) when 6-of-8 for 53 yards. Robert Armstrong (Cuero/Cuero HS) led the team with five catches for 28 yards while Dean added 3 receptions for 59 yards. Woodson led the team with 114 all-purpose yards.
Trent Rios led the Cardinal ground game with 39 yards on 19 carries. Eric Massoni went 14-of-25 passing for 141 yards and a touchdown. Dominic Hamilton led all receivers with six catches for 87 yards and a score.
The Cardinal defense had a pair of sacks in the game by Diego McClain and Hakim Blackwell. Juan Asencio and Todd Lyons each had six tackles to lead the team.
The Javelinas return home next weekend for a match up with #5 Abilene Christian at 7 p.m. at Javelina Stadium.
No. 9 West Texas A&M 37, Angelo State 27
SAN ANGELO, Texas - West Texas A&M quarterback Taylor Harris didn't find the end zone but still racked up 320 yards through the air while leading the No. 9 Buffs to a 37-27 Lone Star Conference South Division-opening win over Angelo State at San Angelo Stadium Saturday.
Harris completed 29-of-55 passes to help the Buffs (3-1, 3-0 LSC, 1-0 LSC South) capture their third-consecutive Lone Star Conference victory and jump to the top of the South Division standings. The national leader in yards per game, West Texas A&M tallied 532 yards in the win and benefited from two interceptions.
West Texas A&M did all its scoring in the opening half, taking advantage of two turnovers and a blocked extra point returned for a score to build a 37-13 lead at the break. Buffs running back Jay Tillman scored twice in the opening half, once on a one-yard plunge and again on a 10-yard fake field goal pass from holder Tim Cowdrey.
The Buffs accounted for 378 total yards in the first half, but were kept off the scoreboard and held to 154 yards after halftime. Angelo State scored touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to make it a 10-point contest, but a late fourth-down stand by West Texas A&M ended the threat.
West Texas A&M running back Kelvin Thompson carried the ball 20 times for 127 yards and a touchdown. Tommy Hampton also found the end zone for the Buffs backfield as the trio helped the ground attack run up 202 yards. Tyson Williams led the receiving corps with eight catches for 75 yards and Stephen Burton had seven grabs for 94 yards.
Rams (2-1, 2-1 LSC, 0-1 LSC South) running back Tristan Carter topped the century mark for the second time in his three game career with 129 yards, thanks largely to a 75-yard touchdown run on ASU's first offensive play. Angelo State quarterback Josh Neiswander was limited to just 110 yards, his career low as a starter, and was picked off twice. The Ram defense recorded three interceptions for the third time this season.
The Buffs continue LSC play with a crossover match-up against Northeastern State next Saturday while Angelo State keeps it in the LSC South Division with a trip to Tarleton State.
No. 10 Midwestern State 30, Central Oklahoma 24
EDMOND, Oklahoma – Keidrick Jackson and Chauncey Harris had fourth-quarter touchdown runs to spark No. 10-ranked Midwestern State to a 30-24 Lone Star Conference crossover victory over upset-minded Central Oklahoma here Saturday night.
The Bronchos took a 24-17 lead on the first play of the final period on Ethan Sharp’s 21-yard TD pass to Tucker Holland, but the Mustangs answered back a minute later with Jackson’s 69-yard scoring dash to tie it.
UCO missed a 45-yard field goal on its next possession and MSU then drove for the winning score, marching 73 yards in 11 plays before Harris’ 11-yard TD run capped it with 5:13 left to play.
The Bronchos had two more possessions, but were forced to punt on the first and then Sharp was intercepted by Austin McDaniel with just over a minute remaining to clinch it.
The Mustangs finished with 475 yards, picking up 149 of their 263 rushing yards in the final 15 minutes. Jackson ended with 137 yards on 11 carries and Zack Eskridge was 21-of-33 passing for 212 yards with one TD passing and another rushing.
Josh Birmingham rushed for 183 yards and two TDs on 18 carries, with his 81-yard scoring sprint early in the third quarter giving UCO a 14-10 lead. Sharp ended up 25-of-37 passing for 224 yards.
MSU improved to 4-0 overall and 3-0 in the league, while the Bronchos fell to 1-3 and 1-2. The Mustangs host Incarnate Word next week and UCO stays home to take on East Central.
Eastern New Mexico 44, Texas A&M-Commerce 21
PORTALES, N.M. - The Eastern New Mexico University football team (2-2; LSC North 1-0) successfully debuted in the Lone Star Conference North Division, taking a 44-21 decision from Texas A&M-Commerce (1-3; LSC North, 0-1), Saturday afternoon at Greyhound Stadium. With the win, the Hounds snapped the Lions six-game LSC North winning streak, dating back to the 2008 finale.
Eastern's defense allowed just seven points on the game, but TAMU-Commerce converted two turnovers into 14 points in the second quarter. The Hounds' defense allowed just five third down conversions in 19 attempts, sacked TAMU-C quarterback Adam Farkes four times and hurried him on 11 other occasions. ENMU out-gained the Lions by a 590-249 margin in total offense.
Wesley Wood hit 44 of his 73 passes for 437 yards for ENMU, while the Lions' Marcus Graham rushed for 123 yards. Tony Valenzuela ran for 74 of the Hounds' season-high 153 yards, while Jesse Poku caught 12 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
Eastern will travel to Southwestern Oklahoma State next Saturday, while the Lions with host Southeastern Oklahoma State.
Northeastern State 26, Southeastern Oklahoma State 24
DURANT, Oklahoma – Northeastern State’s (Okla.) Drew Patton connected on a 20 yard field goal as time expired to lift the RiverHawks past Southeastern Oklahoma State, 26-24, on Saturday night at Paul Laird field in Durant, Okla.
The win moves NSU to 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in Lone Star Conference North Division play, while SE falls to 1-3 and 0-1 in divisional play.
The connection was his second of the night after having an attempt blocked in the first half.
For NSU, Kenny Davis was 17-of-34 passing for 245 yards and two TD’s, completing eight passes to Trey McVay who finished with `126 yard of receiving and two TD’s.
Prince McKinney carried the load on the ground for the RiverHawks, finishing with 98 yards on 20 carries with one score.
For the Savage Storm, Logan Turner completed 19-of-35 passing for 211 yards and one touchdown, with Robbie Morris serving as his main target with five grabs for 78 yards.
Both teams tallied over 400 yards of offense on the night, with SE leading the way at 418 and NSU right behind at 406.
Southeastern will be back in action when it heads to Texas A&M-Commerce for a 6 p.m. contest on Oct. 2, while Northeastern State will be back on the field on Oct. 2 when it hosts West Texas A&M for a noon kickoff.
East Central 23, Southwestern Oklahoma 0
ADA, Oklahoma – East Central University snapped a 16-game losing streak with a punt return for a touchdown, three field goals and an interception return for a score as the Tigers knocked off Southwestern Oklahoma State 23-0 Saturday night at Norris Field.
The win was the first for ECU since the 2008 season. It was also the first time that the Tigers had a shutout victory since the 1993 campaign when they accomplished the feat in the second round of the NAIA playoffs on their way to the national title (a 27-0 triumph over Arkansas-Monticello).
ECU improved to 1-3 overall and 1-2 in the LSC.
Markell Walker returned a punt 39 yards for a touchdown in the opening quarter, Matt Berrey booted field goals of 39, 32 and 38 yards and Armonty Bryant picked off an errant Bulldog pass and returned it 65 yards for a TD with 14 seconds remaining.
SWOSU, which fell to 0-4 overall and 0-3 in the LSC, actually edged ECU in total offensive yards, 224-194, and had two more first downs, 15-13.
Bulldog quarterback Dustin Stenta was 16-of-23 passing for 101 yards.
ECU’s Tyler Vanderzee was 12-of-24 for 98 yards. Zack Patteson caught four of those passes for 45 yards.
SWOSU lost two fumbles in the game and the Tigers’ only turnover was an interception by Shane Scott.
DeMarcus Miller topped the Bulldog tackle chart with nine tackles, including six solo efforts.
Bryant led ECU with six total stops, including four solo, to go with his pick and two tackles for lost yards. He also had 1.5 sacks on the night.
The Bulldogs host Eastern New Mexico next Saturday at 2 p.m. while the Tigers visit the University of Central Oklahoma for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
A year ago, the Abilene Christian University football team hit rock bottom in Stephenville, not only losing the game, but not scoring a touchdown in a 13-6 loss to Tarleton State.
What a difference a year makes.
The Wildcats scored on offense, defense and special teams in a 65-3 victory over the Texans in a Lone Star Conference game Saturday at Shotwell Stadium.
“I was proud of all three phases,” ACU coach Chris Thomsen said. “I think our guys are really taking their preparation seriously and working real hard, making sure they know what they’re doing, whether it’s offense, defense or the kicking game. I’m proud of the way they competed tonight.”
Jackson leads Mustangs to comeback victory - J. Scott Russell, Times Record News
EDMOND, Okla. — Midwestern State found itself in an unfamiliar spot Saturday night at Wantland Stadium — behind on the scoreboard.
But the 10th-ranked Mustangs used a steady diet of Keidrick Jackson — the fifth back to carry the ball — and they scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns, taking a 30-24 win over the Central Oklahoma Bronchos in a Lone Star Conference crossover game.
The win improves the Mustangs to 4-0 on the season and 3-0 in the LSC, while the Bronchos fall to 1-3 and 1-2. MSU will host Incarnate Word next Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.
“This was a hard-fought win,” MSU head coach Bill Maskill said. “I loved it. There was no panic on our sideline when we got behind. The offense never gave up and the defense didn’t either. It was a real nice win. We really needed a win a game like this. It’ll make us a better football team.”
Javelinas bend a little in breaking UIW - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller Times
SAN ANTONIO — Beginning the game as if its offensive consistency issues might be coming to a close, Texas A&M-Kingsville had to once again rely on defense and special teams to remain undefeated.
Facing upstart Incarnate Word, the sixth-ranked Javelinas scored four touchdowns — one on special teams — in the first two quarters and then sputtered on offense. The Javelinas’ defense, however, pitched a second-half shutout and A&M-Kingsville prevailed in a 37-9 win over the Cardinals in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener at Benson Stadium.
“This is what we’re here for. We’re trained to get the ball back and to stop them right there for the offense,” said senior defensive end Mike Talamantez, who knocked down two passes and had two tackles. “We’re here for the offense, and that’s how it’s going to be.”
Javelinas' 37-9 win against Cards less than impressive - David Flores, KENSTV
The University of the Incarnate Word learned another important lesson in its football education Saturday night at Benson Stadium.
Don’t fall behind by three touchdowns in the first quarter, especially against a ranked opponent with the best defense in NCAA Division II.
Texas A&M-Kingsville stunned the Cardinals by scoring on its first three possessions, and then did just enough to record an uninspiring 37-9 victory in the first Lone Star Conference football game between the two schools.
“Texas A&M-Kingsville is a very good and athletic team,” UIW coach Mike Santiago said. “Our kids played their tails off. I think we were a little intimidated at the beginning. You have to play excellent and damn near perfect. You can’t give them 21 points.”
Javelinas pile on Cards in first quarter - BLAKE HURTIK, San Antonio Express-News
The 37-9 score suggests that sixth-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville rolled to an easy victory over Lone Star Conference newcomer Incarnate Word at Benson Stadium on Saturday.
But the Cardinals (1-3, 1-2 LSC) were left feeling they had let one get away.
“We know we can battle with these guys,” safety Chaz Pavliska said. “We know we're good enough to compete with whoever comes in. I think we showed that tonight.”
ASU upset bid falls short - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Just a few minutes into the second quarter, the Angelo State University football team appeared to have No. 9 West Texas A&M just where it wanted it.
The Rams were inside the Buffaloes’ 10-yard line poised to take their first lead of the game.
But ASU quarterback Josh Neiswander’s pass to V’Keon Lacey in the end zone was intercepted, killing the drive and the Rams’ momentum.
The Buffs turned the interception into an 80-yard scoring drive to extend their lead, and they eventually defeated ASU 37-27 in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener for both teams Saturday at San Angelo Stadium.
“We had our chances,” ASU head coach Dale Carr said. “I wouldn’t lay the blame with one group or the other. We just made a lot of mistakes that we have to fix.”
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LSC Football Recap: Sept. 25
No. 5 Abilene Christian 65, Tarleton State 3
ABILENE, Texas - Abilene Christian University quarterback Mitchell Gale threw for a career-high 344 yards and two scores Saturday night to lead the No. 5 Wildcats to a 65-3 win over Tarleton State in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener for both teams at Shotwell Stadium.
The win pushes the Wildcats to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the LSC South, while the Texans fall to 0-4 and 0-1. ACU will be back in action next Saturday at 7 p.m. when they take on No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville at 7 p.m. in Kingsville.
After completing 13 of 23 passes for 212 yards and a score in the first half, Gale helped the Wildcats outscore the Texans 38-0 in the second half as he completed 12 of 15 passes for 132 yards and one score in the blowout victory.
The loss was the worst for Tarleton State since it became a senior college in 1961, and for the Wildcats it was their most points in a regular season game since a 66-7 win over East Central on Oct. 4, 2008.
One week after throwing a career-best five touchdown passes, Gale had his way with the Tarleton defense, completing a season-high 24 passes on career-high 38 attempts.
He completed passes to seven different receivers, including hitting senior wideout Kendrick Johnson six times for 80 yards and senior receiver Edmund Gates five times for 91 yards.
Incredibly, however, this offensive showcase for the Wildcats turned on a defensive play in the first quarter.
With the game tied 3-3 and the Texans driving late in the first quarter, ACU defensive end Aston Whiteside came up with an interception, kept his feet and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown to make it a 10-3 ACU lead with 1:52 left in the first quarter.
That took the wind out of the Texans and was the first of 24 straight points for the Wildcats to end the half, who took a 27-3 lead to the locker room.
No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville 37, Incarnate Word 9
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – It was not the prettiest of victories, but in college football all that matters is the winning part and #6 Texas A&M-Kingsville took care of that by jumping all over University of the Incarnate Word on Saturday night at Benson Stadium. The Javelinas led 21-0 after one quarter and finished with a 37-9 win in Lone Star Conference South Division play.
The Javelinas (4-0, 3-0, 1-0) came out of the gates ready to play as they scored on each of their first three drives of the game. The first score was a 31-yard run by junior quarterback Nate Poppell (Spring/Spring HS) with 9:59 left in the first quarter. The touchdown was set up by a 22-yard run by Connell Davis (Portland/Gregory-Portland HS).
After forcing a Cardinal (1-3, 1-2, 0-1) punt the Hoggies drove 75 yards in nine plays. The offense used a nice mix of run and pass as Poppell scored again on a quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line with 3:13 left in the quarter.
The Hoggie defense forced another three-and-out possession by the Cardinals and the offense took advantage. A long 37-yard pass from Poppell to Delashaun Dean (Fairfield, CA/Fairfield HS) gave the team a first-and-goal at the 10. On second down, sophomore Jonathon Woodson (Missouri City/Marshall HS) scored his first career touchdown on a 10-yard sweep with 36 seconds left in the quarter.
The Cardinals finally picked up their initial first down of the game on the third play of the second quarter, but were forced to punt shortly after. The Javelinas found themselves pinned back at their own 5-yard line after a block in the back penalty on the return. After an incomplete pass, Davis was smothered in the end zone for a safety by Anthony Vela with 11:53 remaining in the second quarter.
After the free kick by the Javelinas, the Cardinals had good field position at their own 40. The Hoggie defense stood strong and forced the Cardinals to punt. A bad snap forced punter Aaron Willis to field the ball and he then fumbled when he was hit by Paul Fontenot (Dayton/Dayton HS). Corey Robertson (Denison/Denison HS) was there for the recovery and returned the fumble for a 24-yard touchdown with 10:37 to play in the half.
Just when it looked like the game would turn into a blowout, the Cardinals bounced back with an 11-play, 68-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 26-yard pass from Eric Massoni to Dominic Hamilton with 5:59 left in the half. The score ended the Javelinas’ streak of not allowing an offensive point at 189:36 covering 12 full quarters.
Woodson returned the ensuing kickoff 59 yards to give the Javelinas great field position at the UIW 36-yard line. On the first play, Poppell hit Ryan Lincoln (Bastrop/Bastrop HS) with a little swing pass that he took all the way down to the 3-yard line, but the play was called back for a holding call. It was just one of many penalties that would slow down the Javelina offense the rest of the game.
The Javelinas led 28-9 at halftime and the score remained that way through the entire third quarter. Each team managed only two first downs in the period. The Javelinas gained 54 yards from scrimmage while the Cardinals were held to 16 yards.
The fourth quarter was marked by a pair of long drives by each team. First, the Cardinals drove 60 yards in 15 plays only to have Thomas Rebold’s 47-yard field goal attempt hit the right upright and bounce wide.
Then, the Javelinas methodically drove 70 yards in 14 plays while eating up 7:41 on the clock. Sophomore Myron Brew (San Antonio/Jay HS) capped off the drive with an 18-yard scoring run on his only carry of the night.
The Javelinas also tacked on a field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter after recovering a Cardinal fumble at the UIW 8-yard line. Christian Brom (McAllen/McAllen HS) drilled a 25-yarder to improve to 4-for-5 on the season.
The Javelina defense held their fourth straight opponent to under 200 yards of offense. The Cardinals gained 40 yards rushing on 36 carries and added 147 yards passing. Junior linebacker Marcus Sanders (Houston/Westfield HS) led the team with nine tackles and a half sack. Overall, the team had nine tackles for losses totaling 54 yards.
The Javelina offense picked up 321 total yards of offense as they sputtered over the final three quarters of action. Davis led the team with 44 yards rushing while Poppell added 35 and Woodson 34 yards. Poppell went 14-of-24 for 131 yards passing while Daniel Ramirez (Sinton/Sinton HS) when 6-of-8 for 53 yards. Robert Armstrong (Cuero/Cuero HS) led the team with five catches for 28 yards while Dean added 3 receptions for 59 yards. Woodson led the team with 114 all-purpose yards.
Trent Rios led the Cardinal ground game with 39 yards on 19 carries. Eric Massoni went 14-of-25 passing for 141 yards and a touchdown. Dominic Hamilton led all receivers with six catches for 87 yards and a score.
The Cardinal defense had a pair of sacks in the game by Diego McClain and Hakim Blackwell. Juan Asencio and Todd Lyons each had six tackles to lead the team.
The Javelinas return home next weekend for a match up with #5 Abilene Christian at 7 p.m. at Javelina Stadium.
No. 9 West Texas A&M 37, Angelo State 27
SAN ANGELO, Texas - West Texas A&M quarterback Taylor Harris didn't find the end zone but still racked up 320 yards through the air while leading the No. 9 Buffs to a 37-27 Lone Star Conference South Division-opening win over Angelo State at San Angelo Stadium Saturday.
Harris completed 29-of-55 passes to help the Buffs (3-1, 3-0 LSC, 1-0 LSC South) capture their third-consecutive Lone Star Conference victory and jump to the top of the South Division standings. The national leader in yards per game, West Texas A&M tallied 532 yards in the win and benefited from two interceptions.
West Texas A&M did all its scoring in the opening half, taking advantage of two turnovers and a blocked extra point returned for a score to build a 37-13 lead at the break. Buffs running back Jay Tillman scored twice in the opening half, once on a one-yard plunge and again on a 10-yard fake field goal pass from holder Tim Cowdrey.
The Buffs accounted for 378 total yards in the first half, but were kept off the scoreboard and held to 154 yards after halftime. Angelo State scored touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to make it a 10-point contest, but a late fourth-down stand by West Texas A&M ended the threat.
West Texas A&M running back Kelvin Thompson carried the ball 20 times for 127 yards and a touchdown. Tommy Hampton also found the end zone for the Buffs backfield as the trio helped the ground attack run up 202 yards. Tyson Williams led the receiving corps with eight catches for 75 yards and Stephen Burton had seven grabs for 94 yards.
Rams (2-1, 2-1 LSC, 0-1 LSC South) running back Tristan Carter topped the century mark for the second time in his three game career with 129 yards, thanks largely to a 75-yard touchdown run on ASU's first offensive play. Angelo State quarterback Josh Neiswander was limited to just 110 yards, his career low as a starter, and was picked off twice. The Ram defense recorded three interceptions for the third time this season.
The Buffs continue LSC play with a crossover match-up against Northeastern State next Saturday while Angelo State keeps it in the LSC South Division with a trip to Tarleton State.
No. 10 Midwestern State 30, Central Oklahoma 24
EDMOND, Oklahoma – Keidrick Jackson and Chauncey Harris had fourth-quarter touchdown runs to spark No. 10-ranked Midwestern State to a 30-24 Lone Star Conference crossover victory over upset-minded Central Oklahoma here Saturday night.
The Bronchos took a 24-17 lead on the first play of the final period on Ethan Sharp’s 21-yard TD pass to Tucker Holland, but the Mustangs answered back a minute later with Jackson’s 69-yard scoring dash to tie it.
UCO missed a 45-yard field goal on its next possession and MSU then drove for the winning score, marching 73 yards in 11 plays before Harris’ 11-yard TD run capped it with 5:13 left to play.
The Bronchos had two more possessions, but were forced to punt on the first and then Sharp was intercepted by Austin McDaniel with just over a minute remaining to clinch it.
The Mustangs finished with 475 yards, picking up 149 of their 263 rushing yards in the final 15 minutes. Jackson ended with 137 yards on 11 carries and Zack Eskridge was 21-of-33 passing for 212 yards with one TD passing and another rushing.
Josh Birmingham rushed for 183 yards and two TDs on 18 carries, with his 81-yard scoring sprint early in the third quarter giving UCO a 14-10 lead. Sharp ended up 25-of-37 passing for 224 yards.
MSU improved to 4-0 overall and 3-0 in the league, while the Bronchos fell to 1-3 and 1-2. The Mustangs host Incarnate Word next week and UCO stays home to take on East Central.
Eastern New Mexico 44, Texas A&M-Commerce 21
PORTALES, N.M. - The Eastern New Mexico University football team (2-2; LSC North 1-0) successfully debuted in the Lone Star Conference North Division, taking a 44-21 decision from Texas A&M-Commerce (1-3; LSC North, 0-1), Saturday afternoon at Greyhound Stadium. With the win, the Hounds snapped the Lions six-game LSC North winning streak, dating back to the 2008 finale.
Eastern's defense allowed just seven points on the game, but TAMU-Commerce converted two turnovers into 14 points in the second quarter. The Hounds' defense allowed just five third down conversions in 19 attempts, sacked TAMU-C quarterback Adam Farkes four times and hurried him on 11 other occasions. ENMU out-gained the Lions by a 590-249 margin in total offense.
Wesley Wood hit 44 of his 73 passes for 437 yards for ENMU, while the Lions' Marcus Graham rushed for 123 yards. Tony Valenzuela ran for 74 of the Hounds' season-high 153 yards, while Jesse Poku caught 12 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
Eastern will travel to Southwestern Oklahoma State next Saturday, while the Lions with host Southeastern Oklahoma State.
Northeastern State 26, Southeastern Oklahoma State 24
DURANT, Oklahoma – Northeastern State’s (Okla.) Drew Patton connected on a 20 yard field goal as time expired to lift the RiverHawks past Southeastern Oklahoma State, 26-24, on Saturday night at Paul Laird field in Durant, Okla.
The win moves NSU to 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in Lone Star Conference North Division play, while SE falls to 1-3 and 0-1 in divisional play.
The connection was his second of the night after having an attempt blocked in the first half.
For NSU, Kenny Davis was 17-of-34 passing for 245 yards and two TD’s, completing eight passes to Trey McVay who finished with `126 yard of receiving and two TD’s.
Prince McKinney carried the load on the ground for the RiverHawks, finishing with 98 yards on 20 carries with one score.
For the Savage Storm, Logan Turner completed 19-of-35 passing for 211 yards and one touchdown, with Robbie Morris serving as his main target with five grabs for 78 yards.
Both teams tallied over 400 yards of offense on the night, with SE leading the way at 418 and NSU right behind at 406.
Southeastern will be back in action when it heads to Texas A&M-Commerce for a 6 p.m. contest on Oct. 2, while Northeastern State will be back on the field on Oct. 2 when it hosts West Texas A&M for a noon kickoff.
East Central 23, Southwestern Oklahoma 0
ADA, Oklahoma – East Central University snapped a 16-game losing streak with a punt return for a touchdown, three field goals and an interception return for a score as the Tigers knocked off Southwestern Oklahoma State 23-0 Saturday night at Norris Field.
The win was the first for ECU since the 2008 season. It was also the first time that the Tigers had a shutout victory since the 1993 campaign when they accomplished the feat in the second round of the NAIA playoffs on their way to the national title (a 27-0 triumph over Arkansas-Monticello).
ECU improved to 1-3 overall and 1-2 in the LSC.
Markell Walker returned a punt 39 yards for a touchdown in the opening quarter, Matt Berrey booted field goals of 39, 32 and 38 yards and Armonty Bryant picked off an errant Bulldog pass and returned it 65 yards for a TD with 14 seconds remaining.
SWOSU, which fell to 0-4 overall and 0-3 in the LSC, actually edged ECU in total offensive yards, 224-194, and had two more first downs, 15-13.
Bulldog quarterback Dustin Stenta was 16-of-23 passing for 101 yards.
ECU’s Tyler Vanderzee was 12-of-24 for 98 yards. Zack Patteson caught four of those passes for 45 yards.
SWOSU lost two fumbles in the game and the Tigers’ only turnover was an interception by Shane Scott.
DeMarcus Miller topped the Bulldog tackle chart with nine tackles, including six solo efforts.
Bryant led ECU with six total stops, including four solo, to go with his pick and two tackles for lost yards. He also had 1.5 sacks on the night.
The Bulldogs host Eastern New Mexico next Saturday at 2 p.m. while the Tigers visit the University of Central Oklahoma for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
LSC Roundup 9-25
Mustangs are not taking Bronchos lightly - J. Scott Russell, Times Record News
The Midwestern State Mustangs aren’t sure who they’ll be playing tonight at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Okla.
The uniforms will be those of the Central Oklahoma Bronchos.
The question, however, is will it be the team that beat Tarleton State two weeks ago or the one that fell in overtime to the Incarnate Word Cardinals last Saturday night?
Kickoff for the Lone Star Conference crossover game between the No. 10 MSU Mustangs (3-0) and the Bronchos (1-2) is 7 p.m.
“We don’t know what Tarleton has got,” MSU head coach Bill Maskill said. “And Incarnate Word is playing really, really hard right now. We’re basing our opinion on what Tarleton has been in the past.
“Sometimes it’s good to play a team after a loss like that; sometimes it’s bad. We’ll just have to see.”
Javelinas not taking Incarnate Word lightly - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller
SAN ANTONIO — Each week presents a new challenge for Texas A&M-Kingsville’s football team. This week is no different, even if it is against a fledgling program such as Incarnate Word.
There are a few tidbits the 3-0 and sixth-ranked Javelinas need to consider when they face the 1-2 Cardinals in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener tonight.
The Javelinas can ill afford a slip-up, not with nationally ranked foes Abilene Christian and West Texas A&M, surging Angelo State and always-dangerous Tarleton State lurking during the next four weeks in South ballgames. It also will be the Javelinas’ first test without LSC rushing leader Fred Winborn, who was booted from the squad earlier in the week for violating team and university academic policies.
A&M-Kingsville’s defense, tops among NCAA Division II teams, also must continue its dominance while the offense rounds into shape.
“We’re looking forward to the opportunity and I know they do, too,” fourth-year A&M-Kingsville coach Bo Atterberry said. “Being an upstart program I’m sure they’d find no better way of starting it and trying to keep it going by beating us, with us being just down the street.”
UIW prepares for No. 6 A&M-Kingsville - Blake Hurtik, San Antonio Express News
Now that the euphoria from Incarnate Word's improbable overtime win last week has worn off, reality hits Benson Stadium hard tonight with the Cardinals hosting sixth-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Facing the Javelinas (3-0, 2-0 Lone Star Conference) means more than simply dealing with their suffocating defense, which is the top-ranked in Division II.
A&M-Kingsville brings tradition and mystique, having won seven national championships and 34 Lone Star Conference titles. It also has produced three Pro Football Hall of Famers: Gene Upshaw, Darrell Green and John Randle.
The Javelinas also will bring plenty of fan support. The school requested 1,000 tickets and more are expected to show up. It has the potential to create the kind of gameday atmosphere that UIW hopes will become standard, especially after just 2,117 fans attended last week's game.
“That's what college football is supposed to be,” UIW coach Mike Santiago said. “I'm glad that we get to experience that.”
ASU FOOTBALL: The time is now - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Angelo State head football coach Dale Carr knows that the high-powered offense of West Texas A&M can’t be stopped.
What he and his team hope to do today when the Rams host No. 9-ranked WTAM is to somehow slow the Buffaloes down enough to outscore them.
“You don’t stop them,” Carr said. “Even the teams that have beaten them in the past, I don’t want to say you have to outscore them, but you have to play good defense and hope they make some mistakes and you force them into punting situations.
“You don’t just line up and shut them down. I don’t think anybody just tries to stop them.”
UIW makes a name for itself in LSC - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — It didn’t take long for Incarnate Word to prove it can compete in the Lone Star Conference.
In just their second LSC crossover game since joining the conference over the summer and in just their second season of playing football, the Cardinals stunned Central Oklahoma 42-41 in overtime last Saturday.
With UCO leading 41-35 after scoring first in overtime, Paden Lynch threw a 9-yard scoring pass to running back Trent Rios on the sixth play of UIW’s overtime possession.
Thomas Rebold kicked the decisive extra point to give the Cardinals an history victory.
Lynch and Rios combined for more than 250 rushing yards, fueling an offense that finished with 413 yards and looked nothing like a program in just its second season of football.
“We can play in the best Division II league in the country,” UIW head coach Mike Santiago said. “I don’t know how many we can win, but we can play with them.”
Getting personal with ... Nathan Slaughter - Amarillo Globe News
(True freshman wide receiver, Lubbock High, starter at inside wide receiver)
You scored your first collegiate touchdown last week in your second game as a starter (on a 33-yard pass from QB Taylor Harris). How did it feel? "It was a good feeling. Everyone dreams of getting in the end zone. I know I was running as fast as I could to get there. We had a run play called but the linebackers were real far inside. Taylor checked to a bubble screen. It was just a quick little hot route."
Since you're a true freshman (18 years old) any grief from the vets? Any carry my pads-type stuff? "Not yet (laughing). I haven't got any of that."
Are you surprised to be starting as a true freshman? "I wasn't expecting to play. I just came in with a mindset of trying to do all I can to get there. When (wide receiver) Jeremy (Watson) went down (with a season-ending injury), I knew I had to step up."
Coach Speak, Dale Carr - Amarillo Globe News
Angelo State head coach Dale Carr
Carr is in his sixth season as ASU head coach with an overall record of 25-31.
Carr, a native of Odessa, was a junior on Odessa Permian's 1980 Class 5A state champions.
At ASU, Carr is 1-4 against the Buffs, with his lone win coming 58-53 in 2005.
"WT is pretty well-rounded. They have been running the ball well as well as throwing it to a lot of different receivers. They are pretty sound offensively and make you defend a lot of things. I think we've played 10 spread teams in a row. WT has a few different wrinkles."
West Texas A&M head coach Don Carthel
A win tonight would tie Carthel for the No. 2 spot in WT victories (54) with the legendary Frank Kimbrough.
A win tonight would also give Carthel his 100th career coaching victory (99-59-1).
Under Carthel, the Buffs are 22-2 on the road against LSC opponents and 13-2 against the LSC South.
"Angelo State feels like they are going to compete for the Lone Star Conference South championship. Their offense is really loaded to put up some big numbers. They are well-coached, and we're going to have to eliminate mistakes."
Maroon and White Zone - Amarillo Globe News
1st and goal: How much does this game mean to the Rams? ASU had an open date last week after defeating Eastern New Mexico and Texas A&M-Commerce by a combined score of 72-48. According to WT head coach Don Carthel, the week off served a purpose for ASU. “They spent exactly half of their spring ball scheming just against West Texas, offensively and defensively,” Carthel said. “This is the key date for their whole season.They moved Eastern New Mexico up to the zero week so they could have two weeks to prepare for us. They will be well-coached and well-prepared.”
2nd and goal: Few can compete with the Buffs’ passing attack, but the Rams will give it a try. ASU has plenty of weapons in fifth-year senior QB Josh Neiswander (third in the LSC in total offense, 310 yards per game, and passing yards per game, 305); WR Dekarai Pecikonis was the LSC Offensive Player of the Week against TAMC (three catches for 111 yards and a TD) and is second in the LSC with 136 yards a game. Pecikonis and fellow WR V’Keon Lacey both went over 1,000 yards receiving for their career against TAMC. The pair combined for 11 catches for 88 yards and a TD against WT last season.
3rd and goal: WT’s offense has been lights out this season, especially early. In their past two games. The Buffs have outscored opponents 45-0 in the first quarter. WT is second in the nation in passing offense (421.5 yards per game) and second in the nation in total offense per game (562 yards). The Rams defensive secondary will be tested. ASU gave up 444 yards passing against WT last season and is 10th in the LSC in pass defense (260 yards a game). ASU plays a 3-3-5 defense, with two free safeties listed among the starting 11. Buffs QB Taylor Harris was 30-of-39 for 414 yards with zero picks and two TDs against ASU last season.
4th and goal: Chip Shots — The Rams have not allowed a sack in two games this season, while WT is second in the LSC with 11 sacks ... A poll question on the ASU website this week asked: “Which home contest are you looking forward to most?” Forty-one percent of more than 250 votes went to tonight’s WT game ... Cornerback Tae Evans leads the Buffs in tackles with 27, including 15 solo stops, eight more than any teammate ... The Buffs trail in the overall series against ASU, 8-14-0, but have won the past four meetings ... WT WR Tyson Williams leads the LSC in catches per game (9.7) and receiving yards per game (141).
No. 5 Wildcats wary of winless Texans - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
What’s riding on this game: ACU, ranked No. 5 in the American Football Coaches Association national poll, needs a victory to remain undefeated on the season and keep up with No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville, No. 9 West Texas A&M, No. 24 Midwestern State and Angelo State in the Lone Star Conference title race. WT is at Angelo State today. The Wildcats play Kingsville next Saturday in Kingsville. Tarleton is seeking its first victory, which could re-energize the Texans’ season. Tarleton hasn’t started the season 0-4 since 1998. Last year, ACU didn’t score a touchdown in a 13-6 loss in Stephenville. ACU is 16-10-4 all-time against the Texans.
n Last week: The Wildcats rolled up 559 yards of total offense and the defense forced three turnovers in a 47-7 victory over East Central at Shotwell Stadium. Northwestern State (La.), a Football Championship Subdivision team, snapped a 15-game losing streak with a 17-14 victory over Tarleton.
n Scouting Tarleton: First-year coach Cary Fowler took over a young team this season, a team with only eight seniors on the roster. Nick Stephens, a transfer from Division I Tennessee where he was a starter, injured his shoulder in the Texans’ opener after throwing for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Aaron Doyle has started the last two games, completing 33-of-68 passes for 389 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. WR Jeken Frye leads the team with 21 catches for 369 yards and four touchdowns. RB Evan Robertson has run for 234 yards and a touchdown on 50 carries. The Texans are averaging 334.7 yards on offense, including 214.7 passing, per game, while allowing 324.7 yards, including 202.7 passing, per game. Tarleton has been outscored 85-58 this season.
“Tarleton is going to be the toughest defense we’ve faced to this point,” ACU coach Chris Thomsen said. “They’re taller and more athletic than anybody we’ve played. The margin of error becomes greater, because they’re moving faster and stronger and they’re taller than anybody we’ve played. It’s a real challenge for our offense.”
Hounds out to make statement in LSC North opener - Dave Wagner, Clovis News Journal
After 11 years in the South Division since the Lone Star Conference went to divisional play in 1999, Eastern New Mexico University’s football team is set to make its North Division debut today.
The Greyhounds could get themselves off to a quick start with a win over defending champion and North preseason favorite Texas A&M-Commerce at Blackwater Draw.
“They’re the (defending) division champions, the way we look at it,” ENMU coach Mark Ribaudo said. “The road through the North goes through Commerce.”
ECU faces good opportunity this week - Bob Forrest, Ada Evening News
Ada — East Central University head coach Tim McCarty doesn’t remember the last time the Tigers won a football game. He isn’t suffering from amnesia...he just wasn’t there.
McCarty was in his final season as an assistant at Kansas State when ECU clubbed Southwestern, 42-21, in Week 9 of the 2008 campaign. The victory wasn’t only the most complete by a Tiger squad against a Lone Star Conference opponent in more than a decade in the league — it was also a complete surprise. ECU carried a 2-6 record into the game and totally dominated a Bulldog squad coming off a string of solid efforts.
The Midwestern State Mustangs aren’t sure who they’ll be playing tonight at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Okla.
The uniforms will be those of the Central Oklahoma Bronchos.
The question, however, is will it be the team that beat Tarleton State two weeks ago or the one that fell in overtime to the Incarnate Word Cardinals last Saturday night?
Kickoff for the Lone Star Conference crossover game between the No. 10 MSU Mustangs (3-0) and the Bronchos (1-2) is 7 p.m.
“We don’t know what Tarleton has got,” MSU head coach Bill Maskill said. “And Incarnate Word is playing really, really hard right now. We’re basing our opinion on what Tarleton has been in the past.
“Sometimes it’s good to play a team after a loss like that; sometimes it’s bad. We’ll just have to see.”
Javelinas not taking Incarnate Word lightly - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller
SAN ANTONIO — Each week presents a new challenge for Texas A&M-Kingsville’s football team. This week is no different, even if it is against a fledgling program such as Incarnate Word.
There are a few tidbits the 3-0 and sixth-ranked Javelinas need to consider when they face the 1-2 Cardinals in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener tonight.
The Javelinas can ill afford a slip-up, not with nationally ranked foes Abilene Christian and West Texas A&M, surging Angelo State and always-dangerous Tarleton State lurking during the next four weeks in South ballgames. It also will be the Javelinas’ first test without LSC rushing leader Fred Winborn, who was booted from the squad earlier in the week for violating team and university academic policies.
A&M-Kingsville’s defense, tops among NCAA Division II teams, also must continue its dominance while the offense rounds into shape.
“We’re looking forward to the opportunity and I know they do, too,” fourth-year A&M-Kingsville coach Bo Atterberry said. “Being an upstart program I’m sure they’d find no better way of starting it and trying to keep it going by beating us, with us being just down the street.”
UIW prepares for No. 6 A&M-Kingsville - Blake Hurtik, San Antonio Express News
Now that the euphoria from Incarnate Word's improbable overtime win last week has worn off, reality hits Benson Stadium hard tonight with the Cardinals hosting sixth-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Facing the Javelinas (3-0, 2-0 Lone Star Conference) means more than simply dealing with their suffocating defense, which is the top-ranked in Division II.
A&M-Kingsville brings tradition and mystique, having won seven national championships and 34 Lone Star Conference titles. It also has produced three Pro Football Hall of Famers: Gene Upshaw, Darrell Green and John Randle.
The Javelinas also will bring plenty of fan support. The school requested 1,000 tickets and more are expected to show up. It has the potential to create the kind of gameday atmosphere that UIW hopes will become standard, especially after just 2,117 fans attended last week's game.
“That's what college football is supposed to be,” UIW coach Mike Santiago said. “I'm glad that we get to experience that.”
ASU FOOTBALL: The time is now - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Angelo State head football coach Dale Carr knows that the high-powered offense of West Texas A&M can’t be stopped.
What he and his team hope to do today when the Rams host No. 9-ranked WTAM is to somehow slow the Buffaloes down enough to outscore them.
“You don’t stop them,” Carr said. “Even the teams that have beaten them in the past, I don’t want to say you have to outscore them, but you have to play good defense and hope they make some mistakes and you force them into punting situations.
“You don’t just line up and shut them down. I don’t think anybody just tries to stop them.”
UIW makes a name for itself in LSC - Nathan Wright, San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — It didn’t take long for Incarnate Word to prove it can compete in the Lone Star Conference.
In just their second LSC crossover game since joining the conference over the summer and in just their second season of playing football, the Cardinals stunned Central Oklahoma 42-41 in overtime last Saturday.
With UCO leading 41-35 after scoring first in overtime, Paden Lynch threw a 9-yard scoring pass to running back Trent Rios on the sixth play of UIW’s overtime possession.
Thomas Rebold kicked the decisive extra point to give the Cardinals an history victory.
Lynch and Rios combined for more than 250 rushing yards, fueling an offense that finished with 413 yards and looked nothing like a program in just its second season of football.
“We can play in the best Division II league in the country,” UIW head coach Mike Santiago said. “I don’t know how many we can win, but we can play with them.”
Getting personal with ... Nathan Slaughter - Amarillo Globe News
(True freshman wide receiver, Lubbock High, starter at inside wide receiver)
You scored your first collegiate touchdown last week in your second game as a starter (on a 33-yard pass from QB Taylor Harris). How did it feel? "It was a good feeling. Everyone dreams of getting in the end zone. I know I was running as fast as I could to get there. We had a run play called but the linebackers were real far inside. Taylor checked to a bubble screen. It was just a quick little hot route."
Since you're a true freshman (18 years old) any grief from the vets? Any carry my pads-type stuff? "Not yet (laughing). I haven't got any of that."
Are you surprised to be starting as a true freshman? "I wasn't expecting to play. I just came in with a mindset of trying to do all I can to get there. When (wide receiver) Jeremy (Watson) went down (with a season-ending injury), I knew I had to step up."
Coach Speak, Dale Carr - Amarillo Globe News
Angelo State head coach Dale Carr
Carr is in his sixth season as ASU head coach with an overall record of 25-31.
Carr, a native of Odessa, was a junior on Odessa Permian's 1980 Class 5A state champions.
At ASU, Carr is 1-4 against the Buffs, with his lone win coming 58-53 in 2005.
"WT is pretty well-rounded. They have been running the ball well as well as throwing it to a lot of different receivers. They are pretty sound offensively and make you defend a lot of things. I think we've played 10 spread teams in a row. WT has a few different wrinkles."
West Texas A&M head coach Don Carthel
A win tonight would tie Carthel for the No. 2 spot in WT victories (54) with the legendary Frank Kimbrough.
A win tonight would also give Carthel his 100th career coaching victory (99-59-1).
Under Carthel, the Buffs are 22-2 on the road against LSC opponents and 13-2 against the LSC South.
"Angelo State feels like they are going to compete for the Lone Star Conference South championship. Their offense is really loaded to put up some big numbers. They are well-coached, and we're going to have to eliminate mistakes."
Maroon and White Zone - Amarillo Globe News
1st and goal: How much does this game mean to the Rams? ASU had an open date last week after defeating Eastern New Mexico and Texas A&M-Commerce by a combined score of 72-48. According to WT head coach Don Carthel, the week off served a purpose for ASU. “They spent exactly half of their spring ball scheming just against West Texas, offensively and defensively,” Carthel said. “This is the key date for their whole season.They moved Eastern New Mexico up to the zero week so they could have two weeks to prepare for us. They will be well-coached and well-prepared.”
2nd and goal: Few can compete with the Buffs’ passing attack, but the Rams will give it a try. ASU has plenty of weapons in fifth-year senior QB Josh Neiswander (third in the LSC in total offense, 310 yards per game, and passing yards per game, 305); WR Dekarai Pecikonis was the LSC Offensive Player of the Week against TAMC (three catches for 111 yards and a TD) and is second in the LSC with 136 yards a game. Pecikonis and fellow WR V’Keon Lacey both went over 1,000 yards receiving for their career against TAMC. The pair combined for 11 catches for 88 yards and a TD against WT last season.
3rd and goal: WT’s offense has been lights out this season, especially early. In their past two games. The Buffs have outscored opponents 45-0 in the first quarter. WT is second in the nation in passing offense (421.5 yards per game) and second in the nation in total offense per game (562 yards). The Rams defensive secondary will be tested. ASU gave up 444 yards passing against WT last season and is 10th in the LSC in pass defense (260 yards a game). ASU plays a 3-3-5 defense, with two free safeties listed among the starting 11. Buffs QB Taylor Harris was 30-of-39 for 414 yards with zero picks and two TDs against ASU last season.
4th and goal: Chip Shots — The Rams have not allowed a sack in two games this season, while WT is second in the LSC with 11 sacks ... A poll question on the ASU website this week asked: “Which home contest are you looking forward to most?” Forty-one percent of more than 250 votes went to tonight’s WT game ... Cornerback Tae Evans leads the Buffs in tackles with 27, including 15 solo stops, eight more than any teammate ... The Buffs trail in the overall series against ASU, 8-14-0, but have won the past four meetings ... WT WR Tyson Williams leads the LSC in catches per game (9.7) and receiving yards per game (141).
No. 5 Wildcats wary of winless Texans - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News
What’s riding on this game: ACU, ranked No. 5 in the American Football Coaches Association national poll, needs a victory to remain undefeated on the season and keep up with No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville, No. 9 West Texas A&M, No. 24 Midwestern State and Angelo State in the Lone Star Conference title race. WT is at Angelo State today. The Wildcats play Kingsville next Saturday in Kingsville. Tarleton is seeking its first victory, which could re-energize the Texans’ season. Tarleton hasn’t started the season 0-4 since 1998. Last year, ACU didn’t score a touchdown in a 13-6 loss in Stephenville. ACU is 16-10-4 all-time against the Texans.
n Last week: The Wildcats rolled up 559 yards of total offense and the defense forced three turnovers in a 47-7 victory over East Central at Shotwell Stadium. Northwestern State (La.), a Football Championship Subdivision team, snapped a 15-game losing streak with a 17-14 victory over Tarleton.
n Scouting Tarleton: First-year coach Cary Fowler took over a young team this season, a team with only eight seniors on the roster. Nick Stephens, a transfer from Division I Tennessee where he was a starter, injured his shoulder in the Texans’ opener after throwing for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Aaron Doyle has started the last two games, completing 33-of-68 passes for 389 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. WR Jeken Frye leads the team with 21 catches for 369 yards and four touchdowns. RB Evan Robertson has run for 234 yards and a touchdown on 50 carries. The Texans are averaging 334.7 yards on offense, including 214.7 passing, per game, while allowing 324.7 yards, including 202.7 passing, per game. Tarleton has been outscored 85-58 this season.
“Tarleton is going to be the toughest defense we’ve faced to this point,” ACU coach Chris Thomsen said. “They’re taller and more athletic than anybody we’ve played. The margin of error becomes greater, because they’re moving faster and stronger and they’re taller than anybody we’ve played. It’s a real challenge for our offense.”
Hounds out to make statement in LSC North opener - Dave Wagner, Clovis News Journal
After 11 years in the South Division since the Lone Star Conference went to divisional play in 1999, Eastern New Mexico University’s football team is set to make its North Division debut today.
The Greyhounds could get themselves off to a quick start with a win over defending champion and North preseason favorite Texas A&M-Commerce at Blackwater Draw.
“They’re the (defending) division champions, the way we look at it,” ENMU coach Mark Ribaudo said. “The road through the North goes through Commerce.”
ECU faces good opportunity this week - Bob Forrest, Ada Evening News
Ada — East Central University head coach Tim McCarty doesn’t remember the last time the Tigers won a football game. He isn’t suffering from amnesia...he just wasn’t there.
McCarty was in his final season as an assistant at Kansas State when ECU clubbed Southwestern, 42-21, in Week 9 of the 2008 campaign. The victory wasn’t only the most complete by a Tiger squad against a Lone Star Conference opponent in more than a decade in the league — it was also a complete surprise. ECU carried a 2-6 record into the game and totally dominated a Bulldog squad coming off a string of solid efforts.
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