HCU starts season strong with 69-0 blowout win over Arkansas Baptist

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

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 28, 2025) – The HCU Huskies kicked off their 2025 football season in a  way, dominating Arkansas Baptist 69-0 in their home opener on Thursday night. This was not only the first game of the season, it was also the first-ever Thursday night home game in HCU football history' and the Huskies made it one to remember.

Leading the way was redshirt freshman Xai’Shaun Edwards (Clear Springs HS, League City, TX) who had a breakout performance. Edwards ran for 177 yards and scored four touchdowns, setting a new school record for most rushing touchdowns in a single game. His performance was the fourth-best rushing game in HCU history.

The Huskies were unstoppable on the ground. They finished with 401 rushing yards as a team, just one yard short of their all-time record. Senior Darryle Evans (Hahnville HS, Boutte, LA) added 88 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Freshman Sudais Arwosaye, Champ Dozier, and Jordan Montanez also chipped in with strong runs, with Montanez scoring in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Jake Weir started the game and threw for 84 yards and one touchdown. Fellow senior Maddox Kopp also added a passing touchdown in the fourth quarter, connecting with Ja’Ryan Wallace.

The Huskies wasted no time scoring. Evans ran in his first touchdown less than two minutes into the game. He added another before the first quarter ended. By halftime, HCU led 20-0. After that, they never looked back.

The defense was just as impressive. HCU held Arkansas Baptist to only 105 total yards and allowed just two first downs all game. Redshirt freshman Mike Sylvalie led the team with four tackles, while Tyran Chappell and Caleb King both had interceptions. Ravonte Blowe got his first sack as a Husky.

HCU (1-0) now looks ahead to week two, where they’ll travel to Eastern Kentucky for a Saturday night matchup on September 6 at 5 p.m. CT.