Northwestern State’s homecoming turned out much better than the Bearkat’s homecoming did, resulting in a 24-16 victory over the Kats. For the second straight game, the Kats were kept at bay with their explosive offense, only scoring 16 points, well short of the 36.8 average for the season.
The Demons jumped out to an early lead by scoring on the opening drive. The 11-play, 68-yard drive was capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by Byron Lawrence.
After trading possessions the rest of the first quarter, the Demons started a drive at their own 44-yard line and two minutes later, took a 14-0 lead on a Lawrence 9-yard run.
Sam Houston answered right back on the next possession with a 12 play, 63-yard drive with a 37-yard field goal by Taylor Wilkins, his fifth of over 30-yards this season. This would end the scoring in the first half.
Rhett Bomar helped close the game on their second possession of the second half with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Chris Lucas. They were poised to score again when Bomar threw an interception at Northwestern State’s 25-yardline. It was Bomar’s sixth interception of the season.
However, the fourth quarter started off with a touchdown drive by the Demons with a 2-yard touchdown run by William Griffin after the Demons intercepted a pass from Bomar.
The Bearkats threatened with a 12-play, 80-yard drive that ended on a missed field goal by Wilkins from 29-yards out.
Northwestern State added another field goal to put the game out of reach with a little over a minute left to play in the game.
Sam Houston didn’t give up, finishing the game with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jake Lebens as time expired, resutling in his only catch of the game.
Bomar finished with 314-yards passing, two touchdowns, and one interception.
James Aston led the team on the ground with 63-yards on 15 carries. He also added three catches for 14-yards.
Lucas and Catron Houston each had 94-yards receiving, with Lucas scoring one touchdown.
The Bearkats, who are 0-3 in SLC play, take on rival Stephen F. Austin at home on Saturday at Bowers Stadium.