Sophomore quarterback Lorenzo Nunez picks up a block on Abilene Christian linebacker Jack Gibbens by running back Marcus Cooper Saturday at Wildcat Stadium in Abilene, Texas. Lorenzo ran for three touchdowns against the Wildcats. Courtesy of Randy Bergeron
The Lions football team registered their fifth successive victory with a 56-21 win over Abilene Christian University at Wildcat Stadium.
The win improved the team’s overall record to 5-3. A 35 point second half surge meant the team continued its high-scoring record, and this became the fifth instance where the team had 40 or more points in a game.
“I think in the second half we kinda brought it up a notch, and I think we warmed down, made some close plays,” said Head Coach Ron Roberts. “I’m really impressed with how we played the second half.”
With yet another impressive outing, Roberts believes the team is continuing to build their confidence.
“It’s great,” said Roberts. “Obviously winning, there’s a lot of confidence. We’re playing with a lot of confidence right now.”
The offense recorded a season-high 623 total yards and 443 rushing yards. Roberts was pleased with how the players implemented the offensive plans. The Lions had two players with 100 yards rushing for the second time this season. Senior running back Eugene Bethea had 108 yards and ran a touchdown while redshirt junior running back Darren Johnson recorded 105 yards.
“We got some explosive players, and when we execute, good things are gonna happen,” said Roberts. “We rushed 400 yards today. Our offensive line played a top control line of scrimmage.”
The defense also held its own as they restricted the Abilene Christian Wildcats to 119 passing yards and 293 total yards. Senior defensive back Max Lyons had a team-high eight tackles, while senior linebacker Lee Spight joined Lyons to finish the game with a sack.
Roberts was pleased to see the team defend and limit the Wildcats’ passing yards.
“I thought we came out in the second half, and we really pretty much dominated the second half,” said Roberts. “I think they had 120 yards in total, and one of them was at the end of the game. So I was pleased with it. There was some plays, some things we need to do better. But overall, I’m really impressed with how we defend the pass coming in. That’s what we’re worried about, and I think we did a good job with that.”
Despite the victory, Roberts believes the team still has room for improvement.
“There’s a bunch of areas,” said Roberts. “A lot of it is just individual performances, more constituency, you know. We just continue to get better every week. We’ll be in good shape.”
The Lions will resume their homecoming events as they host Sam Houston State University on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium.
“It’s gonna be a great ball game,” said Roberts. “There’s a lot at stake at this one. We’re gonna need the help of our crowd and everyone involved. We’re looking forward to the home field advantage to help us.”
