Centenary Uses Big Second Half to Top 'Roos

SHREVEPORT, La. - The Austin College football team took a 21-10 lead with just under three minutes left in the first half, but Centenary scored 31 unanswered points, including 25 in the second half, to hand the 'Roos a 41-21 defeat on Saturday evening. The 'Roos are now 1-7 overall and 1-5 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Austin College got on the scoreboard first, as Zyan Stewart capped a nine play, 34 yard drive with a touchdown run from a yard out to make it 7-0 four minutes into the opening quarter. Centenary got three points back two minutes later, and the Gents would go on top 10-7 following a short touchdown run by Zin'Tavious Smith early in the second quarter. The 'Roos took the lead back on the ensuing drive, as Jaylon Talton connected with Michael Cress for a 48 yard touchdown strike, and Talton later found DQ Barnes for a 22 yard score to finish off an 11 play, 92 yard drive with 2:48 left before halftime.

Centenary didn't waste any time responding, as the Gents utilized a trick play with wide receiver Kobe Chambers launching a 60 yard touchdown strike on the first play of the next possession to cut it to 21-16 after the point after was blocked by Pablo Cantu. Centenary cut the margin to 21-19 as time expired in the opening half, with Vince Feuerbacher hitting his second field goal, this time from 25 yards out. Centenary pulled ahead late in the third, with Smith rushing for another touchdown to make it a 26-21 game. 

The Gents drove deep into Austin College territory to open the fourth quarter, but the 'Roo defense held, forcing a 34 yard field goal attempt that was blocked by Evan Dennis. However, Centenary managed to recover the blocked attempt 10 yards down the field, allowing the Gents to maintain possession with a first down, and Smith scored two plays later with another rushing touchdown, this time from eight yards out to make it 33-21. Smith added one more score later in the quarter, and the Gents added a two-point conversion to make it 41-21 with three minutes to play.

Talton completed 18-of-33 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns, but threw four second half interceptions in the loss. Barrett Hudson rushed 17 times for 73 yards, and Cress caught five passes for 73 yards and a score. Brady Dygert had a career-best 23 tackles to lead Austin College defensively, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack, while also coming up with an interception that set up the first touchdown of the day for the 'Roos. Colton Gerken added 13 stops. Smith connected on 19-of-28 passes for 149 yards with a pick and added 89 rushing yards and four scores on 16 carries.

Austin College heads back on the road next weekend, as they head to Abilene to take on McMurry University.