'Roo Football Unable to Overcome Slow Start in Loss to Rhodes

The Austin College football team struggled early in its season opener against Rhodes, trailing 21-0 in the second quarter before ultimately falling 34-13 on Saturday afternoon. Austin College is now 0-1 on the year.

The 'Roos and the Lynx both had trouble getting much going on offense early, with the first five combined possessions ending in punts, but Rhodes broke through with 3:13 left in the opening quarter when Roc Sherrell broke a 71 yard touchdown run on third and one to make it a 7-0 game after one. The  'Roos struggled to move the ball as the half went on, totaling just 34 yards of offense in the opening quarter and 61 until their last drive of the second quarter, when they were finally able to get on the board.

However, before Austin College was able to get any points the Lynx added two more scores in the second quarter, with Blake Box finding Brandon Box for an 11 yard touchdown reception with 11:07 left in the half, and with 6:51 remaining Box found Hogan Crosby from a yard out to make it a 21-0 game.

The 'Roos took possession with 1:37 left before the break and the offense came alive as Noah Jesko led Austin College 80 yards in nine plays, culminating with a nine yard touchdown strike from Jesko to Cooper Woodyard with 10 seconds left. The point after was blocked, and momentum shifted back to Rhodes as Gerald Perry returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for the touchdown as time expired in the second quarter. The snap on the point after was fumbled, making it 27-6 at the break.

That remained the score through the third quarter, as Austin College continued to put up yards and came out firing on all cylinders defensively, forcing two three and out possessions for the Lynx to start the half. However, Austin College was unable to put any more points on the board in the third as Noah Jesko's pass attempt to Kyle Crawford was intercepted at the goal line, and the quarter ended with the score still 27-6.

The 'Roos got on the board again early in the fourth when Bryce Murphy raced up the middle for a 14 yard touchdown run to make it 27-13, but the Lynx answered with a nine play, 64 yard drive culminating in a quarterback sneak by Box from two yards out to make it 34-13. Austin College drove deep into Rhodes territory before Jesko's pass to Kyle Crawford was broken up in the endzone on fourth down, and the Lynx ran out the clock to finish the game.

Austin College finished with 299 yards of total offense, and Jesko completed 19-of-34 passes for 200 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Woodyard finished with four catches for 81 yards, and Madison Ross led the 'Roos on the ground with 62 yards on 12 carries. Defensively the 'Roos were led by Brooks Ward, who made 10 stops including a sack, and Tre Stewart, who had nine tackles including 3.0 for loss and 2.5 sacks. Scott Loy also added nine sacks.

Sherrell led the Lynx offense with 144 yards on 24 carries and Box finished the game completing 15-of-22 passes for 148 yards and two scores. Mike Edel led the Lynx with three catches for 37 yards, and Michael Shield had 13 tackles to pace the Rhodes defense.

Austin College will be looking to bounce back when they head out on the road next week to take on East Texas Baptist next Saturday with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.

Austin College athletic teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.