PLAINVIEW, Texas – Wayland Baptist University Football battled Louisiana Christian University Saturday night at Greg Sherwood Memorial Stadium, but the Wildcats pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Pioneers, 44-27.
Wayland remained within striking distance for much of the contest, trimming Louisiana Christian's lead to three points late in the third quarter before the Wildcats answered with three consecutive touchdowns to take control. The loss moves the Pioneers to 1-2 on the season.
The Pioneers struck first after putting together a 13-play, 52-yard drive on the game's opening possession. Trent McLemore capped the drive with a 33-yard field goal to give Wayland a 3-0 advantage. Louisiana Christian responded with a pair of rushing touchdowns to take a 14-3 lead into the second quarter.
McLemore connected again early in the second quarter, this time from 37 yards, to cut the deficit to 14-6. Wayland's defense then provided a spark when Brayden Hamby forced a Louisiana Christian fumble that was recovered by Jesus Lopez at the Wildcats' 36-yard line. On the very next play, quarterback Aidan Crawford connected with Donte Hurt for a 36-yard touchdown. McLemore's extra point pulled the Pioneers within one, 14-13.
Louisiana Christian answered before halftime with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Perkins to Omarius Davis, sending the Wildcats into the break with a 21-13 advantage.
The Wildcats extended their lead to 24-13 with a 25-yard field goal early in the third quarter, but the Pioneers continued to fight. Wayland's defense created another opportunity when Kelly Stevens intercepted Perkins near midfield. Later in the quarter, Crawford directed a six-play, 61-yard scoring drive, finding Jamari Jackson for a 24-yard touchdown. Wayland converted the ensuing two-point attempt to make it a 24-21 game with 1:44 remaining in the third.
Louisiana Christian quickly responded, however, scoring on a 34-yard touchdown pass just 35 seconds later to take a 30-21 lead. The Wildcats carried that momentum into the fourth quarter, where a 62-yard touchdown run from Jaterrius Johnson and a 16-yard touchdown reception by Darius Washington stretched the lead to 44-21.
Wayland continued to battle and found the end zone once more when Kye Callicoatte scored on a two-yard run with 6:26 remaining, producing the final 44-27 margin.
Crawford led the Pioneer offense through the air, completing 26-of-59 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns. Dontevius Williams led Wayland with 101 receiving yards on five catches, while Jackson finished with seven receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. Hurt added three catches for 69 yards and a score.
Defensively, Brayden Hamby led the Pioneers with 18 total tackles, including eight solo stops, while forcing two fumbles. Achille Madjikim added 12 tackles, and Brennen Davis recorded 11. Stevens supplied Wayland's interception as the Pioneer defense forced three Louisiana Christian turnovers.
Wayland finished with 333 yards of total offense, including 361 passing yards, while Louisiana Christian totaled 590 yards. The Wildcats did much of their damage on the ground, rushing for 341 yards. The Pioneers controlled possession for 32:12 and finished 3-for-3 on their trips into the red zone.
The Pioneers will remain at Greg Sherwood Memorial Stadium for their third consecutive home game when they host Howard Payne University on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m. The game will serve as Community Appreciation Night.
