ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University will close out its 2015 home slate of games on Saturday when it plays host to Belhaven University at Wilford Moore Stadium (12 p.m. kickoff).  This will be the first-ever football meeting between the Blazers (1-7) and War Hawks (3-5).
 
Belhaven has dropped games to some top teams, including Wisconsin-Whitewater (the then-No. 1 NCAA III team in the nation) and perennial power University of Mary-Hardin Baylor.  Last week, BU fell at East Texas Baptist University, 46-13. The Blazers lone victory of 2015 came two weeks ago against NAIA foe Warner University (42-33) and snapped what was a 15-game losing streak dating back to 2014.
 
Belhaven has generated 91 percent of its total offense via the passing game, more than doubling up their opponents (2,640 yards to 1,214 yards). 22 of the Blazers 23 touchdowns scored in 2015 have also come via the pass. QB Clayton Webb has completed 169-of-302 passes for 1,643 yards.
 
On defense, Alvin Vaughn has a team-leading 68 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Isaiah Swopes has five "picks" to lead the Blazers.
 
McMurry has lost three games in a row, with four of its five losses coming by a total of 11 points! The War Hawks are coming off of a 13-7 setback at Sul Ross State (twice having drives stall inside the Lobos' five yard line).
 
Freshman Dontrell Dock ran for 110 yards last week in the absence of injured Paxton Grayer. Quarterback Matt McHugh completed 18-of-30 passes for 262 yards and one TD, but was intercepted for a 100-yard interception return by SRSU.
 
Ryan Williams and Marlon Jackson are McM's co-leaders with 61 tackles on the year. Chase Franklin has 59 stops. Williams has four interceptions and J.R. Arroyo has three pilfered passes. Jacob Ferguson has two defensive TDs to his credit.
 
The 12 seniors on the War Hawks' roster will be honored in pre-game "Senior Day" ceremonies beginning around 11:30 a.m. The group will include: Tyreace House, Derek Baldeschwiler, Paxton Grayer, David McHugh, Art Schoonover, Charles Agugua, Demonte Byrd, Andrew Sanchez, Calvin Middlebrooks, Ashton Hooks, Chase Franklin, Desmond Guy.
 
Saturday would also have been "Senior Day" for former McM running back Billy Cole III.  Billy died in an automobile accident prior to the 2014 season as he was driving back to Abilene for the beginning of training camp. As a tribute, McM wide receiver David McHugh will wear Billy's #46 jersey for Saturday's game.
 

The game can be heard live in the Abilene area on KSLI 1280 AM, with David Bacon and Max Preston calling all the action. The pre-game show begins at 11:40 a.m. Fans everywhere can listen via the web at: www.1280ksli.com.