The Howard Payne football team allowed 42 second half points in a 56-10 loss to Hardin-Simmons University Saturday afternoon at Gordon Wood Stadium.
Despite holding the advantage in time of possession 39 minutes to 20 minutes, the Yellow Jackets only managed 369 yards of total offense compared to 464 for Hardin-Simmons. The Jackets 222 passing yards was a season high.
HPU QB Thomas Head was 12 of 21 passing for 180 yards with one interception. Head also rushed for 49 yards on 16 attempts. Jake Burhalter was 3 of 4 for 18 yards and punter Josh Eppler completed one pass for 24 yards on a fake punt.
Howard Payne did get on the scoreboard first when in the second quarter Zarron Dove scored from 2 yards out. The touchdown capped a 12 play 60 yard drive that took 6:30 off the clock.
A fumble in the redzone and thrown interception by the Jackets led to Hardin-Simmons leading 14-7 at the half.
HPU running back Adrian Lighteard, who rushed for 21 yards on 13 attempts, fumbled twice in the wildcat set in the redzone.
The scoring for Hardin-Simmons picked up in the second half as the Cowboys exploded for 28 unanswered points.
The Jackets broke their scoring drought in the fourth when Josh Martinez hit a 30 yard field goal with 7:11 left in the game. Hardin-Simmons added two more scores after the field goal to make the final 56-10.
Josh Eppler led Howard Payne in tackles with 11. Zach Storey had three pass breakups.
Howard Payne is now 0-5 on the year and 0-2 in conference play. Hardin-Simmons improves to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in ASC action.
Howard Payne will play again at home next week versus Mississippi College at 2:00 pm. It will be homecoming weekend for
