2014 Southwestern Football
Southwestern Pirates (0-0)
vs. Sul Ross State Lobos (0-1)
Saturday | September 13 | 1 p.m.
Tickets (Purchase) | Tailgating Information | Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex (Directions) | Georgetown (Weather)
VIDEO/AUDIO: KMAC Sports
Merle Bertrand (play-by-play), Todd York (color), Daniel Chancellor (sideline)
LIVE STATS: Live Stats Link
COMPLETE NOTES IN PDF FORMAT – Click Here
THE GAME
The Pirates and Lobos meet for the first time in football this Saturday as Southwestern officially opens its season after weather nixed last weekend's game against Hardin-Simmons. Sul Ross State enters Saturday's game at 0-1 after a 61-15 loss at Texas Lutheran.
THE SERIES
This is the first ever meeting between Southwestern and Sul Ross State.
THE COACHES
Joe Austin (Concordia-St. Paul '01)
Austin is in his sixth year as a head coach and second at Southwestern after spending the previous four seasons at Hanover College where he led the Panthers to back-to-back second place finishes in the HCAC. He was also the offensive coordinator at the University of Dubuque after spending time at Augsburg College and his alma mater, Concordia-St. Paul.
John Pearce (Delaware '91)
Pearce enters his first season with the Lobos after spending time as the defensive line coach at Blinn Community College. He spent one season at Blinn after coaching the previous nine years at Prairie View A&M. Other collegiate coaching stops include Catholic University (Washington, D.C.); Bowie State University (Prince George County, Md.); Shepherd College (now University, Shepherdstown, W. Va.); and Norfolk (Va.) State University.
QUICK HITS
• Last Saturday's game will officially be the Pirates' home opener as last week's game against Hardin-Simmons was ruled a no contest after multiple weather delays: no statistics will count, per NCAA rules.
• Saturday is the first time the Pirates and Lobos will have met on the football field since Sul Ross State began playing football in the late 1940s. They have been members of the Lone Star Conference, the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and currently, the American Southwest Conference.
• The Pirates were also the first collegiate football team in the state of Texas to embark on the study abroad tour. As part of an NCAA rules provision, Southwestern traveled to Germany as part of a study abroad tour that culminated with a game against the Stuttgart Scorpions—a German professional team—in which the Pirates were able to take a 48-7 win. The trip also included visits to a variety of businesses and cultural sites before the team returned home to Texas.
• The Pirates took a 7-0 lead after the first quarter last week against Hardin-Simmons. The score for the Pirates was set up after the defense forced a three-and-out and had great field position. Bryan Hicks found Taylor Stephens for the touchdown pass from four yards out.
• Satuday is one of four themed days on the home schedule for Southwestern football. Head Coach Joe Austin and Pirate football would like to thank all current and retired military members for their service. You can visit them at their table on the main concourse under the west grandstands.
• Southwestern will continue its stretch against ASC foes as they travel to East Texas Baptist next weekend for a night game against the Tigers. Last year the Pirates fell to ETBU, 56-10 in the third game of the season.
• Player to watch in 2014: Tight end Taylor Stephens (Goldthwaite, Texas/ Goldthwaite High), a versatile athlete whom coaches have described as a do-whatever-it-takes player.
SCOUTING THE PIRATES
The Pirates return four of their top five biggest offensive producers from last season. The defense also returns four All-SCAC performers from a year ago including First-Teamers, Justin Broussard and Tyler Frisby.
OFFENSE
After some off-season personnel moves, the Pirates have found a mix that helped guide them to a win in Germany during the spring. Bryan Hicks returns to quarterback after starting the final three games of 2013 while Dante Smith joins All-SCAC selection Matt Gillen at wide receiver as do returners John Free and Kenneth Wynn. In the backfield Dylan Wilburn was the leading rusher and returns, but will get help as Justin Pelt moves from quarterback to running back.
DEFENSE
As previously mentioned the Southwestern defense features Justin Broussard and Tyler Frisby who turned in all-conference performances last season. Both finished in the top 10 in several SCAC categories, but will have help from defensive end, Alex Lee and defensive tackle, Alex Tyson. A young group in the secondary will need to step up quick to help the Pirates compete in a pass-happy conference.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Laith Tucker worked during spring camp with Green Bay Packers kicker and volunteer coach Mason Crosby. He has improved and will handle punting and kicking duties. Alan Peralta returns as the Pirates return man and will be joined on kickoffs by the speedy Colton Williams.
SCOUTING THE LOBOS
Sul Ross opened its season last week at SCAC opponent Texas Lutheran as the Lobos were handed a 61-15 loss. The Lobos trailed 17-15 heading into halftime but were shutout in the second half as the Bulldogs scored 44 unanswered points on the way to the win. While the Lobos have some experience returning on offense with six senior starters they start just two seniors on defense.
OFFENSE
The Lobos finished with 159 yards through the air from sophomore Derrick Bernard who finished 9-of-21 and two touchdown passes. Senior leader Cordrick Mobley caught one of Bernard's touchdown passes and finished with a team-high three catches for 72 yards.
DEFENSE
Although the Lobos defense lacks upperclassmen, Second Team All-ASC Earl Hines returns at linebacker and finished with 10 tackles in last week's loss. Defensive back Terrelle Owens led the Lobos defensively with 11 tackles against TLU. Hines was the third leading tackler for Sul Ross last season and added three sacks.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Lobos' youth extends to its special teams as freshman, Adomaitis Valenzuela, handles the kicking duties and was 1-for-2 on PATs last week. Uriah Mosley was impressive with 142 yards on four returns including a 99-yard kickoff return.