Nicholls advances in SLC Tourney with 66-63 win over UTRGV

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La VIta Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA  (March 10, 2025) The Nicholls Colonels women's basketball team (shown above) edged out the UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros with a 66-63 victory in the first round of the Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. Nicholls built a 16-12 advantage midway through the first quarter, but UTRGV's defense responded, holding the Colonels scoreless for nearly five minutes to regain momentum.

In the second quarter, the physicality intensified as both teams battled for control. UTRGV's O'Keefe showcased her strength inside, contributing crucial points to keep the Vaqueros competitive.

As the game progressed, neither team could establish a decisive lead. The final minutes were marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both squads displaying resilience and determination. Ultimately, Nicholls managed to secure the win with a late-game surge, advancing to the next round of the tournament.

This victory sets up a matchup between Nicholls and the Incarnate Word Cardinals, who recently notched their program's first Southland Tournament win by defeating Southeastern Louisiana 71-67 in overtime.

Lady Demons advance to 2nd round of SLC Tourney with 66-63 win over TAMU-CC

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUSIANA (March 10, 2025) The Northwestern State Lady Demons secured a thrilling 66-63 victory over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders in the first round of the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Basketball Championships. This win marked Northwestern State's first tournament triumph since 2015, propelling them into the second round to face No. 4 seed Incarnate Word on Tuesday at 11 a.m. on ESPN+.

The Lady Demons were led by standout performances from their key players. Sharna Ayres (shown above) delivered an impressive 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds, shooting 6-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-11 from three-point range. Vernell Atamah contributed 18 points and six rebounds, while Mya Blake added 18 points and seven assists.

Northwestern State came out strong in the first quarter, establishing a 21-11 lead, thanks in part to Ayres' hot shooting, which included four first-half three-pointers. However, the Islanders tightened their defense in the second quarter, forcing 12 turnovers and narrowing the gap to a 26-24 halftime deficit.

In the second half, Blake took charge for the Lady Demons, scoring 12 of her 18 points after the break. Despite a late surge from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which cut the deficit to one point in the final minute, clutch free throws from Atamah sealed the win for Northwestern State.

The Islanders were led by Paige Allen, who scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds. Mireia Aguado added 12 points, and Nabaweeyah McGill contributed nine points and four rebounds

UIW upsets Southeastern Louisiana in OT in Southland Conference Tournament

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2025) In a thrilling overtime match at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, No. 7 ranked University of the Incarnate Word  Cardinals secured an historic 71-

67 win over the number 6 ranked Southeastern Louisiana Lions in the Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Tournament's first round. This win marks UIW's first-ever triumph in the Southland Tournament.

The Cardinals were propelled by standout performances from guards Davion Bailey (No. 5, shown above) and Jalin Anderson, each contributing 20 points. Bailey showcased his shooting prowess by sinking six three-pointers, including two crucial ones in overtime that shifted the game's momentum. Anderson added seven assists to his 20-point tally, orchestrating the offense with precision.

Forward Dylan Hayman also played a pivotal role, adding 16 points and grabbing six rebounds. His consistent play provided stability on both ends of the court.

The game began with UIW dominating early, establishing a 29-11 lead. However, Southeastern Louisiana responded with resilience, eventually taking a four-point lead in the second half. The contest featured seven ties and 17 lead changes, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of both teams.

For the Lions, Sam Hines Jr. delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 27 points and securing eight rebounds. Jakevion Buckley and Jeremy Elyzee contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, showcasing the team's depth.

With this victory, UIW improves to a 17-15 overall record and advances to face the No. 3 in the tournament's next round. The Cardinals aim to build on this historic win as they continue their pursuit of the conference championship.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi downs HCU Huskies 62-48 in SLC Tourney

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 9, 2025) The 2025 Jersey Mike's Southland Conference Basketball Tournament kicked off today at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In the opening game, the No. 5 seed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders secured a decisive 62-48 victory over the No. 8 seed Houston Christian University Huskies.

The Islanders showcased a balanced offense, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoreboard. Their defense was equally impressive, limiting the Huskies to under 50 points. This win propels the Islanders into the quarterfinals, where they will face the No. 4 seed Northwestern State Demons on Monday, March 10, at 5 p.m.

Northwestern State enters the tournament on a four-game winning streak, reflecting strong late-season form. Head Coach Rick Cabrera expressed confidence in his team's preparation and resilience, emphasizing their readiness for the challenges ahead.

The tournament's top seeds, McNeese State and Lamar University, hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively. Both teams have earned double byes, advancing them directly to the semifinals. McNeese State, boasting a 25-6 overall record and a dominant 19-1 conference run, is led by standout guards Javohn Garcia, Sincere Parker, and DJ Richards Jr., all averaging over ten points per game.

Lamar University secured their No. 2 seed with a recent 65-53 victory over Nicholls, showcasing strong performances from players like Alexis Marmolejos and Ja'Sean Jackson.

The tournament continues with the second first-round game tonight at 7:30 p.m., featuring the No. 6 seed Southeastern Louisiana Lions against the No. 7 seed University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals. The winner will advance to face No. 3 seed Nicholls in the quarterfinals.

Fans can anticipate an exciting week of basketball as teams vie for the Southland Conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Houston Dynamo FC sign goalkeeper Blake Gillingham

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 14, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC has added a new goalkeeper to their squad, signing Blake Gillingham through the 2025 season. The club also has options to keep him through 2028.

Gillingham, a 22-year-old from San Jose, California, joins the team after playing college soccer at Creighton University and Santa Clara University. He had an impressive college career, making 33 appearances between the two schools. In his final season with the Creighton Bluejays, he started all 18 matches, recorded 48 saves, and had four shutouts. 

“Blake is a young goalkeeper who worked hard in preseason to earn his spot,” said Dynamo President of Soccer Pat Onstad. “He will give us depth at the position, and we are excited for him to learn from some of the best in the league.”

Gillingham showed his talent early in college. In his sophomore year at Creighton, he became the starter midway through the season and made 46 saves in 11 matches. Before transferring to Creighton, he spent a season at Santa Clara University, where he played four matches and recorded his first college shutout in a game against UC Davis.

Gillingham is known for his quick reflexes, strong hands, and ability to organize his defense. He played club soccer with De Anza Force SC in Northern California and attended Bellarmine College Prep.

Pasadena area swimmers shine in Day 2 of SCAC Championships

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved
(archived photo)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

GARLAND, TEXAS (February 13, 2025) Swimmers from Pasadena, Texas continued to shine at the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Swimming and Diving Championships at Garland ISD Natatorium in Garland, Texas. Day two saw University of St. Thomas sophomore Emely Lopez (Pasadena High School) and McMurry University junior Harrison Brown (First Baptist Christian Academy) compete in the 50-yard freestyle and also swim the anchor leg (freestyle) for their respective universities in the 400-yard medley relay.

Brown anchored the War Eagle relay to a fourth-place finish, posting the time of :47.74 to finish the relay with the time of 3.35.17, dropping 4.9 seconds from their season best. Lopez (shown above) covered her 100-yard anchor leg with the time of 1:01.73 to assist her Celts' teammates record the time of 4:29.50; dropping 4.54 seconds off their season best to take eighth place.

Both also competed in the women's and men's 50-yard freestyle, with Lopez placing 29th and Brown finishing in 18th place.

The championships will continue on Friday with the 100-yard butterfly, 400-yard individual medley, 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard backstroke, and 200-yard freestyle relay.

SCAC Swimming-Diving Championships kick off for Pasadena area athletes

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La VIta Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

GARLAND, TEXAS (February 12, 2025) The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Swimming and Diving Championships kicked off on Wednesday, February 12, with six swimmers and divers, who competed in their prep careers for various Pasadena, Texas area high schools. Two of the six swimmers, Emely Lopez (Pasadena HS, Pasadena, TX) who attends for St. Thomas University and Harrison Brown (First Baptist Christian Academy) who is at McMurry University, saw action on the opening night of the meet.

The championships is being contested at the Garland ISD Natatorium and saw four event finals on Wednesday.  Lopez, who is in her second year of competing for the Celts, anchored their 200-yard medley relay to the eighth-place finish in the finals with the time of 1:59.69, improving from their seed time of 2:01.46.

Brown, who is in his junior year at McMurry, swam on two relays who scored in the finals. In the 200-yard medley relay, he swam the freestyle leg for the War Hawks posting a 1:37.86, good enough for fifth place. In the final event of the evening, Brown, along with Wes Scalf, Montgomery Cortez, and Victor Zambrano placed fourth in the 800-yard freestyle relay with the time of 7:13.7, which set a new school record in the event.

The other four Pasadena, Texas area swimmers; Jael Medrano (Pasadena HS), Alan Ramirez, (Pasadena HS), Alexa Montanez (Pasadena HS), and Navya Karunarathne (South Houston HS), all of whom compete for University of the Ozarks (Arkansas) did not see action. They will kick off their competition later in the week.

Houston Dash announce 2025 season schedule

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 22, 2025) The Houston Dash are ready to kick off an exciting 2025 season. The National Women’s Soccer League released the full schedule, including 26 games for the Dash under new leadership. Angela Hucles Mangano takes the reins as President of Women’s Soccer, and Fabrice Guatrat steps in as the team’s sixth head coach.

The season opener is set for Friday, March 14, at 7 p.m. CT, when the Dash face the Washington Spirit at Shell Energy Stadium. The first fans through the gates will receive a Houston Dash wall flag, thanks to Shell Energy. Fans will also see new players like Yazmeen Ryan, Danielle Colaprico, Delanie Sheehan, and Christen Westphal in action alongside favorites like Jane Campbell, Diana Ordóñez, and Natalie Jacobs.

The schedule includes some thrilling matchups. Four of the first five games are against teams that made the playoffs last year. On March 28, the Dash host NJ/NY Gotham FC for She Shines Night, celebrating inspiring women. The two-game homestand wraps up with Angel City FC on April 12.

Nine Dash games will air on national TV this season, starting with an away match against Kansas City on April 19. Games will be broadcast on ION+, Prime Video, ESPN, and CBS Sports Network.

Fans can grab season memberships starting at $235, which include perks like discounted concessions and merchandise, plus special pricing on extra tickets. Hustle Town memberships are available for around $150. Single-game tickets are also on sale, with options to donate toward cancer research when purchasing online.

The schedule features fun theme nights like Pride Night on June 13, Kids Day on May 24, and Pups at the Pitch on May 2. The Dash wrap up the home season with Fan Appreciation Night on Oct. 18 and play their final regular-season game in Portland on Nov. 2.

HCU Huskies hold off Islanders in exciting win

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 20, 2025)  Houston Christian University jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 76-72 win against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on Monday night at Sharp Gym. The Huskies stopped the Islanders’ six-game winning streak and ended their homestand with a solid 3-1 record.

HCU started strong, building a 16-point lead in the first half. Julian Mackey and Elijah Brooks led the charge, combining for 23 first-half points. The Huskies' defense also shined, forcing 18 turnovers and scoring 21 points off steals. At halftime, HCU led 45-32.

The Islanders fought back in the second half, cutting the lead to four with 8:59 left. Jordan Roberts sparked the comeback with 11 straight points, including three three-pointers. However, the Huskies stayed steady. Mackey scored seven straight points to push the lead back to seven, and HCU sealed the game by hitting 9 of 12 free throws in the final minutes.

Mackey led all scorers with 19 points and added three blocks. Brooks scored 16, hitting 8 of 12 from the free-throw line. Trent Johnson had a career-high 13 points, and D’Aundre Samuels added 12 points and tied for the game-high with three steals.

The Islanders also had four players in double figures. Roberts scored 14 points off the bench, while Isaac Williams added 13. Gary Clark had 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and Stephen Giwa chipped in 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

HCU shot 42% from three-point range and 77% from the free-throw line, which proved to be the difference. TAMUCC shot 47% from the floor but struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 57%.

The win pushes HCU to 8-11 overall and 5-3 in Southland Conference play. Next up, the Huskies hit the road for four straight games, starting Saturday against the University of New Orleans.

HCU Huskies hold off UIW Cardinals for 81-76 win

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 11, 2025) The Houston Christian University Huskies kicked off their four-game homestand with a thrilling 81-76 win over the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals on Saturday afternoon at Sharp Gymnasium. Playing at home for the first time in over a month, the Huskies closed the game on an 8-2 run, locking up their second straight victory and improving to 6-10 overall and 3-2 in Southland Conference play.

The game started with an unusual twist: an administrative technical foul gave HCU a 1-0 lead before the opening tip. After that, both teams traded punches in a fast-paced first half. HCU’s Julian Mackey hit two three-pointers and led a scoring burst that turned a six-point deficit into a 41-36 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Cardinals cut into the Huskies’ lead, and the teams went back and forth. HCU looked to pull away midway through the half thanks to a hot streak from Bryson Dawkins and D’Aundre Samuels, who combined for 19 straight points. Dawkins hit four three-pointers in the game and finished with a team-high 17 points.

Despite HCU’s strong push, UIW stormed back late, taking a 74-73 lead with 3:46 left. But the Huskies wouldn’t be denied. stepped up with two clutch layups, including one with under two minutes remaining to reclaim the lead. Brooks finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

HCU’s defense locked down the Cardinals in the final minutes, holding them to just two points over the last 3:46. Dawkins and Trent Johnson added key free throws to seal the win.

The Huskies shot a sizzling 54% from the field and matched their season-best with 11 three-pointers, hitting 52% from deep.

The Cardinals (9-7, 2-3 Southland) were led by Jordan Pyke’s 27 points, but their comeback fell short.

Next, the Huskies face conference leader McNeese State at Sharp Gym on Monday night at 7 p.m.

Texas State overcomes North Texas at SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Story and photos by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

UNIVERSITY PARK, TEXAS (January 3, 2025)  In an exciting finish, the Texas State Bobcats edged the North Texas Mean Green 30-28 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Friday at Gerald J Ford Stadium on the SMU campus. Running back Lincoln Pare led the Bobcats with 143 yards on 21 carries, scoring two touchdowns. His standout moment was a 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, which proved crucial for the team's victory.

Quarterback Jordan McCloud also had a strong performance for Texas State, completing 26 of 35 passes for 307 yards. He threw one touchdown pass to Jaden Williams, who caught eight passes totaling 155 yards. This win marks the Bobcats' second consecutive First Responder Bowl victory, concluding their season with an 8-5 record.

For North Texas, quarterback Drew Mestemaker, a former walk-on, made his first college start. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 393 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also two interceptions. Mestemaker showcased his athleticism with a remarkable 70-yard touchdown run that brought the Mean Green within two points late in the game. Despite his efforts, North Texas was unable to secure the win, finishing their season at 6-7.

The game began with Texas State taking an early lead through a 34-yard field goal by Mason Shipley. North Texas quickly responded with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Mestemaker to Miles Coleman. The teams traded scores throughout the first half, with Texas State holding a narrow 16-14 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Bobcats extended their lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Pare. North Texas answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Mackenzie McGill II, narrowing the gap. However, Pare's explosive 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter gave Texas State a 30-21 advantage. Mestemaker's 70-yard touchdown run brought the Mean Green close, but a late interception sealed the victory for the Bobcats.

Texas State and North Texas to meet in SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

UNIVERSITY PARK, TEXAS (January 2, 2025) The North Texas Mean Green (6-6) and Texas State Bobcats (7-5) are set to face off in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Friday, January 3, 2025. The game will kick off at 3 p.m. CT at Gerald J. Ford Stadium and will air on ESPN. 

This matchup marks the second straight year the bowl features two Texas teams. North Texas is making history as the first team to play in the bowl three times. They previously beat UNLV in 2013 (36-14) and lost to Army in 2016 (38-31). Texas State, on the other hand, is playing in the bowl for the second time. They won last year’s game against Rice, 45-21.

The game also marks the 40th meeting between these two schools but the first since 1994. North Texas leads the all-time series 29-7-3. This will be their first matchup as FBS programs.

North Texas, led by second-year coach Eric Morris, averaged 34 points and 488.7 yards per game this season. Quarterback Chandler Morris has thrown for 3,774 yards and 31 touchdowns. The Mean Green are playing in their 15th bowl game (3-11 overall).

Texas State is led by coach GJ Kinne, also in his second season. The Bobcats scored 37.1 points per game and ranked sixth nationally in total offense. Running back Ismail Mahdi is just nine yards away from 1,000 on the season, while quarterback Jordan McCloud has 2,920 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. This is Texas State’s second bowl appearance (1-0 overall).

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl honors first responders like police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers. The event began in 2010 and has been held at Gerald J. Ford Stadium since 2018. 

Sugar Bowl postponed until Thursday, January 2

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (January 1, 2025) The 2025 Allstate Sugar Bowl between the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish has been postponed following the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Early on New Year's Day, a truck drove into a crowd in the French Quarter, resulting in at least 15 deaths and many injuries.

The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Caesars Superdome, located near the incident site. In light of the attack, officials have rescheduled the game for Thursday at 3 p.m. CT. This decision was made to ensure public safety and allow law enforcement to secure the area.

Both teams are taking extra precautions. The Georgia Bulldogs are staying in their hotel under a shelter-in-place order, and all team members from both schools have been accounted for. However, reports indicate that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack.

The matchup at this year's Sugar Bowl serves as a quarterfinal in the College Football Playoff. The winner will advance to the Orange Bowl to face Penn State.

In response to the attack, security measures around the Superdome have been increased to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. Authorities are working diligently to secure the area and provide a safe environment for the rescheduled game.

LSU downs Baylor in Kinder's Texas Bowl

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 1, 2025, All Rights Reserved) The LSU Tigers wrapped up their season in style, defeating the Baylor Bears 44-31 on Tuesday afternoon (December 31, 2024) to win the Kinder’s Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led the charge, throwing for 313 yards and three touchdowns as LSU ended their year with a strong 9-4 record.

The Tigers wasted no time making their presence felt. On their first drive, Nussmeier connected with freshman tight end Trey’Dez Green for a crucial 5-yard first down on 4th-and-5. A few plays later, Nussmeier found Green again for a 10-yard touchdown, giving LSU a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Baylor tried to respond, but LSU’s defense stepped up. Freshman linebacker Davhon Keys intercepted Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. That play made Keys just the third LSU player ever to score a pick-six in a bowl game. LSU’s lead quickly grew to 14-0.

The Bears fought back with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Robertson to Josh Cameron, cutting the lead to 14-7. But LSU’s offense wasn’t done. Nussmeier delivered a 40-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hilton Jr., and the Tigers were back in control at 21-7.

Hilton continued to shine, hauling in a 43-yard catch that set up another touchdown. Nussmeier found Green for his second touchdown catch of the game, extending the Tigers’ lead to 28-7. The LSU defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs when Robertson was sacked by Whit Weeks and Sai’vion Jones.

Baylor showed some life before halftime. They blocked a 36-yard field goal attempt and scored on a Dawson Pendergrass touchdown run, trimming LSU’s lead to 28-14. But LSU answered right back. Zavion Thomas returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 34-14. It was LSU’s second kickoff return touchdown of the season, marking a first in the SEC era.

In the second half, Baylor tried to rally. They scored on a 4-yard pass from Robertson to Ashtyn Hawkins, narrowing the score to 34-24. LSU turned the ball over on back-to-back possessions, but Baylor couldn’t capitalize. A bad snap on 4th-and-1 gave the Tigers the ball back.

LSU’s offense found its rhythm again in the fourth quarter. Running back Josh Williams powered in a 4-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 41-24. Kicker Damian Ramos added a 43-yard field goal, making it 44-24.

Baylor scored one last time with a 3-yard rush from Pendergrass, but it wasn’t enough. The Tigers’ defense stood firm, and LSU secured the win.

This victory capped off an exciting season for LSU, who now looks ahead to their 2025 opener against Clemson on August 30. 

Baylor and LSU set for showdown in Texas Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 30, 2024) The Baylor Bears and LSU Tigers are gearing up for an exciting clash at NRG Stadium in the Kinder's Texas Bowl on Tuesday, bringing together two teams with plenty of history, talent, and momentum. Both schools are familiar with the Texas Bowl, with Baylor making its third appearance and LSU also visiting for the third time. The Bears defeated Vanderbilt 45-38 in 2018 but lost to Illinois in 2010. LSU's last trip to the Texas Bowl in 2022 ended in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State.

Baylor comes into the game riding a six-game winning streak. After starting the season 2-4, the Bears turned things around with victories over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU, West Virginia, Houston, and Kansas. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson has been key during this stretch, throwing seven of his 26 touchdown passes. Robertson has 2,626 passing yards this season, completing 199 of 317 passes with just seven interceptions.

The Bears also boast standout players on both sides of the ball. Inside linebackers Matt Jones and Keaton Thomas earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors. Thomas leads the team with 107 tackles, while Jones has 103. Wide receiver Josh Cameron has been a dual threat with 643 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Cameron’s average of 20.7 yards per punt return is the best in the nation for players with at least 14 returns.

Freshman running back Bryson Washington has been another bright spot for Baylor. He rushed for 1,004 yards this season, setting a school record for a freshman, and scored 12 touchdowns.

LSU’s offense will be led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is having a stellar season. Nussmeier has thrown for 3,739 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He needs 261 passing yards to become only the second quarterback in LSU history to hit the 4,000-yard mark in a season. Nussmeier has shined against non-conference opponents, throwing for 1,766 yards and 16 touchdowns in five such games since last year.

Freshman running back Caden Durham has contributed 693 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while LSU’s offensive line has been anchored by standout left tackle Will Campbell, a Consensus All-American. However, Campbell and right tackle Emery Jones will both miss the game after opting out.

On defense, LSU has a rich history of success under head coach Brian Kelly and will look to improve their 6-8 record in bowl games against Big 12 opponents.

This will be the first meeting between Baylor and LSU in 39 years. Baylor holds a 2-1 edge in bowl matchups, including a 21-7 victory in the Liberty Bowl in 1985. The game is also part of the Texas Bowl’s tradition of matching SEC and Big 12 teams, a streak that has continued for the past decade.

A win would be historic for Baylor, as the Bears have never ended a season with seven consecutive victories. For LSU, it’s a chance to secure their 31st bowl win and build momentum heading into next season.

Army shines in Independence Bowl victory over Louisiana Tech

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 28, 2024) The Army Black Knights capped off an incredible season with a dominant 27-6 win over Louisiana Tech in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday night. Led by head coach Jeff Monken, the Black Knights (12-2) showed why they are ranked No. 19 in the nation, earning their 12th win of the season, a program record.

Quarterback Bryson Daily (No. 13, above left) made history once again, scoring three touchdowns in the game. Daily’s 32 touchdowns this season set a new record for quarterbacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). He also became only the second Army quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards and pass for over 1,000 yards in the same season. He was also named the Offensive Player of the Game, by a vote of the credentialed media in attendance at Independence Stadium.

The Black Knights’ offense was unstoppable early, putting together three long scoring drives in the first half. Two of those touchdowns came from Daily, while running back Hayden Reed added another. The offense chewed up the clock, holding the ball for over 22 minutes in the first half. Reed had a career-best game, rushing for 114 yards on 20 carries.

Army’s defense was just as impressive, keeping Louisiana Tech out of the end zone. This was the third time this season the Black Knights didn’t allow a touchdown. Linebacker Kalib Fortner earned Defensive Player of the Game honors for his efforts.

The victory highlighted a season of milestones for Army. Along with their program-best 12 wins, the team also received the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football. 

Blake Horvath leads Navy to thrilling Armed Forces Bowl win

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 27, 2024) Blake Horvath had a night to remember as Navy edged out Oklahoma 21-20 in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, played at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Friday. Horvath set a Navy record with a 95-yard touchdown run, helping the Midshipmen overcome an early 14-point deficit.

Horvath’s record-breaking run came late in the third quarter, tying the game at 14. With 4:34 left, he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 6-yard run. Just moments earlier, he kept the drive alive with a clutch 16-yard pass on fourth-and-3.

Oklahoma made it interesting with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Michael Hawkins Jr. to Jake Roberts with six seconds left. The Sooners went for the win with a 2-point conversion, but Navy’s Justin Reed sacked Hawkins to seal the victory.

Horvath ran for 155 yards on 18 carries and threw for 92 yards. Alex Tecza added an 11-yard touchdown run for Navy. The Midshipmen (10-3) celebrated their sixth 10-win season, their first since 2019.

Oklahoma (6-7) started strong with Gavin Sawchuk’s 21-yard touchdown and Hawkins’ 56-yard pass to Zion Kearney. Hawkins, in his first start in two months, completed 28 of 43 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

This win marks Navy’s first bowl victory over an SEC team since 1955. The Midshipmen also improved to 2-0 all-time against Oklahoma.

Army and Louisiana Tech to face off in Independence Bowl

At the 2023 Independence Bowl, Texas Tech defeated
California by the score of 34-14.

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 23, 2024) The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will feature Army and Louisiana Tech in a Saturday night, December 28 showdown at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. C T, with action being broadcast on ESPN and on the American Forces Network.

This game marks Army’s first return to the Independence Bowl since 1996, while Louisiana Tech has the home-field advantage, with Shreveport only a short 69-mile drive from its campus. Army leads the all-time series between these two teams 2-0, with their last matchup in 2013 ending in a 35-16 victory for the Black Knights.

Army (11-2) is aiming to secure one of its best seasons ever. With 12 wins on the line, the Black Knights are motivated to end on a high note. However, they’ll be missing running back Kanye Udoh, who transferred to Arizona State after their recent loss to Navy. The team will need to find someone to step up alongside senior quarterback Bryson Daily.

Head coach Jeff Monken has done a remarkable job leading Army, posting a solid 81-57 record during his tenure. While his name often comes up for other coaching jobs, he remains a strong presence at West Point.

Louisiana Tech (5-7) is making the most of an unexpected chance to play in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs weren’t bowl-eligible this year but got the call after Marshall pulled out of the game. For head coach Sonny Cumbie, now in his third season, this game provides valuable extra time to develop his program.

The Bulldogs are coming off a dominant 33-0 win over Kennesaw State and hope to carry that momentum into Saturday. While Louisiana Tech’s rebuilding process has been slow, the team is showing signs of progress after two straight three-win seasons.

Army’s disciplined, run-heavy offense will clash with Louisiana Tech’s eager underdogs. For both teams, this game is about more than just winning. For Army, it’s a chance to make history. For Louisiana Tech, it’s an opportunity to take another step forward.

North Crowley captures state title with 50-21 win over Westlake

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) The North Crowley Panthers won their first state football title by downing the Westlake Chaparrals 50-21 to capture the UIL Class 6A Division I championship

at AT&T Stadium.

The Panthers started strong, scoring a touchdown early in the first quarter. Quarterback Chris Jimerson connected with wide receiver Quentin Gibson for a 75-yard touchdown pass, putting North Crowley ahead 7-0. Westlake responded later in the quarter with a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7. However, North Crowley regained the lead before the end of the first quarter, finishing the period up 14-7.

In the second quarter, the Panthers' defense held Westlake scoreless while their offense added another 14 points, bringing the halftime score to 28-7 in favor of North Crowley. The third quarter saw both teams scoring, but North Crowley extended their lead by adding 15 points compared to Westlake's 7, making it 43-14. In the final quarter, each team scored a touchdown, resulting in a final score of 50-21.

This victory highlights North Crowley's strong performance on both offense and defense, showcasing their readiness as they advance further into the playoffs. The Panthers' ability to execute big plays, like the 75-yard touchdown pass, and their defensive efforts to limit Westlake's scoring opportunities were key factors in their win.

Vandegrift wins first state football championship with 24-17 victory over Southlake Carroll

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) The Vandegrift Vipers made history Saturday, winning their first-ever football state championship by defeating Southlake Carroll 24-17 in the UIL Class 6A Division II title game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

The Vipers, now 15-1, played as a team all season, and Saturday was no different. Head coach Drew Sanders, who has led the program since its start 14 years ago, praised the team’s unity.

“These guys aren’t flashy, but they love each other,” Sanders said. “Every challenge they faced this year, they just said yes.”

Southlake Carroll (15-1) took an early lead with a 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Angelo Renda to Brody Knowles. But Vandegrift answered quickly. Junior quarterback Miles Teodecki launched an 84-yard touchdown pass to George Farley to tie the game. Teodecki, named the game’s offensive MVP, completed 14 of 17 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior running back Brendan Fournier took over from there, scoring two touchdowns before halftime. He ran in a 2-yard score and caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Teodecki with just 14 seconds left in the second quarter. Fournier rushed for 160 yards on 28 carries and added 27 receiving yards.

The Vipers’ defense shut down Southlake Carroll’s running game, allowing just 53 rushing yards on 17 carries. Senior linebacker Scott Buchanan earned defensive MVP honors with seven tackles, a fumble recovery, and two pass breakups.

Despite a fourth-quarter rally by the Dragons, Vandegrift held strong. Adam Scott led the team with nine tackles and a forced fumble, while Matthew Draeken and Jack Huerkamp each grabbed key interceptions.

“This means so much to us and all the players who came before us,” said Scott. “We got it done, but we’re standing on the work they started.”

The Vipers’ only loss this season came early against Cedar Park in Week 2, but they finished strong to claim the school’s first state football championship.

For the Dragons, Renda threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns but also had two interceptions. Receiver Brock Boyd stood out with 13 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown.