ABILENE, Texas - The McMurry War Hawks secured their first victory of the season in spectacular fashion, defeating Howard Payne 31-24 at Wilford Moore Stadium. The defense sealed the dramatic win with a touchdown in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, delivering an unforgettable moment for the home crowd.
The War Hawks wasted no time getting on the board. After a defensive stop forced a punt, quarterback Dylan Plake connected instantly with Thomas Chandler for a massive 53-yard touchdown pass on the very first play of the drive. Jax Rodriguez added the PAT, giving McMurry a 7-0 lead. The defense followed up with a big play as well, with Ryland Hurst logging an interception, though the offense failed to convert the ensuing turnover.
The offense once again relied on the dynamic duo of Plake and Chandler in the second frame. After Howard Payne took the lead, the War Hawks responded with a long, time-consuming 8-play, 93-yard drive that culminated in Plake finding Chandler for their second 53-yard touchdown connection of the day. Rodriguez tied the game at 14. Despite a strong effort to maintain momentum, the quarter ended with Howard Payne taking a slight 17-14 lead after a late field goal.
McMurry opened the second half with a statement. Quarterback Nyles Hullaby led a 10-play, 65-yard touchdown drive, capping it off by tossing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Chandler, giving him a hat-trick of receiving scores for the day. Rodriguez's PAT gave the War Hawks a 21-17 advantage. The defense got right back to work, forcing a fumble that Dylon Davis recovered and returned for a yard. This turnover led directly to a 39-yard Jax Rodriguez field goal, extending the lead to 24-17 going into the final quarter.
Howard Payne tied the game early in the fourth, setting the stage for a tense finish. The War Hawks offense embarked on a marathon drive, holding the ball for over six minutes on a 16-play drive that stalled on downs deep in Howard Payne territory. The defense then delivered the game-winning heroics. With just nine seconds left in the contest, defensive lineman Jackson Harris forced a fumble, scooped up the loose ball, and returned it 78 yards for a dramatic, game-winning touchdown. Rodriguez added the PAT, securing the final score of 31-24.
Following next week's bye, the War Hawks will return to Wilford Moore Stadium against Lyon College for Homecoming Weekend with a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.
