Texas Small College Roundup: Week 4

By Russell Wilburn

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Team of the Week:

Austin College Kangaroos (2-1, 1-0)

Last Week: Austin College jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter and the defense had two huge stands inside their own 5-yard line late in the game as the ‘Roos defeated No. 19 Centre 20-13 at home last Saturday. Quarterback Colt Collins broke the school’s 59-year old record for total yards of offense in a career as he completed 14-of-33 passes for 156 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while also leading the team with 139 yards rushing and a touchdown on 19 carries. Defensive back Regan Wilkins led the ‘Roos defense with eight tackles, all solo, while linebacker Keegan Nichols added seven tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss as the ‘Roos defense had nine total tackles for loss in the game. Look for a feature story on Austin College this week on texasfootball.com.

The Verdict: This was an incredible win for a ‘Roos team that has only nine seniors its roster. One week after scoring a late touchdown for defeat SAGU, the ‘Roos defense held strong to earn this victory as Centre had three plays inside the ‘Roos one-yard line at the end of the game. Austin has a week off to heal some bumps and bruises and get ready for a road trip to play their rival Trinity.

This Week: Austin College has a bye this week.

NCAA FCS Recap

Abilene Christian Wildcats (2-2, 1-1)

Last week: Tracy James scored a touchdown from one yard out with 13 seconds remaining last Saturday to propel ACU to a 17-10 win over McNeese. Quarterback Luke Anthony completed 26-of-44 passes for 313 yards and a touchdown while Josh Fink was the leading receiver hauling in nine passes for 123 yards. James finished with 36 yards rushing and a touchdown and added 80 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Linebacker Jeremiah Chambers led the defense with 15 tackles and one-half sack while Jack Gibbens added 13 tackles and a fumble recovery. 

The Verdict: The Wildcats rebounded nicely from last week’s heartbreaking loss on the road to Central Arkansas. The next three games for ACU are going to be tough with the next two games being on the road. After the next two games, four of the final six ACU games are at home.

This Week: ACU begins a two-game road trip as they play Incarnate Word in San Antonio on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

Houston Baptist Huskies (3-1, 1-0)

Last Week: HBU continued their impressive play as they opened Southland Conference action with a resounding 48-21 win at home over Northwestern State. Running back Ean Beek gained 131 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries while Dreshawn Minnieweather added 112 yards rushing on 14 carries. Wide receiver Ben Ratzlaff contributed 117 yards receiving and two touchdowns on only five receptions. Defensive back Colton Manning and linebacker Caleb Johnson each had 13 tackles to lead the Huskies defense.

The Verdict: The Huskies continue to set program records this season as this was the first time with two running backs gaining over 100 yards in the same game. HBU also won their third straight game for the first time in program history and the 27-point win is the largest margin of victory over an FCS opponent in their six-year history.

This Week: HBU will continue their three-game homestand on Saturday at 6 p.m. as they host Texas Southern. 

Incarnate Word Cardinals (1-2, 0-1)

Last Week: UIW fell behind early and never recovered as they were defeated 45-6 on the road by Sam Houston State. Quarterback Jon Copeland completed 23-of-47 passes for 257 yards with two interceptions. Copeland added 31 yards on the ground on 11 carries. Kam Williams was the leading receiver as he caught six passes for 118 yards and linebacker Mar’kel Cooks led the Cardinals defense with eight tackles and one forced fumble.

The Verdict: The Cardinals regression this season is understandable and somewhat predictable as head coach Eric Morris continues to build the program in only his second year. The UIW defense has forced a turnover in an impressive 15 consecutive games.

This Week: UIW returns home to play Abilene Christian on Saturday night at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

Lamar Cardinals (2-2, 0-1)

Last Week: The third quarter was the quarter of doom for Lamar last Saturday as they opened conference play with a 45-34 loss on the road to No. 23 Southeastern La. Quarterback Jordan Hoy completed 14-of-33 passes for 303 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding 29 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Kirkland Banks led the receiving corps with five catches for 112 yards. Nate Jones and Anthony Ruffin led the defense as each recorded nine tackles for the Cardinals.

The Verdict: The Cardinals led at halftime but a 21-3 outburst by the Lions in the third quarter was too much for Lamar. The next two home games will be huge for the Cardinals as they try to rebound and gain some traction in the conference standings.

This Week: Lamar begins a two-game homestand at 6 p.m. Saturday night as they host Stephen F. Austin. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (1-3, 1-1)

Last Week: Alcorn State scored a touchdown with only 40 seconds remaining to overcome a vigorous PVAMU comeback and defeat the Panthers 45-41 last Saturday night. Running back Dawonya Tucker gained 128 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 22 carries while quarterback Jalen Morton completed 23-of-35 passes for 321 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. Linebacker Tre’Shaud Smith led the Panthers defense with 10 solo tackles and one sack.

The Verdict: Three Panthers turnovers proved to be crucial against the Braves last Saturday. PVAMU outgained Alcorn State by 103 total yards in the game. The Panthers will need to rebound quickly as they face a rival in a historic game on Saturday.

This Week: PVAMU will play Grambling State on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the State Fair Classic at the Cotton Bowl. 

Sam Houston State Bearkats (2-2, 1-0)

Last Week: SHSU shredded the UIW defense for 531 yards passing in the game as the Bearkats defeated their conference foe 45-6 last Saturday night. Quarterback Eric Schmid led the passing attack by completing 29-of-44 passes for 531 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. Nathan Stewart had another outstanding game as he gained 187 receiving yards on nine catches with three touchdowns. Linebacker Hunter Brown led the Kats defense with 11 tackles including two tackles for loss.

The Verdict: The Kats answered a lot of questions this week with a dominating win following a loss on the road to North Dakota. SHSU is still a force to be reckoned with in the Southland Conference but they will need to stay focused in a balanced and tough conference.

This Week: SHSU travels to Lake Charles, La. on Saturday to play McNeese at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (0-4, 0-1)

Last Week: SFA put up a fight but No. 9 Nicholls scored the game’s final 13 points to pull away for a 48-30 win over the ‘Jacks last Saturday night. Quarterback Trae Self completed 24-of-43 passes for 354 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Calvin Clater led the receiving corps with five catches for 80 yards. The ‘Jacks defense received outstanding play from their safeties as Gavin Roland registered 17 tackles and Trenton Gordon added 10 tackles and a sack.

The Verdict: The ‘Jacks are showing a lot of fight each week and one must believe they will earn a victory at some point this season. SFA was within five points of the lead with six minutes remaining in the game. The ‘Jacks also had another great crowd of 10,304 at Homer Bryce Stadium.

This Week: SFA will play their next three games away from home as they visit Lamar on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Texas Southern Tigers (0-3, 0-1)

Last Week: TSU had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Tigers had a week to recover and get some guys healthy as they begin a long stretch of the season. TSU also had an extra week to prepare for HBU who is much improved this season over their previous two seasons. This week’s battle of Houston teams will be interesting.

This Week: TSU continues its four-game road trip as they play Houston Baptist at 6 p.m. on Saturday night.

NCAA DII Recap

Angelo State Rams (3-0, 1-0)

Last Week: ASU started Lone Star Conference play with a bang as they scored the game’s first 30 points en route to a 44-7 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville last Saturday. Quarterback Payne Sullins completed 22-of-39 passes for 370 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Keke Chism was outstanding as the wide receiver caught nine passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Linebacker Andy Becker led the defense with seven tackles, all solo, and one sack.

The Verdict: The Rams have been very impressive in their first three games of the season as they have outscored their opponents 157-34 this season. The Rams hopes for a conference title will largely be determined in the next two weeks against ranked opponents. 

This Week: ASU returns home to play No. 16 Midwestern State at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

No. 16 Midwestern State Mustangs (3-0, 1-0)

Last Week: MSU-Texas found themselves in a fight last Saturday night, but the Mustangs defense held strong in a 14-8 win over UT Permian Basin. Running back Quinton Childs had 174 yards rushing on 28 carries while quarterback Zach Purcell completed 16-of-32 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Defensive back Marcus Wilkerson led the outstanding defensive effort with 10 tackles and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Mustangs are 3-0 for the sixth consecutive season and 12th time in the last 14 years. MSU-Texas has struggled each of the last two weeks and the road only gets tougher beginning this week with a huge LSC road game.

This Week: MSU-Texas travels to play Angelo State on Saturday night at 6 p.m.

No. 4 Tarleton Texans (3-0, 1-0)

Last Week: Tarleton made a huge statement last Saturday night as they opened conference play with a dominating 58-28 win over West Texas A&M. Quarterback Ben Holmes completed 15-of-23 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns while Daniel McCants had 106 yards rushing and a touchdown on only 14 carries. Senior defensive lineman B.J. Jefferson registered 12 tackles, including two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hurry for the Texans defense. Click here to read more about the win at texasfootball.com.

The Verdict: The Texans have an outstanding team and the dominating performance last Saturday was very impressive. The Tarleton offense gets a lot of attention, but the Texans are a complete team. The defense only allowed 12 total yards in the first half. The one question mark for Tarleton is the kicking game as they missed three extra points in the game.

This Week: Tarleton travels to Odessa, Texas Saturday night to play UT Permian Basin at 7 p.m. in Ratliff Stadium.

No. 12 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (3-0, 1-0)

Last Week: Texas A&M-Commerce was able to solve the triple-option of Eastern New Mexico last Saturday night as they earned a 45-27 victory in their conference opener. Wide receiver Chance Cooper had 112 yards receiving and two touchdowns on only three catches while quarterback Miklo Smalls completed 13-of-15 passes for 243 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Defensive back Alex Shillow led the Lions defense with 11 tackles and a fumble recovery.

The Verdict: The Lions opened LSC play with an impressive victory over a good team who is always a tough opponent to prepare to play. The Lions will face a huge test this week as they hit the road for a big game between two ranked teams.

This Week: TAMUC travels to play No. 9 Colorado State-Pueblo on Saturday night at 7 p.m.

Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas (1-2, 0-1)

Last Week: Texas A&M-Kingsville had its first possession end with a blocked punt that went out of the back of the end zone for a safety and the game went worse from there for the Javelinas as they fell 44-7 to Angelo State. Wide receiver Darrian Hambrick led the receivers with 96 yards on five catches while quarterbacks Cade Dyal and Koy Detmer combined to complete 29-of-56 passes for 292 yards and three interceptions. Amos Coleman and Tre Tutt led the defense as each recorded nine tackles.

The Verdict: LSC got off to a tough start for the Javelinas last Saturday and the road does not get any easier for TAMUK. The Javelinas take a long road trip this week to face a tough triple-option attack in a big game for both teams.

This Week: TAMUK travels to play Eastern New Mexico on Saturday night at 7 p.m.

UT Permian Basin Falcons (2-1, 0-1)

Last Week: UTPB nearly pulled off the biggest win in program history last Saturday night before falling 14-8 on the road to No. 16 Midwestern State. Quarterbacks Taylor Null and Kameron Mathis combined to complete 15-of-35 passes for 115 yards and an interception while Gabe Nelson led the rushing attack with 55 yards on 14 carries. Linebacker Chris Hoad had another incredible performance for the UTPB defense as he recorded 15 tackles, nine solo, and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Falcons played an impressive game against one of the top teams in the LSC as UTPB continues to show that they could be a problem for the rest of the conference. The Falcons have a chance this week to shock the nation.

This Week: UTPB returns home to play No. 4 Tarleton on Saturday night at 7 p.m.

West Texas A&M Buffaloes (2-1, 0-1)

Last Week: Another slow start doomed West Texas A&M last Saturday night as they could not recover from a 51-point halftime deficit in a 58-28 loss on the road to No. 4 Tarleton. Quarterback Nick Gerber completed 10-of-25 passes for 84 yards with one touchdown and one interception while Jordan Johnson had 31 yards rushing and a touchdown while also passing for a touchdown on his only pass attempt of the game. Hayden Dennis led the WT defense with 13 tackles including one tackle for loss.

The Verdict: WT played one of the best teams in the country last week and everything seemed to go wrong for the Buffs in the first half. However, WT never gave up and forced Tarleton to put their starters back in the game in the fourth quarter.

This Week: The Buffs return home on Saturday night as they host Western New Mexico in a 6 p.m. start.

NCAA DIII Recap

East Texas Baptist Tigers (0-2, 0-1)

Last Week: ETBU was unable to overcome a 14-point first-quarter deficit as they fell 31-21 to American Southwest Conference foe Texas Lutheran last Saturday. Running back Jeremiah Robertson had 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 16 carries for the Tigers while quarterback Brian Baca completed 17-of-30 passes for 162 yards and one interception. Linebacker Anton Clark led the ETBU defense with 14 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.

The Verdict: It has been a tough start to the season for the Tigers. However, they have a chance to work out some kinks and earn a couple of victories before a tough road game against the No. 1 team in the country.

This Week: ETBU travels to Alpine, Texas to play Sul Ross State at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

No. 7 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys (3-0, 2-0)

Last Week: Hardin-Simmons took control of the game with 21 unanswered points in the first half as they defeated Howard Payne 63-20 last Saturday. Running back Jaquan Hemphill gained 198 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 21 carries while quarterback Brennen Wooten completed 17-of-29 passes for 291 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Kevi Evans added 127 yards and a touchdown on six catches as five different Cowboys receivers caught a touchdown pass.

The Verdict: The Cowboys offensive line was very impressive this week as they rolled up 623 total yards and 332 rushing yards one week after head coach Jesse Burleson was disappointed with the offensive line’s performance in a win over Trinity.

This Week: HSU concludes a two-game road trip on Saturday afternoon as they play Louisiana College at noon.

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (2-1, 1-1)

Last Week: HPU fell behind 42-13 in the first half and was unable to recover as they fell 63-20 to No. 7 Hardin-Simmons last Saturday. Quarterback Caleb Estes completed 16-of-31 passes for 178 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Cameron Keener registered 79 yards rushing and a touchdown on only seven carries. Defensive back Connor Day led the defense with 11 tackles and two interceptions for the Yellow Jackets.

The Verdict: The Yellow Jackets are much improved over last season. However, last week’s game and this week’s game are against two of the best teams in the country. HPU will try to stay healthy this week and get ready to play the rest of their conference schedule.

This Week: HPU travels to play No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (2-0, 1-0)

Last Week: Mary Hardin-Baylor scored 23 points in the first half and relied on its defense to finish the game as the Cru defeated Belhaven 23-13 last Saturday. Running back Jo’Vel McDaniel carried the ball 21 times for 137 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Luke Poorman completed 17-of-25 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown while adding 93 yards rushing on 16 carries. Tevin Jones and Jacob Mueller each recorded eight tackles to lead the UMHB defense.

The Verdict: Questions abound around the Cru offense as they are not yet as dominant as they try to defend their national title. The UMHB defense is a known commodity and is one of the best in the country again this season. Defense wins championships but the Cru will need to improve its offense against the better teams.

This Week: UMHB concludes a three-game homestand on Saturday night as they host Howard Payne at 6 p.m.

McMurry War Hawks (0-3, 0-2)

Last Week: The Battle of I-20 was a defensive struggle until Sul Ross State scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to defeat host McMurry 21-7 last Saturday. Wide receiver Kevin Hurley caught four passes for 91 yards while quarterback Xavier Alexander completed 15-of-27 passes for 148 yards and three interceptions. Dee Robinson had 73 yards rushing and a touchdown on 17 carries. Christopher Baker registered eight tackles to lead the War Hawks defense.

The Verdict: This was a tough loss for the War Hawks against one of its rivals. McMurry is still trying to have the offense and defense both working at the same time. This week might be their last chance to get a win this season.

This Week: McMurry travels to Jackson, Miss. to play Belhaven at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

Southwestern University Pirates (2-0, 1-0)

Last Week: Southwestern exploded for 30 points in the second quarter as they defeated Louisiana College 50-3 last Saturday. Sophomore quarterback Coleman Kerr completed 6-of-9 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns while adding 77 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Freshman quarterback Landry Gilpin added 104 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 12 carries while completing 1-of-2 passes for 27 yards. Ben Brockman led the Pirates defense with seven tackles.

The Verdict: The Pirates have proven they are a well-rounded team in its first two games as they have scored 97 points and only allowed 10 points this season. The young quarterback combination will continue to improve but will face tougher challenges beginning this week.

This Week: Southwestern travels to play Texas Lutheran on Saturday night at 6 p.m.

Sul Ross State Lobos (1-2, 1-1)

Last Week: Sul Ross State scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to win a defensive battle and reclaim the Battle of I-20 trophy in a 21-7 win over McMurry last Saturday. Quarterback Jorge Barrera completed 10-of-16 passes for 115 yards and an interception while Clayton Maxwell and Trey Johns each scored a touchdown for the Lobos offense. Levah Tarry led the defense with 13 tackles and forced a fumble while Cory McMahan returned an interception 76 yards for a touchdown for the Lobos.

The Verdict: The Lobos scored an impressive victory after beginning the season against two very tough opponents. Sul Ross will need to end its celebration soon as they return home to play an angry 0-2 team this week.

This Week: Sul Ross State will host East Texas Baptist at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (1-1, 1-0)

Last Week: Texas Lutheran scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to earn a big 31-21 win on the road over East Texas Baptist last Saturday. Quarterback Wade Freeman completed 10-of-14 passes for 151 yards and three touchdowns while adding 58 yards and a touchdown on the ground. CJ Romero caught three passes for 57 yards and two touchdowns for TLU. Dakwa Davis led the Bulldogs defense with 13 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, and an interception.

The Verdict: The Bulldogs bounced back nicely with a road win following a last-second defeat the week prior. TLU returns home this week but is facing a team that is playing very well on both sides of the ball while running the always tough triple-option.

This Week: TLU returns home to play Southwestern at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers (1-2, 0-1)

Last Week: Two late turnovers doomed Trinity last Saturday night as they fell 14-10 at home to No. 10 Berry. Quarterback Wyatt Messex completed 15-of-26 passes for 246 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Wide receiver Tommy Lavine caught six passes for 120 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers. Jeremy Harris and Michael Jewett each registered nine tackles for the Trinity defense.

The Verdict: The Tigers missed an opportunity to take early control of the Southern Athletic Association race. Trinity has faced two teams ranked in the top 10 in the country the last two weeks and now travels to face a team that fell from the rankings after being upset last week.

This Week: Trinity travels to play Centre on Saturday at 11 a.m.

NAIA Recap

Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions (0-2, 0-0)

Last Week: SAGU had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Lions season has not started how they had planned. SAGU had a week off to prepare for conference play that begins this week. The Lions only have four road games left this season but two of those road games are in the next two weeks against good conference opponents.

This Week: SAGU travels to play Arizona Christian on Saturday night at 9 p.m.

Texas College Steers (0-2, 0-1)

Last Week: Texas College was tied at the half last Saturday against conference foe Lyon, but the Steers allowed 22 points in the second half of a 32-17 loss. Quarterback Derrick Cooper completed 9-of-23 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns while adding 22 yards rushing on 12 carries. Carlos Mosby added 60 yards rushing on 15 carries while Montel Barre led the Steers defense with 12 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.

The Verdict: The Steers have shown improvement each of the first two weeks of the season. However, two of the next three games for TC are against teams either ranked or expected to challenge for the Sooner Athletic Conference title.

This Week: Texas College concludes its three-game homestand on Saturday morning as they host Oklahoma Panhandle State at 11 a.m.

Texas Wesleyan Rams (0-3, 0-1)

Last Week: Texas Wesleyan fell one-yard short of pulling off the biggest win since the resurrection of the program last Saturday night as they fell 42-38 to No. 23 Ottawa. Quarterback Donovan Isom completed 21-of-40 passes for 300 yards and three interceptions while adding 47 yards rushing on 13 carries. Trey Jackson gained 153 yards rushing on 28 carries for the Rams. Devin Griffin led the TXWES defense with 12 tackles in the game.

The Verdict: The Rams proved they have the best team since the program resurrected in 2017. TXWES has a chance of winning each of their remaining conference games this season and may surprise a couple of teams along the way.

This Week: TXWES concludes its four-game road trip on Saturday evening against Lyon at 5 p.m.

Wayland Baptist Pioneers (1-2, 0-1)

Last Week: Arizona Christian scored the final 13 points of the game to defeat Wayland Baptist 40-27 last Saturday. Quarterback Mitchel Parsley completed 26-of-48 passes for 339 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Daniel Hurn caught eight passes for 107 yards and a touchdown for WBU. Sophomore Manny Arguijo led the Pioneers defense with 10 tackles and a sack while breaking up two passes.

The Verdict: The Pioneers nearly defeated one conference opponent from Arizona last Saturday and will try to upset another conference foe from Arizona this week. WBU will try to shore up their protection of Parsley this week after allowing six sacks last Saturday.

This Week: WBU travels to Surprise, Ariz. to play No. 23 Ottawa on Saturday night at 9 p.m.

NJCAA Recap

No. 12 Blinn Buccaneers (4-1, 2-1)

Last Week: The Blinn College defense had a huge goal-line stand as time expired last Saturday night to hang on and defeat No. 9 Trinity Valley 10-6 at home. Wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson led the Buccaneers with 116 yards on nine catches. Quarterback Brock Landis completed 18-of-41 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown. Tarik Cooper led the Blinn defense with 12 tackles and one-half sack. 

The Verdict: Blinn scored a huge victory over a very tough defense last Saturday at home. The Buccaneers have a week off to heal their wounds as they prepare to finish the regular season with three of their final four conference games on the road.

This Week: Blinn College has a bye this week.

No. 17 Cisco Wranglers (3-1, 1-1)

Last Week: Cisco held close but 14 unanswered points by Navarro to end the game were too much as the Wranglers fell 51-37 last Saturday. Blain Kruemcke completed 25-of-45 passes for 346 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions while Darion Chafin caught five passes for 123 yards. Greg Garner gained 141 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 21 carries. Sese Aumavae returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown for the Cisco defense.

The Verdict: The Wranglers' first loss of the season was a tough loss to a good Navarro team who has played a brutal schedule. Cisco is still in a good spot in the SWJCFC but needs to refocus quickly as they face a great defense on the road this week.

This Week: Cisco College travels to play No. 9 Trinity Valley on Saturday night at 7 p.m.

No. 10 Kilgore Rangers (4-1, 4-1)

Last Week: Kilgore jumped out to a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter and hung on to defeat Northeastern Oklahoma A&M 28-21 on the road last Saturday. Quarterback Cade Pearson threw for a touchdown and had a rushing touchdown while quarterback Jacob Frazier scored a rushing touchdown and passed for a touchdown for the Rangers. Wide receiver Omar Manning was on the receiving end of both touchdown passes in the game. 

The Verdict: The Rangers bounced back nicely and remain atop the SWJCFC standings with three regular-season conference games remaining. Kilgore will play its first non-conference game of the season this week before a tough road trip.

This Week: Kilgore will host Texas A&T on Saturday night at 5 p.m.

Navarro Bulldogs (2-3, 2-2)

Last Week: Navarro scored the final 14 points of the game last Saturday to secure a huge 51-37 road win over No. 17 Cisco. Quarterback Parker McNeil was outstanding as he completed 30-of-47 passes for 508 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Shadeed Ahmed was the leading receiver with 180 yards and a touchdown on nine catches while Quinton Lee added 146 yards receiving and two touchdowns on nine catches. Isaiah Robinson gained 106 yards rushing on 13 carries. Brendon Luper led the Navarro defense with 12 tackles including two tackles for loss.

The Verdict: The Bulldogs have played arguably the toughest schedule in the country early in the season. Navarro will need to keep their focus for the next couple of weeks as they play two teams that have struggled this season.

This Week: Navarro College hosts Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Saturday night at 6 p.m.

No. 9 Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals (3-1, 3-1)

Last Week: TVCC was stopped at the goal line to end the game last week as they fell 10-6 on the road to No. 12 Blinn. Quarterbacks Cobe Craft and Riley Russell combined to complete 23-of-38 passes for 189 yards and two interceptions. Running back Cordrick Dunn had 95 yards rushing on 16 carries for the Cardinals. Jacob Berry and Race Moser each recorded 11 tackles to lead the TVCC defense.

The Verdict: The Cardinals nearly rode its defense to another big victory over a ranked opponent. TVCC will need to rebound quick as they host another solid team that only has one loss on the season this week.

This Week: TVCC returns home to play No. 17 Cisco at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.

Tyler Apaches (2-3, 1-2)

Last Week: Tyler scored 42 points in the opening half on their way to a 45-7 win over Texas A&T last Saturday night. Running back Trenton Kennedy carried the ball seven times for 114 yards rushing and two touchdowns while quarterback David Johnson completed 11-of-14 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns. K’Vonte Jackson was the leading receiver with four catches for 40 yards for the Apaches.

The Verdict: The Apaches had a break in the schedule last week after playing a tough early slate of games. Tyler has four games remaining with each game against a conference opponent and each game will be tough in the SWJCFC.

This Week: Tyler Junior College travels to play New Mexico Military Institute on Saturday night at 8 p.m.

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