SEWANEE, TENNESSEE - Southwestern University Football earned the first win of the season when it matters the most in the SAA conference opener against Sewanee on Saturday, 42-21. The Pirates outscored the Tigers 28-7 in the second half. Southwestern moves to 1-3 overall but 1-0 in the conference.
The Pirates entered the conference opener on the road with multiple players sidelined and without a win from three tough non-conference games. However, the bye seemed to bring new life into the Pirates who dominated the Tigers for the fifth straight game at 5-0 all-time. Southwestern started
Jaxon Sims at quarterback and switched receiver
Jonathan Martin Jr. to running back with multiple bodies out in the backfield.
Southwestern's strength is the ample amount of weapons in the air.
Jacob Washburn caught a 42-yard pass from Sims, before
Reece Cutrer scored the first touchdown of the game. The Tigers were driving following the score before
Gilbert Anderson III picked up his fourth interception of the year, averaging one per game. However, Sewanee tied the game at 7-7 early in the second quarter.
Sewanee took a 14-7 lead after a pivotal fumble from the Pirates as turnovers killed Southwestern early. The Pirates offense bounced back as Sims found
Parker Threats for a 29-yard touchdown.
Gavin Prince was everywhere on Saturday with a massive sack which gave the Pirates to attempt a field to end the half. However, the 46-yard kick was missed as we entered half tied at 14-14.
The Tigers took a 21-14 lead in the second half as the momentum was shifted before Southwestern took only four passing plays to tie the game at 21-21.
Graydon Thompson caught the 36-yard touchdown from Sims. One of the game defining plays was
Cam Roberson's interception on the following drive, also returning it for 41 yards. Three plays later, Thompson caught a dime from Sims for a 28-21 lead. Prince followed the score with another massive play on fumble force and recovery to flip the field. Two plays, later Southwestern found the end zone as
Evan Carrosquilla punched in a fullback dive.
To open the fourth quarter,
Seth Jammer picked off the Tigers again for the third time on the day.
Kaddy Maravilla sacked the quarterback before the pick to force the Tigers to press. Southwestern capped off the victory in a perfect way as Martin Jr. punched in a rushing score at 42-21. Furthermore, Southwestern has struggled to find passing & rushing balance as Martin Jr. went for 96 yards.
GAME NOTES
- The Pirates won the turnover battle with four on the day.
- Six sacks, three interception, and one fumble was the key defensive statistics.
- Anderson III was a monster with the interception and two break-ups.
- Prince had a breakout game with three sacks amounting to 23 yards for a loss.
- The sophomore's day will be tough to beat in next week's SAA Player of the Week ballot.
- Jameer Martin led the defense again with seven tackles.
- Sims went 16 for 19 with 300 total passing yards.
- The junior also had four touchdowns in a monster week with zero turnovers.
- Jacob Washburn led the squad with 92 receiving yards, while Thompson grabbed two touchdowns.
UP NEXT
Southwestern is back at the Georgetown ISD next Saturday with a ranked matchup against Trinity University at 1 p.m. The game will mark the final off campus.
