SHERMAN, TEXAS – Two sacks, a scoop and score, and six tackles for losses helped provide a roadmap for McMurry University to its first overall and American Southwest Conference victory Saturday, Oct. 15.
The War Hawks, looking to snap a 10-game program skid that dated back to the mid-stages of 2021, used a 21-0 blitzkrieg over the first 25 minutes at Austin College's Jerry Apple Stadium to fuel a 24-21 decision. The roll started with the host 'Roos crossing midfield on their first offensive attempt.
A forced fumble caused by senior defensive lineman
Devin Nixon (Vidor, Texas) was picked up on a dead sprint by sophomore defensive back
Timothy Leatherman (Ingram, Texas), who cruised 58 yards to the end zone. Head coach
Jordan Neal's defensive unit kept the pressure coming on the ensuing home team possessions, allowing only 51 yards on 16 plays. The offense responded with two impressive 80-plus-yard marches that wound up with touchdowns, as senior running back
Rajan Cunningham (Dallas, Texas) crashed in from three yards out in the first instance. Junior running back
Jack Ishmael (Paradise, Texas), taking advantage of an appearance in the offensive backfield, weaved his way to pay dirt from 12 yards for a three-score lead early in the second frame.
Austin College made a few nervous moments for their guests down the stretch. Even with a turnover on downs inside their own 30, the 'Roos still battled to within 24-21 thanks to a blocked field goal and touchdowns late in the third and fourth stanzas. The home team nearly brought it all the way back, recovering an onside kick after their final score, but a 54-yard field goal with less than a minute remaining was missed.
Senior defensive back
Ke'Shaun Jnofinn (Baytown, Texas) led the defensive output with nine tackles, one for a loss, and added a pass breakup. The sophomore duo of linebacker
Herman Lee (Prosper, Texas) and defensive lineman
Kane Strohman (Katy, Texas) each tallied a sack, too.
Offensively, it was a second straight 150-yard-plus passing outing for junior quarterback
Dexter Wyble. The Humble, Texas, native threw for 218 yards, as senior wide receiver
Jermond Lovely (Dayton, Texas), Cunningham, and the sophomore wide receiver trio of
Reed Hughes (Abilene, Texas),
Xavier Williams (Waco, Texas), and
Kyle Canada (Breckenridge, Texas) each had two-or-more receptions.
McMurry (1-6 overall, 1-4 ASC) wraps up its 2022 home schedule Saturday, Oct. 22. It's Homecoming and Senior Day when Texas Lutheran visits Wilford Moore Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
