GEORGETOWN, Texas – The Southwestern University football team was unable to overcome a 12-point first-quarter deficit, as East Texas Baptist held on for a 46-37 victory over the Pirates on Saturday night at Birkelbach Field.
Southwestern (1-2), which outgained the Tigers (2-1) 437-407 in the contest, trailed 19-7 after the opening period and 22-14 at halftime.
The Tigers increased their advantage to 29-14 early in the third quarter, as Kendall Roberson reached the end zone on a 38-yard run.
However, the Pirates began to mount a comeback.
Justin Pelt capped a drive with an eight-yard rush for a touchdown, trimming ETBU's lead to 29-20. On the ensuing possession, Southwestern forced a safety, and then Dylan Wilburn reached the end zone on a three-yard rush around the right side, which allowed the Pirates to pull even.
Four minutes later, a mishandled punt attempt by Tigers punter Ryan Travis led to a safety, giving Southwestern a 31-29 advantage.
East Texas Baptist answered back, as Josh Warbington connected with Chase Sojka for a 33-yard touchdown strike near the end of the third quarter.
Travis added a 38-yard field goal in the fourth, extending the Tigers' lead to 39-31.
The Pirates made one final push, as Matt Gillen hauled in an 11-yard touchdown toss from Bryan Hicks with 2:41 to play. However, on the ensuing possession, ETBU received a 31-yard touchdown run from Roberson that clinched the game.
Southwestern racked up 321 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Hicks was 17-of-36 for 276 yards with two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Dante Smith hurled a 45-yard touchdown pass which put the Pirates on top 7-0 in the first quarter.
Gillen caught four passes for 92 yards and a touchdown, while Smith also collected three receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. Wilburn reached the century mark for the second straight week, rushing 27 times for 100 yards and a touchdown. Justin Pelt added 20 yards on the ground with one touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, Justin Broussard registered seven tackles, including two for loss. Aaron Robinson posted six stops in his first collegiate action, while Zach Cole netted five tackles and an interception. Mason Ford added four tackles, including two sacks, and Nik Kelly had one stop and an interception.
Southwestern will host Wisconsin-River Falls on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kick off is scheduled for 12 p.m.
– SOUTHWESTERN –