LSC Roundup 9-10

UIW's Specia looking for redemption - Pat Turner, San Antonio Express
Incarnate Word's season-opening 28-20 loss to Langston (Okla.) proved to be a rough beginning for quarterback Thomas Specia.
Of his 15 completions, none were for touchdowns, and of the 32 attempts, three were intercepted.

As frustrating as it might have been, the senior from Reagan has put it to rest. He is making sure his teammates do the same.

After all, there's a chance to make amends when the Cardinals face Lone Star Conference opponent Southeastern Oklahoma on Saturday in Lawton.

“I told my teammates after the game that one was on me,” Specia said. “I also wanted to let them know we can come back from this. It was a good reality check.

“We let one slip away from us. But we can't dwell on this, because if we start thinking about last week, this one will slip up on you. We're moving on and making adjustments.”


Javelinas' Poppell inexperienced, but poised - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller Times
KINGSVILLE — The year was 2006. Nate Poppell was a senior at Spring High School outside of Houston and he was the starting quarterback for the Lions.

Until last Thursday night in Maryville, Mo., Poppell hadn't taken a snap as a starting quarterback in live action since those high school days.

"We didn't even make the playoffs at Spring so it was pretty much the end of the season at Spring High School was the last time I got to start," Poppell said.

Thus, it was with plenty of hand-wringing anticipation how Poppell would respond when he led Texas A&M-Kingsville into the ballgame against then top-ranked and defending NCAA Division II champion Northwest Missouri State.


Javelinas Notebook - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller Times
KINGSVILLE — So often football players and coaches will credit preparation -- or the lack thereof -- for contributing to the result of a game. There certainly is no room for doubting Texas A&M-Kingsville's defensive preparation in the season-opening win over Northwest Missouri State.

Ten of the 11 starters returned from last year's Northwest offensive unit, including three All-Americans, that averaged 474 yards and 42 points per game. All the Javelinas did was limit the defending NCAA Division II national champions to 189 yards and one touchdown.

"It was everybody working together. We had a bunch of sacks," said Javelinas redshirt sophomore defensive end Matt Romig, who now leads Division II players with an average of three sacks per game. "Having our D-backs just covering the ball giving us linemen time to get sacks, and we had linebackers coming in and blitzing and getting sacks. We just came out there and did our job."

football: UCO has long list of great running backs - Scott Munn, The Oklahoman
High expectations

Scouting reports say Central Oklahoma freshman Josh Birmingham might end up as one of the best backs in school history. The Bronchos have had plenty in a rich football tradition: Joe Aska, Reggie Donner, James Hooks, Steve Tate — the list is long

Birmingham accounted for 174 total yards in his college debut Aug. 28 vs. Pittsburg State (Kan.).

"I can't argue with that,” Birmingham said of possibly putting his name among UCO greats. "I will always try to outwork my opponent. I will always try to do my best and help us win.”


Goldbugs ramping it up in college football - Roger McKenzie, Alva Review-Courier
Mitchell Gale settled all doubts, if any still remained, about who is the quarterback at Abilene Christian University with a big game win over ninth ranked Washburn University.

He passed for 247 yards and three touchdowns while leading the Wildcats to a 34-26 win. ACU is ranked sixth in NCAA Division II.

Gale completed 24 of 30 passes and led a turnover free offense. For the period and a half before half-time, the Goldbug completed 13 straight completions for two touchdowns and almost 150 yards.

At one point from midway through the second quarter to the end of the third quarter, Gale completed 13 straight passes for 148 yards and two scores. This week ACU and Gale will come to Oklahoma for a game with Northeastern State on Saturday.

GENE STALLINGS, FORMER DALLAS COWBOYS ATTEND 2010 HARVEY MARTIN CLASSIC LUNCHEON - TAMC Sports Information
Legendary head football coach Gene Stallings and many former Dallas Cowboys were among those in attendance to honor the late Harvey Martin at the 2010 Harvey Martin Classic Luncheon on Thursday at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

“First of all, Harvey was a good person,” said Stallings, a Dallas Cowboys assistant coach during Martin’s career and current member of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “He had great speed and a knack for getting off the ball and getting to the quarterback. He laughed a lot and was just a fun person to be around.”

Stallings served as guest speaker at the third annual luncheon, and was interviewed by Scott Murray, former sports director and anchor at NBC 5 and current chairman and CEO of Murray Media. Stallings spoke about his son, John Mark Stallings, his coaching career, and about Martin during his playing days on and off the field. Donovan Lewis, A&M-Commerce alumnus and current talk show host at 1310 The Ticket, served as emcee.

The luncheon honored the former Lion and Dallas Cowboys standout, who earned multiple accolades throughout his time in college and in the pros. The event gave alumni, students, fans and friends of A&M-Commerce a chance to connect with the university and foster pride in its endeavors.

“It’s a joy to be a part of this luncheon,” Stallings said. “We are very proud of A&M-Commerce and the leadership it provides to students.”