September 20, 2015
FOOTBALL: GEORGETOWN, Texas (9/19/15) - Clawing their way all the way to the end of the game the East Texas Baptist University football team sealed a 46-37 win over Southwestern University (1-2) late in the fourth quarter. Kendall Roberson put the game away on a 31-yard touchdown run with 2:30 left in the game after Southwestern pulled within two. It is the third straight year under Eargle that ETBU has started 2-1.
ETBU's defense came up with a big stop at the 2:41 mark when Southwestern attempted a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown. Hardy Hill intercepted a pass in the end zone on the ensuing two-point conversion to deny Southwestern from tying the game. Just over 10 seconds later Roberson galloped 31-yards for the insurance touchdown giving ETBU their second win in 2015.
"When we needed the defense the defense stood up," says head coach Joshua Eargle. "I am really, really proud of our defensive effort. Our defense is starting to come alive and started bowing their neck tonight. They made a goal line stand in the fourth quarter when we really needed it and I am really proud of their effort."
Finishing with two interceptions, three sacks, and on fumble recovery the defense continued to grow and mature in week three. Dylan Bowman and Marcus Harris each recorded an interception and Daylon Tarkington led the team in tackling with 10 tackles.
Tyler Bates and Roberson were the highlights on offense once again showing their talent. Bates' first three catches of the game all were for touchdowns from 24 yards, three yards, and 23 yards. He finished with 66 yards receiving on five catches. Roberson collected a career-high 214 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The 214 yards rushing in a game is fifth best in ETBU program history and is the second week in a row for two rushing touchdowns by Roberson. Josh Warbington threw for 208 yards and four touchdowns.
ETBU dominated the first quarter scoring 19 points on three touchdown passes to Bates from Warbington. About the time you thought ETBU was going to run away with the game Southwestern shot right back. In the second quarter Southwestern pulled to with 22-14 as ETBU's only score came on a Ryan Travis 27-yard field goal.
It was the third quarter where Southwestern came charging back taking the lead, 31-29, on a safety at the 6:09 mark. ETBU responded three minutes later on a Chase Sojka 33-yard touchdown reception that put ETBU up for good, 36-31.
At the 11:17 mark in the fourth quarter, Travis hit a 38-yard field goal that gave ETBU a 39-31 lead. His field goal put ETBU ahead by a comfortable eight points. Southwestern did attack and score but was denied the tie after failing on the two-point attempt.
Both teams were even on the board offensively as ETBU had 407 yards of total offense and Southwestern posted 437 yards. The defense came up big stopping Southwestern on fourth downs four of the five times they attempted and also on third downs as they were only 4-of-18.
ETBU opens up American Southwest Conference play next Saturday as they host Louisiana College at 7:00 p.m.