SHERMAN, Texas – Three fourth quarter interceptions by Austin College prove to be the difference in a 19-16 loss for the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets Saturday afternoon at Apple Stadium.
The Yellow Jackets threw interceptions on three consecutive drives in the fourth quarter to allow Austin College to stay in the game.
Despite the turnovers, the Jackets had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds due to great stops by the HPU defense. The Yellow Jackets held Austin College to just 221 yards of total offense.
Joshua Martinez’ 45 yard field goal attempt with four second left in the game was block securing the win for Austin College 19-16.
Howard Payne would score on their opening drive of the game when Richard Young scrambled for a four yard touchdown with 10:11 left in the first. A Joshua Martinez extra point kick capped a 12 plays 70 yards drive for the Jackets.
Late in the first, the Jackets held Austin College to a 25 yard field goal with 12 seconds left in the first. 7-3 HPU.
Both teams would hold the other scoreless in the second. Then in the third, Austin College would take the lead 9-7 on a 14 yard TD pass with 12:40 in the third. HPU’s Victor Gonzales blocked the extra point.
The Jackets retook the lead 13-9 when Young found Colby Mica on a 53 yard TD strike with 6:20 left in the third. Joshua Martinez kick failed on the Jacket drive that took just three plays and a 1:10 off the clock.
Howard Payne then added a 22 yard field goal by Martinez to extend their lead to 19-9 with 35 seconds left in the third.
Austin College answered with a 31 yard field with 11:20 left in the game to pull within four, 16-12.
After the Jackets had drove down to the AC four yard line, Austin College picked off a Young pass and returned it to the HPU 23 yard line. It would eventual set up a 10 yard AC TD pass with 4:11 left in the game. 19-16 AC
The Jacket offense would then stall out and be forced to punt. Then Howard Payne defense did their part and forced a three and out to give HPU the ball back with just under two minutes left in the game.
HPU battled down to the AC 18 yard line before an offensive holding call forced the Jackets into a field goal attempt with seconds remaining. Joshua Martinez’ 45 yard attempt to tie the game was blocked and the Jackets fell 19-16.
Richard Young was 27 of 42 for 284 yards, one TD and three interception. Zarron Dove had 84 yards on 19 carries. Colby Mica had 10 catches for 196 yards and a TD.
Adrian Hopkins led the Jackets defense with 12 tackles. Jordan Shaw had 10 tackles with one interception. Donald Preston was huge for the Jackets with nine tackles and three sacks.
Howard Payne is now 3-1 overall and Austin College stands at 2-2 on the year. The Yellow Jackets will play Texas Lutheran at home next Saturday at 1:00 pm.
