The Sam Houston Bearkats continued their impressive start to the season with a dominant 28-13 victory over the Buffalo Bulls at home, improving to 3-0 on the year. The win was anchored by a stifling defense that refused to allow the Bulls any momentum, limiting them to just 244 total yards and 14 first downs.
The defensive unit was relentless, forcing three turnovers throughout the game. Linebackers and secondary players worked in perfect unison, frustrating Buffalo's offense at every turn. It was a clinic of physical, disciplined football, something that Bearkats head coach Larry Bell was quick to praise in his post-game interview.
"Our defense is playing lights out right now," Bell said. "They've been flying around, making plays, and really setting the tone for us. This kind of effort is exactly what we need to build on."
While the defense was a clear standout, it was the Sam Houston run game that truly stole the show. Senior tailback Jay Ducker turned in a masterful performance, rushing for 180 yards and one touchdown. Ducker was the workhorse for the offense, consistently moving the chains and wearing down the Buffalo defense with his physical running style.
"We know we can lean on Jay," Bell added. "He’s a beast, and when he’s running like that, it makes everything easier for us. He’s a special player, and he’s proving that week in and week out."
Despite the victory, the Bearkats' offense faced some struggles. Quarterback Hunter Watson threw four interceptions, which led to some nervous moments. However, each time the offense made a mistake, the defense was there to back them up, keeping Buffalo from capitalizing on the turnovers.
"It's a team game," said Bell. "When the offense falters, the defense picks us up, and vice versa. We’re not perfect, but we’re growing, and we’ve got a lot to work on still."
Bell was candid about the team's progress after the game, noting that while they were thrilled with the win, there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
“We’re a 3-0 team, but let’s be clear: we’ve got a long way to go to accomplish what we want this season,” Bell said. "We’ve got to clean up those mistakes, and we’ve got to get better in a lot of areas."
In a more lighthearted moment, Bell also addressed his team’s progress in the "keg party department," referring to the team's ability to enjoy a few beers at a celebration. “We’re a little slow getting that keg down, and I think it might correlate with how we perform on the field. We’ll work on that too," he said with a grin.
Looking ahead, the Bearkats face a tough challenge next week when they travel to Syracuse for a showdown with Coach Mark Berokoff and the Orangemen. It will be a true test of their growth and resilience.
When asked about the upcoming matchup, Bell's response was simple and focused.
“I’ve got one goal for next week: to drink beers with Mark like I did with his brother in Hawaii. But when the game starts, we’re all business," Bell said, with a smile.
For now, the Bearkats remain undefeated, and despite some mistakes, they’ve shown they have what it takes to contend this season. With a powerful defense, a dynamic run game, and a coach who knows how to keep things light, Sam Houston is poised to continue its journey toward greatness.
Until next week, the Bearkats are focused on getting better, one game at a time.
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