GEORGETOWN, Texas – The McMurry University football team dropped its second-consecutive road game of the young 2017 season, losing its American Southwest Conference opener at Southwestern University, 56-12. The War Hawks fell to 0-2 (0-1 ASC), while the Pirates evened their record at 1-1 (1-0 ASC).
 
McM was out-gained by SU in total offense, 585-265. For the second week, the bulk of the opponent's yardage came on the ground, as the Pirates amassed 472 yards via the rush. SU attempted just 14 passes in the game.
 
The War Hawks found themselves down 28-0, before getting off the deck midway through the second quarter for their first score of the year. McM needed just three plays to drive 65 yards, aided by a pass interference call against the Pirates.  Wade Barthelemy Jr. reeled off a 26 yard run and – with a first-and-10 from the SU 24 – Kevin Hurley Jr. hit running back Kelvaughn Hayes with a perfect strike in the end zone. On the extra point kick, sophomore Tanner Wright missed the first PAT of his career, leaving the score at 28-6 with 7:25 left before the break.
 
After the Pirates responded with another touchdown on the ensuing drive, McM was able to once again find the goal line with just a minute to go until halftime. Hurley hit Emmanuel Mulumba with a 28-yard aerial. Wright's PAT attempt hit the right upright as the teams went into the locker room with the score, 35-12 in favor of Southwestern.
 
The Pirates would add 21 second-half points for the 56-12 final.
 
Barthelemy led McM's rushing game, carrying 16 times for 77 yards. All of Barthelemy's carries were for positive yardage, as well.  
 
Hurley completed 9-of-19 passes for 136 yards. Vincent James was 6-of-12 in relief of Hurley, good for 53 yards.  Both were sacked twice by SU.
 
Sophomore receiver Eriel Dorsey was the major benefactor of McM's passing game. Dorsey hauled in five passes for 87 yards.
 
Defensively, Michael Green Jr. topped the McMurry team in tackles with 14 (five solo).  Josh Smith was close behind with 13 stops.  Senior defensive backs Jordan Washington and Charles Smith each amassed 12 tackles. Washington had eight solo tackles and Smith four.