Texans win in historical fashion in black water draw

Photo+courtesy%3A+tarletonsports.com

Photo courtesy: tarletonsports.com

John Zanella/ Sports Writer [email protected]

On Saturday, the Tarleton State University Texans took the field against the Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico University following a historical 80-14 win over Texas A&M University-Kingsville the previous week.

The Texans wasted no time as Quarterback Collin Strahan took the ball over 80 yards for his 7th rushing touchdown this season on the opening play. The defense was no less prepared in the 1st quarter, as their first play resulted in a 2 yard loss, and ultimately and “three and out”, in which, Strahan promptly capitalized by making running-back Zach Henshaw the recipient of a 56 yard strike landing them back in the red zone. All-time reception(s) leader Clifton Rhodes III solidified the drive by hauling in Strahan’s second touchdown pass in the first quarter, which gave the Texans an early 14-0 advantage.

The Third offensive series mirrored the first by virtue of Strahan calling his own number for a Tarleton record 89-yard touchdown run.

The Greyhounds eventually found the end zone; however, Jabari Anderson quickly diminished any beacon of hope by running the jet-sweep 75 yards for a touchdown. The Texan’s entered the 2nd quarter with a 28-7 lead.

A sack from Anthony Gonzalez resulted in another “three and out” for the Texan’s defense, which led to a field goal by Blake Barnes extending the lead to 31-7.

Tarleton’s next offensive series resulted in a punt; and, after a missed field goal attempt by the Greyhounds, Strahan hit Meyer’s for the 11-yard touchdown pass. Following the last minute heroics by the offense, the Texans went into the half with the stout 38-7 advantage.

Despite the Greyhounds augmented the score to 38-14 early in the second half, the Texans quickly enforced their will on the next defensive outing by forcing a fumble  (eighth forced turnover of the year). Following Clifton Rhodes’ historical 189th career reception, Strahan found Meyers on a 22-yard touchdown pass. A notable aspect to consider-following this touchdown, the Texan offense scored on 89% of their red zone attempts.

Proceeding an interception and two touchdown drives by the opposition the score sat at 45-27. Tarleton started on the Greyhound’s 46 following Anderson’s 65 yard kickoff return. This drive ended with the lead advancing to 52-27 after the 24-yard touchdown connection from Strahan to Meyers.

A quick Greyhound response lowered the lead to 17 points, and after 3 quarters the score was 52-35.

Unshaken entering the final quarter, Strahan found a familiar face in Meyers for a 5 yard touchdown pass extending the lead to 59-35.

The score’s final alteration to 59-42 followed Eastern New Mexico’s redundant touchdown with during the final six minutes.

The Texan’s defensive and offensive synergy resulted in the 59-42 victory. The offense and defense displayed amplified consistency, which in terms of longevity, is what transcends into team to championship-caliber. Anthony Gonzales’s 14 tackles anchored the defense-while solid offensive line play, Strahan’s  536 total yards, and stellar performances by potent wide-outs (Rhodes III, Meyers, and Tandy) rendered the Texans unbeatable.

This week, the Texans take the field against McMurry Univeristy. The future looks bright for the now 3-3 Texans as they prepare for kickoff at 2pm in Abilene, TX.