Saturday, November 27, 2010

Final: Central Missouri 55, ACU 41

UCM scored its first TD of the second half when Czerniewski threw a 61-yard TD pass to Jamorris Warren. ACU blocked the PAT kick, however, making the new score 41-34 with 13:59 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Mules scored again when Czerniewski threw his sixth TD pass of the game, a 5-yarder to Morris with 4:53 left, growing UCM's lead to 48-34.

ACU answered back when Gale hit WR Edmund Gates with a 32-yard TD pass with 2:23 left. Lineberry's PAT made it 48-41.

UCM recovered the ensuing onside kick, and two plays later, Stewart bolted off right tackle for 42 yards and a Mules TD. The PAT gave his team the lead, 55-41, with 2:10 left.

That was the final score, ending the Wildcats' most successful season in 33 years at 11-1. UCM (11-2) advanced to play rival Northwest Missouri State, which rallied to beat LSC runner-up Texas A&M-Kingsville, 35-31.

End of Q3: Central Missouri 35, ACU 34

ACU's Mitchell Gale marched his team down the field on a nine-play drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes of time and opened the third quarter, capped by a 17-yard TD pass (his fourth of the game to Ben Gibbs (his second) at 9:51. Morgan Lineberry's PAT cut UCM's led to 35-28.

The Wildcats scored their 25th straight point when Lineberry kicked a 38-yard field goal to reduce UCM's margin to 35-31 at 7:27 of the third quarter, and their 28th straight when Lineberry booted another field goal of 17 yards with 26 seconds left, making it 35-34.

End of Q2: Central Missouri 35, ACU 21

ACU got back in the game by outscoring UCM, 21-14, in a wild quarter of action.

QB Mitchell Gale got ACU on the board with a 3-yard TD pass to tight end Ben Gibbs at the 10:27 mark.

UCM answered with two touchdown passes from Eric Czerniewski, the first to WR Jamorris Warren for 15 yards at 7:32 and the second for 20 yards to TE David Cannon.

Cannon's was the first of three TDs for the two teams in the final 95 seconds of the quarter.

Both of ACU's scores came on one-play drives. On the ensuing play from scrimmage following Cannon's TD, Gale completed a pass in the left flat to WR Kendrick Johnson, who spun out of a tackle and ran 58 yards for a score.

ACU's defense stopped UCM on its next possession, and an 8-yard punt under heavy pressure gave the Wildcats the ball back at the Mules' 20-yard line. Gale completed a 20-yard TD pass to wide-open WR Raymond Radway on the next play, then ran in the two-point conversion himself to bring ACU to within 14 at 35-21 with 10 seconds left.

At the half, UCM led in total yards (303 to 200), passing yards (286 to 158) and first downs (13 to 11). ACU had the edge in rushing yards (42 to 17).

Gale completed 15 of 23 yards for 158 yards, one interception and three TDs. Daryl Richardson and Darrell Cantu-Harkless shared the ACU rushing lead with 19 yards each. Kendrick Johnson was the Wildcats' leading receiver with four catches or 88 yards and a TD.

Czerniewski – who with ACU's Gale is one of nine finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy recognizing the top player in NCAA Divsion II – completed 20 of 27 passes for 286 yards and four TDs.

End of Q1: Central Missouri 21, ACU 0

A good crowd was in Shotwell Stadium today, considering that ACU students were off on their Thanksgiving holiday, and thousands of fans of Abilene High School and Abilene Cooper High School were on a caravan to Arlington, Texas, where both schools were playing (in separate afternoon games) in the UIL playoffs at Cowboys Stadium.

Central Missouri struck first when UCM running back Anthony Stewart ran untouched around left end for 9 yards and a TD at 8:22 of the first quarter. Aaron Jamieson's PAT made the score 7-0.

On the first play of the ensuing drive, ACU quarterback Mitchell Gale threw only his third interception of the season. Mules' cornerback Marion Douglas snagged the pass, and UCM scored on the next play when QB Eric Czerniewski tossed a 9-yard TD pass to TE DeMarco Cosby. Jamieson's PAT padded the Mules' lead to 14-0, just 18 seconds after their first TD.

Czerniewski connected with Stewart on pass in the right flat, and the senior ran untouched for 24 yards and another UCM TD with 2:16 left. Jamieson's PAT made the score 21-0.

After one quarter of play, UCM led in first downs (5 to 2), total yards (156 to 39), rushing yards (17 to 3) and passing yards (139 to 36).

UCM started its first-round game win last week in a similar way, building a 28-0 lead against West Texas A&M on its way to a 55-35 win.

Friday, November 19, 2010

ACU falls to Washburn, 3-1 in NCAA Tournament

Wildcats fall in tough match to Washburn, 3-1. More to come on acusports.com shortly.

ACU 1, Washburn 2

Wildcats come out swinging in set three winning 25-20. ACU put together a 5-0 run and finished the set on a 3-1 run to take the set. A couple long rallies including a great hustle play by Kelsie Edwards to set up a kill for the Wildcats making the score 22-17.

ACU has first serve in set four with the cross country team in town and in attendance cheering on the girls in Warrensburg.

ACU 0, Washburn 2

Wildcats fall in set two looking out of sync again as Washburn rebounded committing only two errors in the second set. ACU tried to mount a comeback but the Lady Blues finished an 11-2 to holding the Wildcats at bay winning 25-15.

ACU 0, Washburn 1

Both teams struggling to get moving in the opening set as ACU and Washburn take 5-0 runs in set one. The Lady Blues took set one 25-20 as the Wildcats tied the match at 15 but a 6-1 run gave Washburn a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Shawna Hines and Jennie Hutt both had 3 kills to lead ACU, but 8 errors by both teams and a sub .100 hitting percentage allowed Washburn to take an ugly set one.

A few points into set two Lady Blues take 2-1 early lead.

NCAA Second Round ACU vs. Washburn

Second Round NCAA action is 40 minutes away as the Wildcats and Washburn Lady Blues finish warm-ups. ACU advanced to today with a 3-2 win over Truman yesterday as they looked unstoppable in the first two sets. An ankle injury to IJ Moronu halted the Wildcat express and Truman took the momentum winning sets 3 and 4 before Moronu returned in the fourth as ACU won the fifth set and match.

Washburn comes into tonight’s match after picking up a win over Northwest Missouri State 3-1 last night. It will be the first meeting in three years between the teams as the Lady Blues took the match in 2008, 3-0.

All the girls look loose and relaxed after a good morning practice and a movie in the afternoon to get some R & R. We’ll keep you updated again tonight as the Wildcats look for their second trip ever to a regional final.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

ACU 2, TSU 2

Wildcats feel out of sync in the fourth set. IJ is back on the court for the Wildcats and they are trying to push and get back in the match and close it out. A timeout down 16-10 has seemed unsuccessful, but as I’m typing from the table courtside the Wildcats have worked back down just 22-19 now.
An unsuccessful comeback by the Wildcats they fall 25-19. A Lady Bulldog falls off the net and finds an empty spot on the ACU side of the court. Tied 2-2 heading to a 5th and final set in an exciting First Round match.

Tough 4th Set

Wildcats falls in set three

Wildcats rolling through the third set before IJ rolls her ankle at the net. Good news for anyone watching Caley Johnson did a more than serviceable job setting for the Wildcats, but Moronu is back in after getting tapped up and walking it off. Falling 25-19 in set three the Wildcats will look to regain that intensity lost in the middle of the third set.

ACU trails 12-6, but now has the serve in fourth set.

ACU 2, TSU 0

Wildcats came back after an ace from Neely Borger tied the second set at 9. It was followed by a nice touch kill from IJ Moronu to the back from giving ACU their first lead of the second set 10-9. Borger has been solid for the Wildcats working both sidelines as a second kill cross court give the Wildcats a 15-10 lead.

TSU tried to battle back but a nice touch kill from Jennie Hutt extended the ACU lead back 19-15. However the Wildcats went on a 7-3 run closing out the set 25-17.

Good to see ACU go for the kill, no pun intended, keeping the Lady Bulldogs down as they tried to get back into the match. ACU leads 2-0 after taking set two.

Still very noticeable the intensity level on the court with both teams. It’s definitely playoff time!

ACU 1, TSU 0

On a mission. Wildcats get a sideout on the first serve and take the first four points looking solid in the opening match of the First Round today. ACU was focused as Jordan Schilling picked up five kills helping the Wildcats hit .355 and holding the Lady Bulldogs to a .030 hitting percentage. The intensity level is high this afternoon for a great start to the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Volleyball Tournament First Round

ITS HERE!! Courtside at the NCAA Tournament South Central Region in Warrensburg, Missouri where ACU seniors have waited three years to make it back to the NCAA Tournament. It’s the first trip for everyone but Shawna Hines who was a redshirt freshman on the 2006 team, the last ACU team to make an NCAA run.

The Wildcats got a great early practice yesterday morning and are ready for today’s match with Truman. ACU and Truman met earlier in the season at the Washburn Lady Blues Fall Classic in Topeka the first weekend in October. The Lady Bulldogs took the meeting 3-2 in an intense five set match.

Both teams are finishing the last 30 minutes of warm-ups, captains are flipping for serve, and we’ll have more from the NCAA First Round match between the Wildcats and the Lady Bulldogs.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

It's good to be 'back'

Please allow me a few inches in this space for some personal thoughts.

Just wanted to say a quick word of thanks to several of you who read this blog for your emails and phone calls over the last month or so checking on my absence and health since the first part of October.  Your thoughts and prayers were and are very much appreciated, and let me assure you that I felt them.

Let me just give you a quick background: for about a year I've been experiencing "sciatica" in my left leg, but it wasn't enough to slow me down.  On Oct. 7, I experienced what it was like to be slowed down by this pain.  On the Saturday of Homecoming (Oct. 9), I was lying in an MRI tube at Hendrick Medical Center being checked from head to toe to find out where my suddenly debilitating pain was originating from.

Turns out I had two bulging discs in my back (L4 and L5) that would require surgery.  For about a month I waited to get in to see a local neurosurgeon (more on him in a minute), but in the meantime I went through two injections into my back that allowed me to return to work a few days in October.  However, because of severe pain, my most comfortable position was lying on my stomach on the floor of our living room.

Fortunately, I was still able to do a lot of work, and my fantastic assistant, Phillip Dowden, carried our office the entire month of October and into November.  Phillip, can't thank you enough for everything.  You've done a great job, and you're going to make a wonderful head SID when your time comes.

I missed five of our last six football games of the regular season, almost every home soccer and volleyball match of the fall and several other events.  Missing each killed me; in my 13 years at ACU I had missed exactly one football game and not many more home events during the fall / winter.

Anyway, on Nov. 7, the pain became so severe that my wife took me to the hospital where I was admitted and given the "good stuff" to make me comfortable.  Still able to work from my hospital room, I was able to put together football game notes for the ACU-Southwestern Oklahoma State game as well as write a few other things.

Finally, on Nov. 10, Dr. Talmadge Trammell repaired the disc at L4, taking the pressure off my sciatic nerve and helping me to return to a pain-free existence.  Let me just make this quick aside:  if you EVER have any trouble with your back or spine, run -- don't walk -- to see Dr. Trammell.  He is a brilliant doctor and surgeon and the people in Abilene should be grateful that he chose to return to his hometown to open his practice.

Finally went back to work on Monday (Nov. 15) and am excited to be back amongst my friends and colleagues, as well as our teams and student-athletes.

Being down this long makes one appreciate a lot of things, but most importantly it makes me thankful to my Lord and Savior, who provided me with caring family and friends and with a team of doctors and nurses who were able to help me get back to good health (at least physically; never been too sure about the mental aspect).

It also makes one appreciate family that takes care of you and loves on you; friends who support and check in on you; co-workers who are understanding of a terrible situation; a church body that prays over you and makes sure you and your family are thought of each and every day; and a place to work that lifts you up in prayer more than it questions when you're going to return to work.

Can't say enough wonderful things about my beautiful wife, Jill, who took care of me, pushed and prodded doctors to get me earlier appointments and listened to me gripe ... because, shockingly, I'm not the greatest patient.  My kids, Rex and Ashley, who never let their disappointment show that their daddy couldn't do much for about five weeks, choosing instead to tell me each day that they loved me and hoped that I would "feel better soon."  My parents, who let me stay at their house during the days in the early days of this situation when I literally couldn't do anything for myself.

Thanks to my good friends the Boones and Bullingtons for constantly "talking me up" to Dr. Trammell on Sundays at Highland Church of Christ, and to another good friend, Dr. Shannon Cooke, for helping alleviate the pain and maybe doing me a favor and helping me get in to see Dr. Trammell almost a month before my scheduled appointment.

To my boss, Jared Mosley, associate AD Vince Jarrett, and most everyone on our coaching / administrative staff, thanks for your understanding, and I hope we don't go through this again.  And to Coach Wally Bullington: your thoughts and prayers and daily phone calls to check on me mean more than you'll ever know.  NOW I know why your former players are so loyal to you.  Thank you for showing us all what it means to be a Godly man.

To my great friend and ACU assistant vice president, Ron Hadfield.  We've worked together for 13 years and shared many laughs and good times, but he showed what it's like to be a true friend by doing what he didn't have to do over the last half of the football season when he took over a lot of the writing responsibilities for our football team.  Ron is a terrific writer -- one of the best you'll ever read, and I don't care who we're talking about in comparison -- and he wrote every football game story that appeared on our Web site from the Oct. 9 game through the end of the regular season.  He made trips to luxurious locales like Portales, N.M., and Canyon to cover games for me, and his willingness to pitch in and help out when he didn't have to shows the character of this great man.

I know I'm forgetting people, and I know this isn't something you usually read in this space, but I felt compelled tonight to let the readers know why Phillip has been carrying our office and to thank the people mentioned above, as well as my great friends Dr. Cheryl Bacon, Michael Bacon, Kate Bacon, Chris Thomsen, Kyle Robarts, Grant Boone, Garner Roberts, Dr. Charlie Marler, Grant Rampy, Lynne Bruton, Pat Agnew, Jimmy Pogue, Mike Miller, Allen Wilson, Danny Barefield, Jim Lowery, Todd and Rebekah Mullins, Jeremy Enlow, Willis Glassgow, Chris Woods, Kellen Mock, Hutton Jones, Britt Bonneau, Brandon Stover, Shawna Lavender, Jason Copeland, Amber Weems, Cory Driskill, Jack Kiser, Roosevelt Lofton, Casey Wilson, Bobby Reeves, Mike Campbell, Lisa Murphy, Karen Warner, Roberta Bender, as well as others I know I'm forgetting.

So, hopefully (knock on wood), I'm ready for the second season in football, basketball season and an exciting upcoming spring season.  As we head into a season of Thanksgiving, I know for sure I've got plenty for which to be thankful.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Wildcats Fall 3-4 in Shootout

AUSTIN – In one of the most exciting games in the history of the ACU soccer program the Wildcats fell to St. Edward’s in penalty kicks 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at the St. Edward’s Soccer Field. After playing to a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation neither team scored in two overtime periods ending the Wildcats season.

Shootout

After 110 minutes of play netiher team could push past a 1-1 tie. Both teams take a short break and we will have a shootout. Both teams take penalty kicks with five players from either team taking one shot each as teams alternate kickers.

Overtime Rules

NCAA Rules: If neither team scores in the second OT period both teams move to a shootout.
In a shootout each team has five players to shoot as both teams alternate players. Team with highest total after all 10 players have shot wins.

OT #2

Where did all these shots come from? After nearly 30 minutes of action with neither team able to get a goal off both teams have had chances at a few goals although none have found the back of the net. ACU GK Elliott London has a couple saves while the Wildcats have missed high and wide on both chances. However neither team could get a goal in the first 10 min overtime. So we're headed to the second 10 minute overtime period.

From Missouri, Central Missouri has knocked off Truman, 3-0. A Wildcat win means they would travel to Warrensburg next weekend while a loss ends the Wildcats season.

OVERTIME

OVERTIME! At the end of regulation the Wildcats and Hilltoppers are tied 1-1. The Wildcats failed to notch a goal in the second period while the Hilltoppers only managed one. Overtime will be two 10 minute periods or a “golden goal” which the first team to score wins. Here we go!

Getting Physical

After a rough first half the Wildcats’ Ashley Holton has received a yellow card as St. Edward’s has controlled the ball more of the last few minutes of the half. 15 minutes left in the half ACU is trying to control the ball outside the box. Still 1-1 as a few 100 Wildcat fans have made the trip to Austin and made for a great atmosphere.
While we have a moment the Wildcats have received the No. 1 seed in the South Central Region in Football. Here are the rankings we’ll have more on those later:
1. ACU
2. Texas A&M-Kingsivlle
3. Northwest Missouri
4. Central Missouri
5. West Texas A&m
6. Missouri Western

ACU-St. Edward's

Still tied. Both teams scrambling as the sun has fadded behind the clouds and a light breeze has made the top of the hill on St. Edward's campus a litte chilly. With 24 minutes left in the second half both teams have had chances, but saves from both goalies have kept the game tied at 1-1.

ACU 1, St. Edward's 1 Half Stats

Shots: ACU 3, St. Ed's 9
Corner Kicks: ACU 1, St. Ed's 6
Saves: ACU 2, St. Ed's 1

Kelly Servage scores in 20th min her 12th goal of the season.
Andrea Carpetner scores 22nd goal of season in 39 min of match

Wildcats Tie Match


Andrea Carpenter does it again! Carpenter makes two moves to the left of the net to beat her defender for her 22nd goal of the season and tie the match 1-1 with 5 minutes left before the half.

ACU-St. Edward's

Kelly Servage gives the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute kicking a loose ball in the upper left corner of the net. Servage found the ball after a scrum in front of the net fell to her at the right of the net kicking it past London for the games’ first goal.

ACU-St. Edward's

The Hilltoppers have controlled the ball much of the first 10 minutes in the first half, but a great defensive effort has kept the match scoreless. A shot in the 32nd minute from Kelly Servage nearly went over goalkeeper Elliott London’s head, however London timed her jump perfectly for her first save. St. Edward’s holds a 6-0 shot advantage with five shots being blocked so far by the Wildcats and the one save from London.

ACU-St. Edward's

Under way! The Hilltoppers have the ball to open the game. ACU second ever playoff game today after a 5-0 win over Angelo State on Friday.
On the line: A bid to the NCAA third round and “Sweet 16”
Wildcats second ever NCAA playoff game

ACU-St. Edward's NCAA Second Round

Wildcats set for NCAA Second Round Tournament as player introductions are just beginning. A cool and slightly overcast afternoon in Austin as the sun is trying to sneak out behind the clouds on a cool afternoon. Keep watching the blog as the game gets under way in just over 5 minutes.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

ACU-SW Oklahoma Highlights

Passing: Mitchell Gale, 9 of 15 for 128 yards and 1 TD; Clark Harrell, 7 of 10 for 56 yards; and Harold Jackson, 1 of 1 for 61 yards and 1 TD
Rushing: Charcandrick West, 11 for 113 yards and 2 TDs; Daryl Richardson, 9 for 65 yards and 2 TDs; Josh Morgan, 10 for 41 yards; Mitchell Gale, 2 for 18 yards; and Austin Kessler, 2 for 8 yards; Clark Harrell, 1 for 2 yards
Receiving: Raymond Radway, 1 for 61 yards and 1 TD; Kendrick Johnson, 3 for 59 yards; Edmund Gates, 2 for 34 yards; Harold Jackson, 3 for 26 yards; Brandon Bowles-Delk, 4 for 24 yards; Austin Kessler, 2 for 21 yards, Justin Andrews, 1 for 16 yards; and Daryl Richardson, 1 for 4 yards
Defense: Nate Bailey, 11 tackles; Eric Edwards, 7 tackles and 1 sack; L.B. Suggs, 7 tackles; Bryson Lewis, 6 tackles and 1 sack; Ryan Smith, 6 tackles; Fred Thompson, 5 tackles and 3 sacks; and Darien Williams, 5 tackles
Score: ACU 47, SW Oklahoma 17
First Downs: ACU 22, SW Oklahoma 17
Rushing: ACU 36 for 247 yards; SW Oklahoma 38 for 108 yards
Passing: ACU 17 of 26 for 245 yards, 0 INT, 1 TD; SW Oklahoma 14 of 27 for 176 yards, 0 INT, 2 TDs
Total Yards: ACU 492, SW Oklahoma 284
Third Down Conversions: ACU 6 of 12, SW Oklahoma 3 of 14
Time of Possession: SW Oklahoma 30:01, ACU 29:59
Attendance: 7,873 (Shotwell Stadium)
Notes: ACU leading tackler Kevin Washington, a senior linebacker, rested this game after surgery to repair a broken forearm suffered in last week's win over West Texas A&M. Through 11 games, Mitchell Gale’s passing totals include 3,237 yards, 1 TD and only 2 interceptions. ACU defenders tackled Bulldog ball carriers for losses on 14 plays, and sacked SWOSU quarterbacks 5 times. Mark Sprague's only punt was a 70-yarder. Wildcat running backs averaged 6.9 yards per attempt. SWOSU's backs averaged 2.8 per rush. ACU averaged 7.9 yards per offensive play. The win gives ACU a first-round bye in the NCAA Division II playoffs, which begin next Saturday. If they keep winning, the Wildcats are assured a shot at hosting games – starting Nov. 27 – through the national quarterfinals. The Bulldogs also were ACU's opponent when it won its last national championship (1977 NAIA Division I title game in the Apple Bowl in Seattle, Wash.)

Final: ACU 47, SW Oklahoma 17

Morgan Lineberry kicked a 22-yard field goal with 14:17 left in the game to pad ACU's lead to 41-10.

Charcandrick West shook two tackles and sprinted 66 yards for a Wildcat TD with 8:55 left. The PAT was no good, but ACU's new lead grew to 47-10.

The Bulldogs closed the game's scoring on a 42-yard pass from Mike Van Deripe to Ryan Corbin wth 38 seconds remaining. ACU's lead was cut to 47-17, which was the final score.

ACU won its second outright LSC South Division championship in three years, and finished 11-0 for the regular season - a Wildcat football first.

End of Q3: ACU 38, SW Oklahoma 10

Southwestern Oklahoma scored its first TD of the game when Dustin Stenta completed a 9-yard pass to Ryan Corbin with 11:11 left in the third quarter. Colton Rainey's PAT cut ACU's lead to 35-10.

Senior QB Clark Harrell took over for Mitchell Gale on ACU's first drive of the quarter, leading ACU to another score when Morgan Lineberry kicked a 31-yard field goal at 6:53, making the new score 38-10.

End of Q2: ACU 35, SW Oklahoma 3

The Bulldogs got the scoreboard at 11:07 when Colton Rainey kicked a 28-yard field goal.

ACU broke out the trick play book on the first play of its next drive when Mitchell Gale lateraled to senior WR Harold Jackson, who threw a pass to a wide-open Raymond Radway for a 61-yard TD. Lineberry's PAT made the new score 28-3 with 10:51 left.

ACU's next drive resulted in another TD when freshman RB Charcandick West ran untouched up the middle for a 11 yards. Lineberry's PAT increased the Wildcat lead to 35-3 with 6 minutes left in the first half.

At the half, ACU led in first downs (12 to 9), total yards (301 to 122), passing yards (189 to 73), rushing yards (12 to 49) and third-down conversions (5 of 6 to 1 of 8). Wildcat defenders tackled Bulldog runners for losses 12 times, and sacked SWO quarterback Dustin Stenta four times. LBs Nate Baggs and Eric Edwards led ACU in tackles with 7 each, and LB Fred Thompson had three of ACU's four sacks.

Gale completed 9 of 15 passes for 128 yards and 1 TD. RB Daryl Richardson rushed 9 times for 69 yards and 2 TDs. Kendrick Johnson has caught three passes for 59 yards. Raymond Radway caught 1 pass for 61 yards and a TD.

ACU Soccer at NCAA Regional

AUSTIN – Fans can watch the Wildcats’ second round match of the NCAA Soccer Tournament against St. Edward’s Sunday in Austin via Hilltopper webstream.

St. Edward’s broadcast team will stream the second round match against the Wildcats through their website here. The pay-per view event charge is $5 from Stretch Internet.

ACU moved into the second round with their first ever playoff victory a 5-0 shutout of Angelo State on Friday. Andrea Carpenter scored two goals and Ashley Holton added a goal and an assist Friday afternoon in the Wildcat win.

Fans can also follow the action on acusports.blogspot.com and on the ACUSports Facebook page.

End of Q1: ACU 21, SW Oklahoma 0

ACU's first drive – 14 plays covering 72 yards – was capped when senior RB Daryl Richardson ran 2 yards up the middle for a TD. Morgan Lineberry's PAT put the Wildcats in the early lead, 7-0, with 8:54 left in the first quarter.

The Wildcats stopped the Bulldogs' first drive on downs at the ACU 47-yard line. Two plays later, sophomore QB Mitchell Gale found Justin Andrews over the middle with a pass, and the junior fullback ran in for a 16-yard TD. Lineberry's PAT made the score 14-0 with 5:06 remaining. The first play of the drive was a 37-yard pass from Gale to senior WR Kendrick Johnson.

After the Bulldogs went four-and-out on their next drive, ACU took eight plays to move 43 yards, with Richardson scoring again on a 25-yard run. Lineberry's PAT made the new score 21-0 with 1:08 on the clock.

ACU rolled up 178 yards of offense in the quarter, and held SWO to 50. Gale was 7 of 10 for 90 yards, and Richardson rushed nine times for 65 yards and two TDs.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

ACU-West Texas A&M Highlights

Passing: Mitchell Gale, 22 of 36 for 296 yards, 1 INT and 1 TD
Rushing: Daryl Richardson, 19 for 98 yards and 3 TDs; Darrell Cantu-Harkless, 13 for 82 yards; Taylor Gabriel, 1 for 23 yards; Mitchell Gale, 10 for 18 yards; Kendrick Johnson, 1 for 6 yards; and Edmund Gates, 1 for 4 yards
Receiving: Edmund Gates, 4 for 96 yards and 1 TD; Emery Dudensing, 4 for 25 yards; Daryl Richardson, 3 for 41 yards; Tony Gabriel, 3 for 20 yards; Ben Gibbs, 2 for 34 yards; Justin Andrews, 2 for 28 yards; Kendrick Johnson, 2 for 27 yards; Raymond Radway, 1 for 14 yards; and Darrell Cantu-Harkless, 1 for 1 yards
Defense: Kevin Washington, 9 tackles; Fred Thompson, 7 tackles and 1 sack; Darien Williams, 7 tackles; James Williams, 6 tackles and 3 interceptions; Donald Moore, 4 tackles and 1 sack; and Aston Whiteside, 2 tackles and 1 sack
Score: ACU 41, West Texas A&M 34
First Downs: West Texas A&M 30, ACU 27
Rushing: ACU 45 for 231 yards; West Texas A&M 21 for 38 yards
Passing: ACU 22 of 36 for 296 yards, 1 INT, 1 TD; West Texas A&M 39 of 60 for 446 yards 3 INTs, 4 TDs
Total Yards: ACU 527, West Texas A&M 484
Total Plays: ACU 81, West Texas A&M 81
Touchbacks: ACU 6, West Texas A&M 1
Third Down Conversions: ACU 8 of 16, West Texas A&M 10 of 17
Fourth Down Conversions: ACU 1 of 2, West Texas A&M 3 of 3
Time of Possession:
 ACU 33:30, West Texas A&M 26:30
Notes: Through 10 games, Mitchell Gale’s passing totals include 3,109 yards, 32 TDs and only 2 interceptions.  Just 2 of Spencer Covey's 8 kickoffs were returned; he leads the nation in touchbacks. ACU defenders tackled WT ball carriers for losses on 7 plays, and sacked Taylor Harris three times. Attendance was 13,827 in Kimbrough Stadium. The No. 2-ranked Wildcats clinched at least a tie for their second LSC South title in the last three years. ACU scored 21 of its 41 points in the decisive fourth quarter. What home field advantage? … the visiting team has won the last eight games in this regular-season series. ACU benefited from 4 WT turnovers: a fumble and 3 interceptions (DB James Williams had all three interceptions). WT receivers Tyson Williams (13 catches for 171 yards and 2 TDs) and Brittan Golden (8 catches for 126 yards and 2 TDs) had big nights; teammate Jay Tillman added 8 catches or 79 yards. ACU had three players with big all-purpose yardage performances: Daryl Richardson (139), Darrell Cantu-Harkless (122), Edmund Gates (100) and Caleb Withrow (98). For all the passing yardage Taylor Harris accumulated (39 of 60 for 446 yards), ACU's nationally ranked run defense shut down the ground game of the Buffs (21 carries for 38 yards). The teams' two head coaches have a 4-4 record against each other. Among ACU's 10 wins this season are 4 over nationally-ranked opponents. The last Wildcat football team to go 11-0 was the 1950 squad coached by Garvin Beauchamp, although their final win was a victory over Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, Minn.) in the Refrigerator Bowl in Evansville, Ind.

Final: ACU 41, West Texas A&M 34

Mitchell Gale threw a short pass to WR Edmund Gates, and the speedy senior sprinted 51 yards for a touchdown with just 10 seconds elapsed in the fourth quarter. Morgan Lineberry's PAT tied the score at 27-27.

WT moved back in front when Taylor Harris threw his fourth scoring pass of the game, an 11 yarder to Tyson Williams with 9:05 left in the quarter. Sergio Castillo's PAT put WT back on top, 34-27.

ACU's Daryl Richardson ran 7 yards off right tackle for a TD with 4:51 remaining, capping a 10-play, 67-yard drive. Lineberry's PAT tied the score at 34-all.

After a 32-yard punt return by Kendrick Johnson set up ACU at the WT 36 yard line, Richardson ran off right tackle, broke free of a jam at the line and sprinted in for a 23-yard TD with 1:00 left.   

The Wildcat defense held off a furious WT rally, breaking up a pass in the end zone as time expired.

ACU won, 41-34, clinching at least a tie for the LSC South Division championship for the second time in three years.

End of Q3: West Texas A&M 27, ACU 20

ACU QB Mitchell Gale engineered an impressive 10-play, 80-yard drive to open the second half. He ran for 30 yards on two quarterback-keepers, hit big first-down-generating plays to WRs Edmund Gates (12 yards) and Taylor Gabriel (14 yards), and FB Emery Dudensing (11 yards), then ran in the TD himself from 2 yards out with 10:29 remaining. Morgan Lineberry's PAT closed the WT lead to 14-13. 

The Buffs bounced back with a 6-play, 78-yard drive, capped by a 20-yard pass from Taylor Harris to Brittan Golden. ACU DB Darien Williams blocked WT's PAT kick, making the new score 20-13 with 7:41 left.

Gale threw just his second interception of the season at the 4:37 mark, but it was returned 76 yards for a touchdown by WT CB Caleb Randolph. Castillo's PAT increased the Buffs' lead to 27-13.

WT QB Harris fumbled on his 3-yard line with 2:20 left, and NG Mike Jones recovered at the Buffs' 2-yard line.  ACU RB Daryl Richardson ran the ball into the end zone on the next play, and Lineberry's PAT pulled ACU to within one touchdown, 27-20.

James Williams intercepted his third pass of the game with 2:05 left, giving ACU possession at its 39-yard line.

End of Q2: West Texas A&M 14, ACU 6

ACU continued its drive to begin the second quarter, advancing to the WT 3-yard line before the Buff defense rose to the occasion again. PK Morgan Lineberry kicked his second field goal of the game at 10:59, a 21-yarder, cutting WT's lead to 7-6.

WT's Sergio Castillo attempted a 40-yard field goal with 7:19 left, but missed.

The Buffs' Tyson Williams caught a 24-yard TD pass from Taylor Harris to cap a 9-play, 90-yard drive. The PAT by Castillo made the new score 14-6 with 1:33 left.

Statistically, WT led ACU in total yards (262 to 212), first downs (18 to 11) and passing yards (238 to 146). ACU had the advantage in possession time (15:18 to 14:42) and rushing yards (66 to 24). 

Mitchell Gale completed 12 of 20 passes for 146 yards. Daryl Richardson led ACU in rushing (7 carries for 32 yards) and receiving (3 catches for 41 yards). LB Kevin Washington had six tackles, and DB Darien Williams had 5.

ACU drove inside the WT 10-yard line four times in the half, but had only 6 points to show for it (two field goals).

End of Q1: West Texas A&M 7, ACU 3

WT struck on the game's opening drive when QB Taylor Harris threw a 25-yard TD pass over the middle to WR Brittan Golden. Sergio Castillo's PAT made the score 7-0 with 9:56 to play in the first quarter.

ACU stormed right back when DB Caleb Withrow returned the ensuing kickoff 77 yards to the WT 10-yard line. However, WT's defense stiffened, and ACU's QB Morgan Lineberry booted a 28-yard field goal at the 8:20 mark, cutting WT's lead to 7-3.

ACU DB James Williams intercepted a tipped pass at the WT 49-yard line and returned it to the 22 with 7:38 left in the quarter. ACU advanced as close as the Buffs' 1-yard line, but the WT defense stopped ACU RB Daryl Richardson on three straight runs near the goal line, taking over on downs. 

Williams intercepted another WT pass at the :35 mark when he caught a deep ball thrown by Taylor Harris and stepped out of bounds at the ACU 7-yard line. 

After one quarter of play, WT leads in total yards, 133-24. Mitchell Gale has completed 2 of 5 passes for 18 yards, and is under heavy pressure by the Buffs' defense.