Another close one on tap with Howard Payne?

Playing just their second games of the season, it's hard to know what to expect from the Wayland Baptist Pioneers and the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets.
Except this: A close game.

Since Wayland restarted its football program in 2012, the Pioneers and Yellow Jackets have met all three seasons, and each time the outcome has been decided by a touchdown or less. WBU earned its very first win of that initial season against Howard Payne, 27-23, but the Jackets prevailed the previous two years, 38-34 and 27-21.

Pioneers coach Butch Henderson looks for another closely-contested game when the teams meet at 1 p.m. Saturday in Brownwood (Plainview 1090-AM, Lubbock 1590-AM).

"We're looking for another good one," Henderson said.

While Wayland is riding sky-high following its season-opening 42-5 win over Southwestern (Kan.), and is refreshed after taking last weekend off, Howard Payne goes into Saturday's game on the heels of a tough 23-16 home loss to Trinity University.

"They're a really good football team, they just made some mistakes," Henderson said of Howard Payne's performance last Saturday. "They made some major mistakes and didn't make some plays they needed to make. It was kind of the opposite of what we did."

Henderson's Pioneers were spectacular in their debut against Southwestern two weeks ago, shining in all three phases against the overmatched Moundbuilders. Among the highlights were quarterback Payson Bain throwing for three touchdowns, the Pioneer defense setting school records by allowing just five points and 84 total yards, and kicker Daniel Martinez booting four field goals, including one from 56 yards and another from 53.

Henderson said the Pioneers have been on a high ever since, which helped them motivationally get through a bye week.

"We did well last week for an open date, which is harder because psychologically you're not getting ready for a game," he said.

As well as Wayland played in its opener, Henderson said that means very little now. It's time, he said, to do it all over again against an opponent that the Pioneers know well. Not only have Wayland and Howard Payne faced off the last three years, Henderson said the programs recruit many of the same players, and even the faculty from each of the two Baptist institutions is "intertwined.

"You begin to have a feel for each other within the region," he explained. "I guess you could call it a friendly rivalry, if there is such a thing."

As well as the Pioneers think they know the Yellow Jackets, however, Henderson said Howard Payne has made some changes since last year, specifically in its defense.

"They've gone from a 3-4 to a 4-2-5, which is a defense that features their down linemen," the coach said. "Their front seven play you real hard inside."
Among those down linemen is senior end Donald Preston (5-11, 225, Tomball HS).

"I'm tired of seeing him. He's a good football player," Henderson said, adding that he's familiar with a number of of their players. "Defensively they have a lot of kids back, kids we've seen for three years."

Henderson also noted the play of Yellow Jacket linebackers Jordan Longoria (6-0, 245, Brownwood HS), a freshman, and Jason Disney (6-0, 215, Austin Bowie HS), a junior.

"Those two fill everything inside," he said.

Howard Payne also has made adjustments on offense since a year ago when fourth-year coach Roger Geise's Yellow Jackets recorded their second straight 4-6 season, which followed back-to-back 1-9 campaigns.

"Last year they got in heavy sets and ran at you a bunch. This year they seem to be more balanced," Henderson said. "They throw the ball more, much like they did a couple of years ago. They're a lot more balanced as far as the run/pass than last year."

At quarterback for HPU is junior Richard Young (6-0, 180, Gunter HS). Against Trinity, Young attempted 47 passes, completing 25 for 235 yards with one touchdown and an interception.

"He's a scholar-athlete, so you know he reads (defenses) well," Henderson said.

Ten of Young's completions, for 111 yards and the TD, went to senior receiver Colby Mica (6-2, 185, Flatonia HS). "He goes up and gets the ball real well," said Henderson, adding that that HPU uses several running backs, three of which rushed for between 37 and 52 yards against Trinity.
 
Wayland again will be short-handed on Saturday, especially along the offensive line where senior all-conference pick Brandon Grant and Wayne Lum figure to be out until the start of Central States Football League play Oct. 3 with a knee injury and high ankle sprain, respectively.

Henderson praised freshmen Keaton Vawter (6-4, 280) at center and Matthew Spicer (6-5, 280) at guard for their play after being pressed into duty last week.

"They both did a great job," Henderson said.

 All-conference linebacker Alden Mann (finger) is expected back in the line-up in two weeks.