Big Country Football Weekend Recap

Published for KTXS - Abilene 11/3/2024 - https://ktxs.com/sports/college-sports/big-country-football-weekend-recap

The Big Country was buzzing with football over the weekend, with three college football games in Abilene.

Let's take a look at the Big Country Football Weekend Recap:

Abilene Christian University

The Wildcat football team hosted UAC opponent Southern Utah in the final home game of the season.

ACU honored 21 seniors in a ceremony before the game, and capped off the day with a 28-25 victory.

After a dominant first half that saw the Wildcats holding a 21-3 lead, Southern Utah came storming back to pull within three points.

ACU was able to hold on in the final minutes, thanks in part to a muffed snap by the Thunderbirds.

Linebacker Will Shaffer and running back Isaiah Johnson each had big games for the Wildcats. Shaffer totaled 12 tackles and one sack, while Johnson had 72 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Wide receiver Blayne Taylor had a good game as well, leading all receivers with 81 yards.

With the win, ACU moves to 5-1 in conference play, and 6-3 overall.

The Wildcats will close out the year with three straight road games, with two games in Texas.

ACU travels to take on Austin Peay next Saturday, before taking on #7 Tarleton State and Stephen F. Austin, respectively.

Hardin-Simmons University

The Cowboys took on Big Country opponent Howard Payne under the Friday Night Lights.

HSU held a one score lead at halftime over the Yellow Jackets, 17-10. After a slow third quarter that yielded no points for either team, the offense started clicking for the Cowboys, thanks in part to a stellar run game.

HSU’s trio of running backs - Braylon Henry, Noah Garcia and Colton Marshall - combined for 240 rushing yards and four touchdowns to help spark the offense. Marshall and Garcia combined for 37 receiving yards and a touchdown as well.

Hardin-Simmons outscored Howard Payne in the fourth quarter, 27 to 7, to take home a 44 to 17 win.

With the victory, HSU moves to 8-0 on the year, including a perfect 4-0 in conference play. The Cowboys now have a 15 game win streak in the regular season, dating back to last year.

Hardin-Simmons will host UMHB next week for their final home game, then will close out the year on the road against East Texas Baptist on November 16.

McMurry University

Across town, the McMurry War Hawks hosted Austin College for their homecoming game.

McMurry bounced back in a big way after two straight losses, defeating the Kangaroos 31 to 3.

Quarterback Jess Hoel threw for 246 yards and one touchdown, while adding a team-high 48 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

Freshman linebacker Zachariah Mitchell led the War Hawks in tackles, with 8. Mitchell added one tackle for loss.

With the win, McMurry moves to 5-1 in conference play and 5-3 overall.

The War Hawks travel to take on Lyon College next week before closing out the regular season at home against Centenary College on November 16.