HCU falls to #20 Tarleton State in home opener

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

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 7, 2024)  The Houston Christian University football team dropped their home opener to 20th-ranked Tarleton State, 35-18, on Saturday night at Husky Stadium. This was the Huskies' first-ever home game against a ranked non-conference opponent.

The Huskies (0-2) had a strong start, moving the ball 47 yards on their first drive. Quarterback Cutter Stewart (Alice HS, Alice, TX) completed passes to Calvin Wiggins (Byron Nelson HS, Roanoak, TX), and running back Champ Dozier (Royse City HS, Dallas, TX) had a 20-yard run. However, HCU couldn’t score as their fourth-down attempt failed.

Tarleton State (2-1) got on the board early in the second quarter with an 84-yard touchdown drive. Shortly after, Stewart threw an interception, and the Texans quickly scored again, making it 14-0. HCU responded with a 77-yard drive, capped by Dozier’s three-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the lead to 14-7.

Before halftime, Tarleton added another touchdown to take a 21-7 lead into the break.

In the second half, HCU’s defense made a big play when Xavier Toliver (Mansfield Summit HS, Arlington, TX) intercepted a pass and returned it to the Texans’ 15-yard line. However, the Huskies could only manage a field goal, closing the gap to 21-10. Tarleton extended their lead with another long drive, making it 28-10.

HCU’s AJ Wilson (Huntsville HS, Huntsville, TX) caught a 19-yard touchdown from Stewart late in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two-point conversion, but it wasn’t enough to catch up.

Wilson led HCU with 51 yards receiving and a touchdown. Stewart passed for 201 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Defensively, Taylor Behl (Georgetown HS, Georgetown, TX) had 13 tackles, while D.J. Harris (Langham HS, Houston, TX) added 10.

HCU will host Louisiana Christian next Saturday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. at Husky Stadium.