ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University's football team was opportunistic when it counted the most and converted that into a 27-21 victory over Texas A&M University-Kingsville at Wilford Moore Stadium. The War Hawks (2-1, 1-1 LSC) also garnered their first Lone Star Conference victory with the win, while keeping the Javelinas (1-3, 0-2 LSC) winless in league this season.
 
McM needed all three of the interceptions turned in by head coach Lance Hinson's defense. The first two – both by TAMUK signal-caller Alex Rios – were converted into scores. A third, late in the game and in McMurry territory, sealed the victory for the hosts.
 
Linebacker Tyreace House set up McM's first score of the evening when, on a third-and-12, he intercepted Rios near midfield. The War Hawks took over on the Kingsville 41 yard line, after House's 13 yard return.
 
On the very first play from scrimmage, McM quarterback Matthew McHugh found speedy wide receiver Charles Agugua for a quick-strike touchdown. The extra point was blocked, leaving McMurry with the 6-0 lead.
 
The Javelinas answered on the ensuing kickoff, marching 75 yards in eight plays. TAMUK made its PAT, forging ahead, 7-6, with 3:11 left in the first period. It was the second of what would be four-straight combined TDs by the teams.
 
It was McMurry's turn next, driving 72 yards with a lengthy (11 plays) series. McHugh tossed his second TD strike of the night by connecting with running back Paxton Grayer on a nifty 10-yard catch-and-run. Joey Silva's PAT kick was good and the War Hawks had climbed back on top, 13-7 with 13:38 left until the half.
 
TAMUK continued the ping pong-like scoring spree, coming right back at McM with a 64-yard set that needed seven plays. The drive was culminated by a Rios run to the end zone, 14-13, with 10:47 left in the second stanza.
 
In the waning seconds before intermission, McMurry used its deft offensive attack to regain the lead going into the locker room. After taking over near midfield following a Javelina punt, McM used some trickery when David McHugh – Matt's twin brother and the War Hawks' punter and a receiver – ran for a first down out of punt formation to keep the drive alive with just nine tics left on the second quarter clock.
 
Matthew McHugh then hit senior receiver Jeret Smith with a 39-yard aerial over the middle. Smith drug a pair of would-be Javelinas tacklers with him as he crossed the goal line, giving the War Hawks the 20-14 lead at the break.
 
In the third quarter, McMurry added what would prove to be the deciding score, thanks to an interception by Ryan Williams at the McM 47. Williams returned the pilfered pass 24 yards, giving the War Hawks excellent field position.
 
Two plays later, junior running back Paxton Grayer bolted across the goal line to put McM in front, 27-14, with 5:55 left in the third period.
 
TAMUK scored with 5:42 left in the game to cut the margin to six points, 27-21, and then found itself driving in the final minute of the game. The Javelinas drove from their own four yard line to the McMurry 48, first-own and-10 to go. TAMUK reserve QB Sebastion Taylor tried to go deeper into War Hawk territory, but Chase Franklin intercepted the ball, sending the McM faithful into celebration mode with just 53 seconds remaining.
 
Matthew McHugh was 17-of-30 for 202 yards and the three TDs, with no interceptions. The McM offensive front – anchored by Matt Newby, Rafael Gallo and Art Schoonover – did not permit a sack all night.
 
Chris Simpson Jr. led all McM rushers with 99 yards on 15 carries. Grayer had 30 yards on seven attempts, while also catching five passes for 24 yards.
 
Smith and Agugua each had three catches, for 65 and 64 yards, respectively.
 
Defensively, Franklin and House each collected nine total tackles. Each also had an interception. Fellow linebacker Josh Jones had eight tackles and a sack.
 
McMurry will travel to West Texas A&M University next Saturday (October 4) at 3 p.m.