Langston wins battle of Lions

Four interceptions prove costly

SAGU to host OPSU in 2011 homecoming

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s football team scored on a touchdown pass to draw to within 20-13 entering the fourth quarter, but their comeback fell short against Langston University, 41-13.

Back-up quarterback Reid Golson (Grandview, Tx / Howard Payne Univ) scrambled and hit freshman wideout Malcolm Whitfield (Waxahachie, Tx / Waxahachie HS) over the middle from 20-yards out. The score kept the Lions within a touchdown of the host LU Lions.

Langston (5-2, 2-0 in CSFL) put the game away by scoring three TD’s in the fourth period for the second year in a row. Last fall they overcame a 27-22 deficit to win, 41-27. The clincher was an 82-yard interception return by linebacker Cayetano Hingle .

All Southwestern scoring by ex-WHS players

James Gish  (Waxahachie, Tx / Waxahachie HS) booted a pair of mid-range field goals, 34 and 29 yards, to give SAGU a 6-0 lead late in the first half.

As they have previously this season, the defense has sustained the team with solid play into the second half. Turnovers continue to cut short an offense that has speed and depth in the skill positions. Through seven games the unit has lost possession 25 times, 13 on fumbles.

In front of a homecoming crowd in W.E. Anderson Stadium in central Oklahoma, Southwestern sank behind four interceptions. Against a Langston defense that ranks #21 in the NAIA, SAGU managed to convert 3-of-14 third down plays.

The Purple Pride had an even attack, gaining 153 yards on the ground and 153 through the air. The passing aspect of the spread-option completed only 13-of-31.

SAGU’s longest run was a 13-yard dash by Cade Leuschner (Waco, Tx / Robinson HS) and the best stretch from the aerial game came on a 23-yard catch and run.

Langston took the lead for good at the end of the second quarter. QB Darrion Lewis connected with wide receiver Darrow Barnes on a one-yard slant with 0:07 remaining for a 7-6 lead at the break. Lewis went on to have a very productive game, hitting on 20-of-29 throws for 273-yards, two scores and no interceptions, all season-bests.

Unofficially, Langston finished with a 420-343 advantage in total offense with a 21-20 margin in first downs.

SAGU, smarting with their third loss in as many weeks, is now 3-4 on the season. They slipped to fifth in the Central States Football League with an 0-3 mark.

Senior signal-caller Jason Rice (Katy, Tx / Faith West HS) accounted for 188 yards. He was 10-of-22 passing for 117-yards and two interceptions, and ran for 71-yds on a dozen attempts. Golson was 3-of-9 for 36 yards, a TD and two picks. He rushed for 42 on 11 carries.

Sean Haynes (Katy, Tx / Taylor HS) was held to 37 on 11 totes. Leuschner picked up 25-yds on four tries.

Homecoming: October 22 vs Okla. Panhandle

Southwestern can equal or top their record of four wins in a season over the final three weeks of the 2011 campaign. They have been playing for only 12 years.

Next Saturday, October 22, the Lions will entertain Oklahoma Panhandle State University (1-5) at Lumpkins Stadium. The homecoming clash is set to start at 2:00pm (CST). It will be the Lions’ final home game of the season.

As with all home football games, it will be aired in high definition on SAGU Sports Live. The pre-game show will commence at approximately 1:45pm.

The OPSU Aggies (NCAA Division II) won their first game of the season on Saturday, blanking Texas College, 30-0, in Goodwell, Okla. The two teams have met just twice. In 2009 the Aggies won in double overtime, 50-48. Last season the Lions came up short, 35-31.

Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.