The Sam Houston State University Bearkats took on the Abilene Christian University Wildcats in their second to last football game of the season. Ending with a score of 45-28, the Bearkats put up a good fight but fell short to the Wildcats.
The Bearkat’s defense were forced to hit the ground running as the Abilene Christian University (ACU) Wildcats scored three touchdowns in the first quarter. Though there appeared to be a struggle within the Bearkats at start of the game, they quickly fought to turn things around. Finally, with three minutes left in the first quarter, quarterback Keegan Shoemaker makes a successful 13-yard pass to Shane Johnson in the endzone, putting the Bearkats on the scoreboard.
The second quarter consisted of an impressive improvement in scoring and defensive playing from both teams. Abilene’s Wildcats took advantage of two turnover opportunities to add to their score. Keegan Shoemaker took matters into his own hands and ran the ball 42-yards to another Bearkat touchdown. At halftime, the score sat at 38-14 Wildcats.
The Bearkats fought throughout the second half of the game to bring their score closer to their opponent’s. Highlights include a blocked Wildcats fieldgoal by Richard Outland. Al’Von Woodard also had an incredible catch to lead the team to yet another touchdown. Ultimately, the team fell short to the Wildcats ending with a score of 45-28. Though today may not have turned out how the team wanted it, there is much more to come for them to look forward to.
This time next week the Bearkats will take on the Southern Utah Thunderbirds for Homecoming. This will also be the football team’s last game of the season and in the Western Athletic Conference. We look forward to the team’s transition to Conference USA and what Coach K.C. Keeler and the team will bring to the field. As always, Eat ‘Em Up Kats!