The Texas A&M University-Commerce football team (5-5, 5-0) beat Southwestern Oklahoma State University (1-10, 1-4) 15-12 to clinch the Lone Star Conference North Division title. The victory, which was the Lions’ fifth in their last six games, pushed A&M-Commerce to 5-0 in North Division play. The title was the Lions first since 1990, but the win was hardly a convincing one. Head coach Guy Morriss’ squad had to come back from a 12-7 fourth quarter deficit to beat the last-place Bulldogs.
After Southwestern scored two field goals to take a 6-0 lead, running back Marcus Graham scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Southwestern retaliated with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Steve Day to John Haggerty, but missed the two-point conversion.
A&M-Commerce took the lead 15-12 after a one-yard touchdown plunge on fourth down by quarterback Adam Farkes and a successful two-point conversion. Southwestern took the ball to the Lions 25-yard line on the ensuing possession, only to be stopped by defensive lineman Andreé Smith’s fumble recovery.
Marcus Graham was effective for his second straight game in the row, recording 90 yards and a score on 26 carries. Adam Farkes threw for 206 yards, completing a game-high 5 passes to converted wide receiver Reid Herchenbach, but it was the Lions defensive play yet again that led to a win.
Led by star Cory Whitfield’s 14 tackles, the Lions held Southwestern to 270 yards of total offense, blocked a field goal and forced four turnovers. Defensive lineman Anthony DeGrate sacked Southwestern quarterback Steve Day three and half times and defensive lineman William Green sacked him twice. The effort was enough to put the Lions on top, despite their two turnovers on offense.