Box Score San Antonio - The Trinity football team scored 30 second-half points to defeat Sul Ross State University 33-6 in a non-conference game Saturday afternoon at the Trinity University Football Stadium.
Trinity improved to 2-1, while Sul Ross remained winless at 0-3. The Lobos had taken the past four matchups, including last year's 62-35 game in Alpine, Texas - the first time the two teams met since 1981. With the victory, Trinity took a 10-9 lead in the series record.
The Tigers Matthew Kennemer produced the only scoring play of Saturday's first half, connecting on a 28-yard field goal in the first quarter. That came after Sul Ross fumbled on its first play from scrimmage. Though Trinity couldn't get much yardage, the Tigers still got on the board first.
Following halftime, the Tigers outscored the Lobos 16-6 in the third quarter, taking command of the game with a 19-6 lead. After the game's first touchdown midway through the third quarter, Trinity's defense then came up with a blocked punt for a safety. Following a 40-yard return on the ensuing kickoff, the Tigers scored on the next play from scrimmage from 35 yards out.
Trinity added touchdowns on both offense and defense in the final quarter, finishing off the game's scoring.
Hagen Kattner snagged a pair of touchdown passes for the Tigers, including the first of the day for quarterback Stephen Smith in the third quarter. Smith was making his first career start for Trinity, and wound up with 273 yards passing and three scoring strikes.
Kattner finished with three receptions for 63 yards and the two scores. Matthew Kennemer also caught a third-quarter scoring strike, wrapping up the game with six catches for 101 yards. Cody Sandman added four receptions for 87 yards.
Trinity's defense forced four turnovers in the game, recorded a safety on the blocked punt, and returned an interception for a touchdown for the last points of the day. Though Sul Ross outgained Trinity 346-328 in total offense, the Tiger defense was toughest near the goal line - stopping two drives inside their own 10 yard line.
Defensively for the Tigers, Connor Yorloff led the game with 15 tackles, while Garrett Jennings finished with 10 stops to go with two pass breakups. Tomy Boboy had a blocked punt and a safety, and recorded one of two sacks on the day for the Tigers. Wyatt Tiffany also had a sack and four quarterback hurries.
Von'Darrick Jones had six tackles in the game, and returned his interception seven yards for a touchdown. Caleb Green and J.P. Sanchez also picked off passes.
Trinity continues its homestand by hosting Austin College at 1:00 p.m. next Saturday, though the game will not be a conference contest. The teams will play their SCAC game in Sherman, Texas, in the regular season finale, on November 16.