The Bearkats entered the Battle of the Piney Woods this past Saturday with an 0-3 Southland Conference record, a very disappointing statistic for a team with such high expectations. But the ending of the annual rivalry game against Stephen F. Austin relieved the Bearkat nation, with junior Taylor Wilkins kicking the game winning field goal in double overtime, saving the day.
Quarterback Rhett Bomar and the Sam Housston State offense were clicking from all angles, jumping out to a 17-7 halftime lead. Bomar connected with wide receiver Catron Houston on several several occasions, inclluding a 64-yard score in the third quarter to give the Bearkats a comfortable lead. They seemd in control at that point, but SFA had their objections. With key defensive stops that were not seen in the first half, including a Bomar interception, the Lumberjacks scored 17 unanswered points to send the game into overtime.
In overtime, running back James Aston scored on a one-yard touchdown after a six play drive from the Lumberjack 25-yard line. Stephen F. Austin came right back with a 15-yard touchdown pass to send the gamae into another extra period.
In the final posession of Sam Houston State, with the football on SFA’s 25-yard line, SHSU’s James Aston rushed 11 yards to gain the first down on SFA’s 14-yard line. After Aston rushed once again to the 11-yard line on the third down, kicker Taylor wilkins came in. despite missing a previous attempt that would have put the game away in the fourth quarter, Wilkins avoided another mistake and won the game for the Bearkats.
for final statistics of the game, James Aston was the leading rusher for the Bearkats, with 61 total yards. Quarterback Rhet Bomar completed 20 of 34 passes for 328 total yards, and 3 touchdowns.
On a more critical note, despite their efforts and statistical performance with 627 total offensive yards, the Lumberjacks had too many careless mistakes of their own. Quarterback Jeremy Moses threw two touchdowns along with a series of bad snaps and fumbles in both halves.
As for the Bearkats, they are still strugglling with execution and consistency. they play well in spurts, then contradict the hard work with mistakes. they are talented however. While it seemd like a great day at the office for the team, they were outplayed, but won becuase of talent and momentum that worked in their favor.
There’s buzz and excitement for the loyal Bearkat football fans. It’s good to see resilience down the stretch. On a personal note, it would have hurt me to report a loss to SFA. Wilkins saved this entire article.