Tyler, Texas- October 3, 2015- The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) football team is off to the best start in school history after beating Texas College , 49-10.  The Lions are now 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the Central States Football League.

After suffering the first loss of the season to Texas Lutheran the week before, head coach Frank Tristan felt the team stuck to the game plan this week, “I thought our boys played well.  Our offense didn’t turn the ball over and our defense played strong and that makes for a good game.”

On the Lions second possession of the game, SAGU was able to score first after a 32-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback CJ Collins to sophomore Toras Hill. Junior kicker Chadd Dearen’s extra point was good, making the Lions ahead 7-0.

With 1:13 to go in the first quarter SAGU struck again.  Collins threw a six-yard touchdown pass to senior Caleb Shelly.

Texas College was able to get points on the board after a mishandled punt by SAGU.  TC got the ball on SAGU’s 22 yard line.  The Steers made a 47-yard field goal, making the score 14-3.

The Lions were able to dominate play, leading 28-3 at half.

The second half the Lions were able to continue with the scoring attack, as well as holding TC to 144 yards of total offense, including 30-yards on the ground with a negative rushing average.

SAGU senior Jeremiah Maat had 12 tackles, junior Ethan Eastwood had eight tackles and junior D’Vonn Brown had seven tackles including a forced fumble and recovery.  The Lions had four interceptions ( Ivan Ortega-Jones, Shakeem Taylor, Phillip Robledo and Glendez Matthews ).

Junior Chaz Moncriffe had five catches for 54-yards, Hill had four catches for 84-yards and two touchdowns, freshman Justin Allen and senior Caleb Shelly both had touchdown receptions.  Collins was 19-of-33 for 217 yards and four touchdown passes.  Sophomore Ricky Bickham had 10 carries for 63-yards and a touchdown.  Freshman Chris Jenkins had 11 carries for 60-yards and one touchdown.  Freshman quarterback Lincoln Kenitzer ran for one touchdown.

Tristan is excited about the result of the first half of the season, “Our seniors and our returners have worked so hard to ensure this success.  They have sown really good seed and they are reaping the rewards now.”

On Saturday, October 10, 2015 the Lions will be taking on Lyon College (0-5).  Game-time is 2:00pm and will be homecoming for SAGU.