Bearkats’ Playoff Run Comes To An End
Courtesy: Brandon K. Scott/SHSU Athletics
Southeastern Louisiana marched 85 yards downfield in 45 seconds to convert on a game-winning drive against Sam Houston State on Saturday.
The Lions defeated the Bearkats 30-29 to advance to the quarterfinal round against New Hampshire.
Sam Houston gave up an early 21-7 first quarter lead and trailed 24-21 at halftime.
The Kats, however, shut down Southeastern in the second half until the final two minutes of the game.
Southland Conference Player of the Year Bryan Bennett connected with for a one-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Smiley, which ultimately sealed the victory for Southeastern.
The Kats led 14-0 less than five minutes into the game, due to an 11-yard touchdown run by Torrance Williams and a pick-6 by De’Antrey Loche – his third of the season.
Then Southeastern came roaring back with touchdowns from Bennett, Rasheed Harrell, Marquis Fruge and a 25-yard field goal by Seth Sebastian.
The Bearkats recorded three rushing touchdowns, another on defense and a safety against Southeastern.
Sam Houston led 29-24 in the fourth quarter before Southeastern’s game-winning drive.
This was Sam Houston’s third straight trip to the FCS playoffs, with the previous two ending in losses in the championship game against North Dakota State.
Timothy Flanders ended the night with 21 carries for 82 yards rushing and a touchdown to lead the Bearkats offensively.