Langston, Oklahoma – October 18, 2015 – Despite the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) football team leading Langston University (LU) in the final 3:00 minutes of the game, LU scored a late-game touchdown and topped SAGU 23-20. SAGU is now 2-1 in the Central States Football League (CSFL) . LU is currently 1-1 in the CSFL.
For first-year head coach Frank Tristan , Langston was able to come up with clutch plays, “With games like this it comes down to making big plays in big situations and they were able to make more big plays than we did.”
LU was first to the draw, scoring first after a three-yard quarterback keeper by Mark Wright Jr. The extra point was good and LU went up 7-0.
On Langston’s next possession SAGU forced the Lions to kick a 26-yard field goal, which kicker Michael Smith made.
With 12:55 left in the second quarter, SAGU’s Chris Jenkins had a 16-yard touchdown run. Chadd Dearen ’s extra point was good and SAGU was able to cut the score 10-7.
Near the end of the second quarter, SAGU’s Marquise McCormick made an interception which led to a SAGU field goal. After Dearen’s 34-yard boot, the game was tied 10-10 at halftime.
“We weathered the storm for Langston. We had miscues and they took full advantage. Keeping them to 10 points at half time was key to keeping us in the game,” explains Tristan.
To start the second half, SAGU quarterback CJ Collins had a 46-yard touchdown run. PAT was good, and the SAGU Lions took their first lead of the day, 17-10.
At the end of the third quarter, it looked promising that SAGU would score again. They were set up 1 st and goal. They were called back to the 14 after a holding call. They then were unable to convert and were forced into a 35-yard punt. SAGU extended the lead 20-10.
The next few minutes read like a free-for-all of sorts. SAGU’s Elijah Pruitt forced a fumble on SAGU’s own 24 to get the ball back with 12:29 left in the game. SAGU quickly fumbled, giving LU the ball back on SAGU’s 36 yard line. Langston was able to capitalize and scored a touchdown, making the game 20-17.
With five minutes left in the game, Langston’s kick returner caught Dearen’s punt on the one-yard line. LU marched 99-yards in eight plays to make the final touchdown of the game. Langston topped the Lions 23-20.
Offensively, the Lions were led by sophomore JP Lowery who had 19 carries for 141 yards in his first complete game of the season. Freshman Chris Jenkins had 13 carries for 65-yards.
For the defense junior Ethan Eastwood had nine tackles. Junior Deonte Morrison had eight tackles, an interception and two fumble recoveries.
On Saturday, October 24 th , 2015 SAGU will host Wayland Baptist University . WBU is currently 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the SAC. The game will be broadcast on SAGU Sports Network.
About SAGU:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
Contact: Natalie Tristan, SAGU SID, [email protected]
