ABILENE, Texas — The Southwestern Pirates football team put together a season-high in total yards gained but lost a 41-31 shootout to the McMurry War Hawks on the road. 

Both teams moved the ball with ease, gaining 456 yards each. Southwestern struggled with turnovers, however, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble, leading to the touchdown and field goal that proved to be the final margin of victory for McMurry. 

Southwestern quarterback Landry Gilpin threw for a career-high 354 yards and four touchdowns, completing 21-of-44 attempts. He showed great chemistry with receiver Austin Castilleja, who produced career-bests with seven receptions for 180 yards. 

The duo connected early on a 70-yard touchdown in the first quarter to give Southwestern a 10-0 lead. McMurry responded with a 21-0 run, including an 18-0 second quarter, connecting on field goals of 40 and 38 yards, and touchdown passes of 52 and 37 yards for a 21-10 lead at the half.

Southwestern's defense pinned McMurry deep in their own territory to start the second half, forcing a punt that gave the Pirates the ball on the McMurry 40. Gilpin capitalized on the opportunity in two plays, connecting with Castilleja for a 33-yard pass and Ethan Powell for a seven-yard touchdown. 

McMurry answered with a seven-play, 72-yard drive highlighted by a 41-yard pass on third-and-five and punctuated by a one-yard touchdown run. 

Gilpin threw his first of two interceptions on the ensuing drive, leading to another McMurry touchdown for a 35-17 lead. McMurry opened the fourth quarter with a field goal, followed by Gilpin's second interception. The Pirate defense held, forcing a turnover on downs and setting up a Gilpin touchdown pass to Jaquon Marion. 

McMurry and Southwestern exchanged a field goal and a touchdown, with McMurry's Dexter Wyble taking a knee to end the game, handing Southwestern its third loss of the season. The Pirates will return home to host East Texas Baptist University next Saturday at 6:00 p.m.