ABILENE, TEXAS - Southwestern University Football marched into McMurry University and controled all levels in the season opener on Saturday night, 27-19. The Pirates found success by limiting penalties, committing zero turnovers, creating a massive defensive touchdown, and executing special teams opportunities. 

"Our offense made plays and our defense was relentless tonight," said Head Coach Bill Kriesel in his post-game interview. Kriesel went on to praise his young players for stepping up in the second half when called on. 

1Q HIGHLIGHTS

• The Warhawks offense was out of sorts to start the game, committing two penalties that dropped the ball back to their own five yard line. 
• Southwestern took advantage as senior Maurion Williams-Jack collapsed the offense, stripping the quarterback and recovering for a crucial defensive touchdown to set the tone. 
• The Pirates made another stop, followed by a 49-yard field goal from freshman Chase Lanham. The field goal was driven down the middle in his first attempt as a Pirate from deep. 
• New starting quarterback sophomore Jaxon Sims was efficient all night, delivering a strike to junior Graydon Thompson for a 52-yard touchdown. The connection gave the Pirates a 17-3 advantage. 

2Q HIGHLIGHTS

• McMurry started to claw back with a rushing touchdown and two-point conversion following a costly Pirate unnecessary roughness call. 
• Sims responded by climbing the pocket and delivering a huge conversation to Thompson at midfield. 
• The Pirates dipped into the bag at the 20 yard line as senior Devan Phillips took the end around and throw a touchdown pass to Thompson on the run for the highlight of the game. 
• Southwestern carried a 24-11 lead into the break. 

3Q HIGHLIGHTS

• Both teams traded punts in the third quarter. 
• Preseason All-Region senior DJ James snatched his first interception of the season on the sideline for the second turnover of the game. 

4Q HIGHLIGHTS

• Lanham extended the lead to 27-11, drilling a 37-yard field goal. 
• The Warhawks brought the game back to one possession on a four-yard passing touchdown and two-point conversion, 27-19. 
• McMurry got the ball back with two minutes left to play. 
• Southwestern forced three straight incomplete passes to ice the game, highlighted by sophomore Caleb Harmon batting one away. 

GAME NOTES

• The key was Southwestern's ability to control the mental side and mitigate any turnovers as the Warhawks accumulated more yardage. 
• Southwestern's star players performed like standout leaders in Williams-Jack, Thompson, Harmon and James. 
• Junior J.P. Reyes stepped up big time to lead the Pirates with nine tackles, along with a strong night from junior Jameer Martin with seven. 
• Thompson led the offense with 117 yards receiving and two touchdowns. 

UP NEXT
Come out to support the squad in the season opener against University of Puget Sound next Saturday at 7 p.m.