GEORGETOWN, Texas – Cooper Woodyard scored on a four-yard quarterback draw with 2:36 remaining in the game, and Austin College held on to defeat the Southwestern University football team 20-17 on Saturday afternoon at Birkelbach Field.

The Pirates (2-6, 0-1 SCAC) held a 17-10 lead at halftime, but the Kangaroos (5-3, 1-0 SCAC) scored 10 consecutive points in the second half to pull off the come-from-behind victory in the league opener.

Southwestern out-gained Austin College on offense, 350-246.

Markell Henderson rushed for 132 yards on 24 carries in his second career start to lead the Pirates. Bryan Hicks completed 24 of 36 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Woodyard threw for 173 yards and rushed for two scores.

Southwestern limited the conference's leading rusher, Madison Ross, to 38 yards on 21 carries.

The 'Roos got on the board first, as Javi Reynoso hit a 35-yard field goal in the opening quarter.

The Pirates answered on their ensuing drive, as Hicks connected with Micah Sherman across the middle for a 23-yard touchdown to take a 7-3 lead.

Four minutes later, Woodyard rushed for a 13-yard touchdown that gave the visitors a 10-7 advantage.

Southwestern scored twice in the second quarter to take a seven-point lead before the half ended.

Henderson found space on a broken play before Hicks hit him for a four-yard score. Laith Tucker then connected on a 25-yard field goal with seven seconds left in the half.

However, that was the last time the Pirates put up points.

Reynoso kicked a 29-yard field goal in the third quarter to cut the lead to 17-13.

In the final quarter, Woodyard hooked up with Kyle Mucerino for a 43-yard gain on third and 10. Two plays later, Woodyard dropped back two steps before going up the middle for the winning score.

Southwestern will continue SCAC play next Saturday at rival Trinity. The contest is slated to kick off at 1 p.m. in San Antonio.

– SOUTHWESTERN –