Waxahachie, Texas – September 12, 2015- The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) football team beat Austin College , 20-17. The victory came after SAGU blocked an Austin College field goal attempt to tie the game with 0:05 seconds to go. The Lions are now 2-0 for the season.
Despite four fumble by SAGU, the Lions were able to pull together for the win, “It wasn’t the prettiest of victories, but we found a way to overcome the adversity we created for ourselves,” says head coach Frank Tristan .
SAGU was able to score first near the end of the first quarter. Sophomore Ricky Bickham had an eight-yard run for a touchdown. SAGU missed the extra point attempt, making the score 6-0.
Austin College scored their first touchdown after Brett Vaughn intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown. AC went up 7-6.
SAGU regained the lead after sophomore quarterback CJ Collins completed a pass to Chris Jenkins , who had an eight-yard run for a touchdown. The extra point from SAGU kicker Chadd Dearen was good, putting SAGU ahead 13-7 going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Austin College scored a field goal making it a three point game.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Austin College took the lead 17-13 after M. Ross ran for 50-yards. The Lions were able to answer, and after 13 plays for 76-yards, Bickham rushed for three-yards to score a touchdown. SAGU went up, 20-17.
With 2:38 left in the game, the Roos took possession. AC made it to the 47-yard line, before being forced to kick a field goal to tie the game. The Lions blocked the kick and SAGU senior Shakeem Taylor recovered the ball, returning the ball to the AC 39-yard line. SAGU downed the ball, winning 20-17.
The Lions picked up 22 first downs compared to AC’s 14. SAGU’s Collins passed for 240 yards, going 23-for-31 with one interception. Bickham had 22 carries for 135 yards. Senior Andrez Brewster had five catches for 104 yards. Senior Caleb Shelly had six catches for 72 yards.
Defensively, SAGU’s Deonte Morrison had 13 tackles. Junior Ethan Eastwood had seven tackles.
“This week we’re going to work on taking care of the football because Howard Payne is one of the most explosive offenses we will see,” says Tristan, “We cannot give them extra possessions.”
The Lions will return home to play Howard Payne University on Saturday, September 19, 2015. Game time is 6:00pm. HPU is now 0-2 for the season. SAGU Sports Network will be broadcasting the game live.
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]
