GEORGETOWN, Texas — The Southwestern football team held undefeated Howard Payne University to its lowest offensive output of the season but couldn't make the plays needed down the stretch in a 21-17 loss.
Howard Payne opened the game with two direct snaps to wide receiver Jake Parker in a Wildcat formation, reeling off runs of 17 and 59 yards to put Howard Payne on the Pirates' 8-yard line after two plays. The drive ended with a two-yard touchdown run from quarterback Landon McKinney to put the Yellow Jackets on the board at 7-0.
A few possessions later, McKinney found Otis Lanier for a 38-yard touchdown with 10:29 remaining in the first half.
Southwestern safety Peyton Ludemann gave the Pirates life late in the second quarter, intercepting McKinney at the Howard Payne 42 and returning it to the 24, leading to a Wil Herbst 25-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-3.
The Pirates found traction with the running game to start the third quarter, opening the half with eight consecutive carries for 51 yards before quarterback Landry Gilpin connected with Austin Castilleja for a 29-yard touchdown, with Herbst connecting on the extra point.
Southwestern quarterback Landry Gilpin connected with Austin Castilleja on a 21-yard pass early in the fourth quarter to give the Pirates a 17-14 lead.
The Pirates had an opportunity to extend the lead late, but Herbst's 45-yard field goal attempt hit the crossbar to give Howard Payne the ball at their own 28 with 2:31 remaining. The Yellow Jackets marched down the field quickly, with McKinney completing 6-of-7 passes on a seven-play, 72-yard drive capped off by a 20-yard touchdown pass to Lanier for the 21-17 lead.
Southwestern got the ball back with 1:25 remaining, driving to the Howard Payne 38-yard line, but Gilpin was intercepted at the 22-yard line to end Southwestern's final drive.
Gilpin completed 11-of-27 passes for 166 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Castilleja was his main target with five receptions for 89 yards and both touchdown receptions. Blane Corekin led the Pirates' defense with 12 tackles, including one force fumble.
With the loss, Southwestern drops to 1-5 with a 1-4 conference record. The Pirates will travel next weekend to play Hardin-Simmons.