NDL: S31W1 - Sam Houston State (31) at Oregon State (0)
McCoy throws 7 picks in 31-0 route
Article By: SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
(SHSU) Christian Pavon, 31 Yd FG, 0:07
SHSU 3-0
Second Quarter
(SHSU) Elijah Sohn 19 Yd pass from Hunter Watson {Christian Pavon kick). 0:43
SHSU 10-0
(SHSU) DJ McKinney 7 Yd pass from Hunter Watson (Christian Pavon kick), 0:02
SHSHU 17-0
Third Quarter
(SHSU) Noah Smith 17 Ud pass from Hunter Watson (Christian Pavon kick), 2:58
SHSU 24-0
Fourth Quarter
(SHSU) Jay Ducker, 3 Yd run (Christian Pavon kick), 6:56
SHSU 31-0Weaver celebrates his 2nd INTBearkats Stand their ground in Opener
Article By: The Sam Houston State Bearkats made a resounding statement in their season opener, traveling to Corvallis, Oregon, and shutting out the Oregon State Beavers with a dominant 31-0 victory. Under the leadership of head coach Larry Bell, who has taken Huntsville by storm since his arrival, the Bearkats were well-prepared and fired up for this highly anticipated matchup.
Coach Bell, clearly elated after the win, praised his team for their hard work and resilience. “I couldn’t be prouder of our guys tonight,” Bell said post-game. “They bought into the system from day one, and you saw the results. This is just the beginning for us. We’ve got a lot to look forward to.”
Bell’s influence has been felt throughout the team and the town of Huntsville, Texas, which has experienced a surge of energy since his hiring. The excitement surrounding the program is palpable, and it has even caught the attention of celebrities. Just last week, country music star Morgan Wallen opened a bar in town in support of the program, citing his admiration for Coach Bell's impact both on and off the field.
However, it was the defense that stole the show on Friday night. The Bearkats' defense, led by junior defensive back Caleb Weaver, was suffocating, stifling the Beavers at every turn. Weaver, who accounted for two of the team's seven interceptions, was a force all game long. The Bearkats' defense flew around the field, showcasing their ball-hawking ability and shutting out Oregon State in front of a stunned home crowd.
"We’ve been working really hard on our secondary, and tonight, it paid off," said Weaver, who earned player of the game honors. "Coach Bell really changed the culture here, and the whole town is buzzing. People are excited, and you can feel it in the air. Even Morgan Wallen’s here supporting us, it’s pretty crazy.”
Weaver wasn’t the only standout on defense, but his contributions were key in the overwhelming win. The team’s ability to capitalize on Oregon State’s mistakes kept the offense in a strong position throughout the game. The 7-interception performance was a testament to the Bearkats’ aggressive defensive scheme, one that will surely turn heads as the season progresses.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bearkats were efficient, converting key third downs and executing when it mattered most. Sam Houston State’s balanced attack helped keep the Beavers on their heels, but it was their defense that truly stole the show.
After the game, Coach Bell was in high spirits, sharing that the entire team would be celebrating on the flight home. “We're going to have a keg party on the way back to Huntsville,” Bell joked. “The guys earned it. They’re ready to keep this momentum going.”
Looking ahead, the Bearkats will return home for a bye week, giving them time to rest and prepare for their next road trip to Buffalo. The excitement surrounding Coach Bell’s schedule is contagious, with the head coach admitting he’s thrilled to be covering such a wide range of the country this season. “I wanted to see what part of the United States has the best bars,” Bell said with a smile. “I’m still recovering from last year’s trip to Chee Pono in Hawaii. Coach Jeffdaddy is still scared I’m going to put him under the table again.”
With Coach Bell’s leadership and the Bearkats' momentum, this season is shaping up to be one for the record books. Look for Sam Houston State to be a team to watch as they continue their journey toward a successful season, with plenty of excitement and good times along the way.
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