GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Football created explosive defensive plays, but the offense failed to find consistent rhythm in a home opener loss to McMurry University on Saturday night, 36-26. The Pirates drop their first season opener since 2023 against the former SCAC champs.
The Pirates entered 2026 with a three game win streak over the War Hawks with all wins decided by one score. 2026 started at Birkelbach stadium where the Pirates will play two home games before moving over to campus on October 24th.
Southwestern drove down the field on their second drive before
Jacob Smith was picked off in the endzone as the first quarter ended scoreless. The War Hawks struck first on a 38-yard reception. McMurry made another stop the following drive before
Seth Jammer recovered a muffed punt.
Jaxon Sims entered the game and connected with
Graydon Thompson to tie the game at 7-7. McMurry scored before the half and missed the extra point as Southwestern trailed 13-7 as the offense struggled in the air and on the ground.
Jameer Martin gave the Pirates a jolt to start the second half with an interception. The Pirates drove into the redzone, but settled for a field goal, 13-10. McMurry countered with returning a 97-yard kickoff to the house in a special teams breakdown, 19-10. Another methodical War Hawk drive lead to Pirates trailing 26-10. However, the Pirate punt team capitalized on another muffed punt as
Stephen Fuqua recovered a touchdown in the endzone on the War Hawk fumble.
McMurry took a 33-16 lead in the fourth quarter after a wild touchdown in which a War Hawk receiver fumbled at the 30-yard line before a teammate recovered the fumble and returned it to the house.
Gilbert Anderson III intercepted the War Hawks and returned it 47 yards before Sims connected with
Reece Cutrer for the touchdown, 33-23. The next drive,
Kaddy Maravilla caused a War Hawk fumble and jumped on the recovery. The Pirate offense failed to execute in the redzone, settling for a field goal, trailing 33-26.
The Pirates had the chance down one score, but failed to avoid sacks leading to the 36-26 loss against a former conference champion.
GAME NOTES
- The McMurry defense held the Pirates star playmakers down as Tycen Williams recorded 22 rushing yards and Graydon Thompson had 25 receiving yards.
- Southwestern was out gained on the ground 130-42 as SU rushed the ball 31 times.
- The Pirates defense caused two interceptions and a fumble recovery, while the punt team recovered two fumbles.
- SU was forced to punt seven times tonight and both quarterbacks registered interceptions.
- Martin had a big night defensively with 12 tackles and an interception
- Caleb Costantino had a breakout career night also tallying 12 tackles from the linebacker position.
- Parker Threats led the Pirates with a career night receiving on 60 yards.
UP NEXT
Southwestern meets up with former SCAC rival Texas Lutheran University next Saturday in Seguin at 6 p.m.
