Box Score
GEORGETOWN, Texas – Southwestern overcame a 17-point deficit in the second quarter to defeat McMurry 24-17 on Saturday night at Birkelbach Field.
Dylan Wilburn's 13-yard touchdown run with 1:31 to play in the game proved to be the difference.
Wilburn rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. His game-winning score was set up by a one-handed catch by Dante Smith that turned into a 36-yard gain on the previous play.
The Pirates (1-1) fell behind after throwing interceptions in two of their first three drives that were returned for touchdowns. The War Hawks (0-1) added a 29-yard field goal from Tanner Wright in the second quarter to build the 17-point advantage.
However, Southwestern began to chip away, as Frederick Hover led the Pirates on a 13-play, 79-yard drive that culminated in his five-yard run to the end zone in the second quarter.
Wilburn scored his first touchdown in the third period, as he reached pay dirt on a four-yard rumble, capping a 17-play, 73-yard drive.
Luke Fierst then tied the game early in the fourth quarter after he drilled a 32-yard field goal with 12:41 to play.
The Pirates' defense came up big on McMurry's second-to-last drive of the game.
The War Hawks started on their own 31-yard-line, but a one-yard rush and back-to-back incomplete passes forced a punt.
Southwestern handed the ball over to Wilburn, who picked up a first down before Hover's pass found the left hand of Smith, setting up the touchdown run.
The Pirates out-gained McMurry 409-99, including 246-40 on the ground.
Hover threw for 116 yards on 9-of-13 attempts and he added 84 yards rushing, including one touchdown.
Brandon Fleischmann led the Southwestern defensive effort with six tackles. He posted 3.5 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks. Justin Broussard added six tackles, while Addison Elliott had four stops, including three behind the line of scrimmage and two sacks.
The Pirates will return to action next Saturday at East Texas Baptist. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Marshall.
