Lions still in hunt for goals, bowl

Best-ever record within reach

SAGU faces Panhandle State for homecoming

WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- The football team at Southwestern Assemblies of God University has slipped in recent weeks largely due to a turnover-bug, though their season still has plenty of incentives.

A once-promising 3-1 start has skidded to 3-4 with a dozen giveaways in the last three outings. However, what lies ahead has much more to play for than pride alone.

The Lions have three games on the schedule and can attain two 'firsts' in school history. By taking two wins, they will finish at 5-5, the best-yet in their young 13-year history. They were 4-5 in 2008.

Plus, they still have an outside chance to qualify for one of two berths in the National Christian College Athletic Association’s Victory Bowl. That game pits the top two ranked teams in the NCCAA.

Currently, Azusa Pacific (Cal) sits atop the standings with a 6-1 mark. The Cougars thumped Dixie State University (Utah), 48-19, on Saturday. Ranked #10, they will probably earn an entry in the NAIA playoffs. That leaves four teams ahead of the Lions, and one of them will take one of the two openings.

North Greenville University (SoCar) is in the catbird seat at 5-2, while Greenville College (Ill) and Northwestern College (Minn) are tied at 4-3. Campbellsville University (Ky), at 4-4, has the same number of losses as SAGU, who will probably need to finish at 6-4 to have a serious chance.

About the Victory Bowl

North Greenville defeated Campbellsville, 42-16, in the 2010 Victory Bowl. The annual event includes a number of festivities including a local Christian outreach and service projects during the week prior to the game. It is played at the home of the team with the best record.

The Lions and the CSFL

The Lions are 0-3 in the Central States Football League. Of the CSFL's six members, three of them are ranked in the NAIA Coaches Poll. Langston University (5-2, 2-0) leads, while Northwestern Oklahoma State University (3-4, 2-1) and Southern Nazarene University (5-2, 1-1) are receiving votes nationally.

Bacone College (3-5, 2-1) defeated NWOSU on Saturday, 35-28, behind the same back-up QB, George Montgomery, who starred in their 44-38 overtime comeback against SAGU. It was the first time in the Warriors history they had beaten the Rangers, who were favored to win the CSFL.

Homecoming CATurday: SAGU hosts OPSU Aggies

The Lions can begin their ascent towards both of these achievements; their best record in history and a place in the Victory Bowl, by rebounding this Saturday, October 22. They play host to Oklahoma Panhandle State University (1-5) at Lumpkins Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:00pm. The Aggies defeated Texas College, 30-0, on Saturday.

The game will be aired by SAGU Sports Live in a high definition livestream. Clay Scarborough and Tim Roberts will bring the action, starting with the pre-game show at 1:45pm. The free broadcast can be accessed at www.sagu.edu by clicking on the Watch SAGU TV button.

Southwestern’s remaining two games are on the road; October 29 at NW Oklahoma State and November 12 at Texas College (0-7, 0-1).

This week’s games among the leaders in the NCCAA include;
Campbellsville Univ (Ky) (4-4) at Faulkner Univ (Ala) (1-5)
Azusa Pacific (Cal) (6-1) at Lindenwood Univ (Mo) (5-2)
North Greenville Univ  (SC) (5-2) at Brevard College (NC) (3-4)
Northwestern College (Minn) (4-3) at Martin Luther College (Minn) (1-6)
Greenville College (Ill) (4-3) at Eureka College (Ill) (4-2)
Malone Univ (Oh) (3-4) at Saint Francis (Ind) (4-2)
Okla Panhandle State Univ (1-5) at SAGU  (Tx) (3-4)

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.