DANVILLE, KENTUCKY - Southwestern University Football stormed back only allowing three points in the final three quarters, eventually falling three points short against Centre College in their third SAA game of the season, 19-16. 

Centre College jumped out to a 19-3 lead against the Pirates. Southwestern made adjustments and outscored the Colonels 16-3 in the final three quarters, but fell short with a chance to tie or win the game in the final drive. 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

• The matchup in Kentucky played massive implications for both squads looking to gain winning records in the SAA, entering at 1-1.
• Southwestern started slow, surrendering a 65-yard passing touchdown and two-point conversion on the Colonels second drive. 
• The Pirates followed with an efficient drive, highlighted by a sophomore Tycen Williams 19-yard rush. However, a crucial sack gave the ball back to Centre on downs. 
• Southwestern muffed a punt to give the Colonels the ball inside in the five. Centre scored and converted the two-point conversion making it 16-0 in a hurry. 
• Sophomore kicker Austin Hill put the Pirates on the board with a field goal to start the second quarter. However, Centre responded with a strong drive ending in a field goal, leading 19-3. 
• With just over two minutes to play, Southwestern pulled off a pivotal touchdown drive with 16 seconds left in the half by sophomore receiver Reece Cutrer from sophomore Jaxon Sims. Centre led 19-9 after the failed two-point conversion. 
• Zero points resulted in the third quarter from both squads as the Pirates had a field goal attempt blocked. 
• Junior Jacob Smith found success in the fourth quarter at quarterback, finding sophomore Blake Garcia for a touchdown with about three minutes left to play. The Pirates were down 19-16 after the score. 
• Southwestern made three straight stops on the following drive only conceding 36 seconds off the clock. The Colonels pinned the Pirates on their own two with a beautiful special teams punt as Smith and the Pirates needed to go 98 yards with 1:58 left. 
• Smith broke out of the pocket for a 36-yard rush, advancing the Pirates to midfield. 
• However, the junior quarterback fumbled on the next play ending the game. 

GAME NOTES

• Williams had a huge day on the ground with 149 yards on only 15 attempts. 
• The Pirates posted 242 rushing yards, opposed to the Colonels 77. 
• Sophomore Gilbert Anderson III corralled a big interception for his first of the season. 
• The Pirates struggled finding a passing compliment with only 144 yards. 
• Sophomore Caleb Harmon was the leading tackler with nine. 
• Junior Jameer Martin also shinned defensively with eight tackles, three for a loss on 13 yards. 

UP NEXT
Southwestern is back at home next Saturday against Maryville College at 12 p.m.