GEORGETOWN – McMurry scored exhilarating touchdowns late in each half but Southwestern had the last word in a 24-20 War Hawk loss on Saturday to open the season.
 
A 92-yard pass play with seconds remaining in the first half and a touchdown drive to take the lead late in the fourth quarter went for naught when the Pirates scored on a one-play drive.
 
"We really just squandered way too many opportunities," said McMurry head coach Jordan Neal. "We just did not play and execute at the level that we're capable of. It's extremely disappointing, you know, to start out this way."

The War Hawks fumbled on their first possession but responded well on defense to force a field goal.
 
McMurry got the offense going late in the first quarter. A 12-play, 85-yard drive ended with Jess Hoel finding Kristopher Martin in the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. Owen Painter added the point after for a 7-3 lead with 1:20 left in the first period.
 
Southwestern answered with a pair of rushing touchdowns by quarterback Jaylen Spriggs on its next two drives to take a 17-7 lead.
 
The Pirates had the ball moving late in the second quarter but an interception by Timothy Leatherman at the McMurry eight yard line.
 
The War Hawks got an exciting 92-yard scoring pass from Hoel to Kason O'Shields down the left sideline with 25 seconds remaining in the half. McMurry missed the extra point and trailed 17-13 at intermission.
 
After a scoreless third quarter, Noah Hatcher gave the War Hawks a chance to pull out the win with an interception with under six minutes to play.
 
Hoel passed for 47 yards and rushed for eight in the 55-yard drive that ended with a 28-yard scoring pass to O'Shields.
 
A 70-yard scoring pass after the ensuing kickoff electrified the home crowd.
 
After Tre Alveraz returned the kickoff 35 yards to the 38, McMurry drove the ball down the field but came up a yard short on fourth and five from the 19.
 
Hoel was 25 of 37 for 279 yards and three touchdowns. O'Shields had five catches for 148 yards and Martin caught six passes for 60 yards.
 
Kane Strohman led the defense with eight tackles. Ryland Hurst had a fumble recovery to join Hatcher and Leatherman in the takeaway column.
 
"I think we've got some explosive capability," Neal said. "We just, we just have to shore up our assignments and responsibilities."

McMurry returns to action next week, hosting Lyon College in the home opener at 6 p.m. on Saturday.