SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - No. 14/18 Tiger Football comes back to San Antonio for their first Southern Athletic Association (SAA) game of the season. 

The Tigers (3-0) are coming off a bye week after a dominant 45-8 road win at Pacific Lutheran. Jaden Powell (Denton, Texas / Guyer) delivered a career performance with three interceptions and 67 return yards. He became just the ninth player in Trinity history to record three picks in a single game, and the first since Kenny Brunette accomplished the feat against Centre (Ky.) in 2001. On offense, Tyson Hancock (Smithville, Texas / Smithville) was the go-to target, hauling in a career-high nine receptions for 107 yards. It marked his second career 100-yard game and the first such outing by a Tiger this season.

Nationally, Trinity ranks among the best in several statistical categories. The Tigers are second in time of possession (36:38), fourth in red zone defense (0.400), fifth in first down defense (34), sixth in team passing efficiency defense (73.67), and seventh in both scoring defense (7.3) and total defense (185.7).

AFCA Poll - Tigers to 14

In the latest American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) national poll, the Tigers are ranked No. 14. North Central holds the top spot, followed by Mount Union at No. 2. Johns Hopkins, St. John's, and UW-La Crosse round out the top five. Regional rival Hardin-Simmons is ranked seventh, while UMHB sits at No. 22. Berry and Maryville also received votes.

D3football.com Poll - Tigers at 18

In the latest D3football.com national poll, the Tigers are ranked No. 18. The top five teams remain unchanged, with North Central holding the No. 1 spot. Hardin-Simmons sits at No. 10, while UMHB comes in at No. 21. Berry and Maryville are also receiving votes in the poll.

SAA Special Teams Player of the Week - Hayden Rhoades

For the first time this season, sophomore Hayden Rhoades (Grapevine, Texas / Grapevine) has been selected as the SAA Special Teams Player of the Week.

From the SAA Press Release:

Rhoades scored nine total points to lead Trinity to a 45-8 road win over Pacific Lutheran University last weekend, completing the team's non-conference schedule with a 3-0 record. Rhoades went 6-for-6 on PATs and kicked a career-long 48-yard field goal that is tied for the fourth-longest in school history. Rhoades is 16-for-16 so far this season on extra points and has also hit 2-for-3 field goals - connecting for 47 and 48 yards on his two successful attempts.
 
SAA Defensive Player of the Week - Jaden Powell
 
For the first time in his career, Jaden Powell has been selected as the SAA Defensive Player of the Week. 
 
From the SAA Press Release:
 
Powell led Trinity's defense to another dominating performance in a 45-8 road win over Pacific Lutheran University last weekend, finishing off the team's non-conference schedule. Powell recorded a career-high three interceptions and 67 return yards to go with two tackles, becoming Trinity's first player with three interceptions since 2001. Powell and the Tiger defense allowed just 201 yards of total offense that included just 49 yards rushing. His first interception came at his own five-yard line and his 95-yard return for a touchdown was called back to near midfield due to a penalty during that return.
 
Preview - Home Again
 
The Tigers will be back at Trinity Multi-Purpose Stadium against the Southwestern University Pirates on Saturday, October 4th with a 1:00 PM kickoff. 
 
On the Southwestern Pirates: So far this season, the Southwestern Pirates are 2-1. They opened with back-to-back wins over McMurry (27-19) and Puget Sound (51-43) before falling in a close 38-35 contest against Texas Lutheran.
Southwestern runs a two-quarterback system. Junior Jacob Smith has gone 22-for-34 on the year, throwing for 422 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He shined against Texas Lutheran, passing for 380 yards and three scores while also rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Jaxon Sims has also been effective, completing 18-of-29 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns.

In the backfield, junior Tycen Williams leads the rushing attack with 291 yards on 49 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. The passing game is anchored by junior Graydon Thompson, who has 434 yards on 19 receptions and has surpassed 100 yards receiving in every game this season.

Defensively, the Pirates are led by standout defensive backs. Junior safety JP Reyes paces the team with 24 total tackles, while senior cornerback DJ James ranks second nationally with six pass breakups. On the line, Chuks Ikwuemesi has been a disruptive force with 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss.

Special teams are handled by junior Chase Lanham, who serves as punter, placekicker, and kickoff specialist. He has placed five punts inside the 20-yard line and recorded five punts of 50+ yards, including a 74-yarder. He is 3-for-6 on field goals, including 2-for-3 from inside 39 yards, and averages 60.4 yards per kickoff with four touchbacks.

Last season, Trinity dominated Southwestern 34-7 for their second straight win in the series. The Pirates' last victory came in 2016, a 20-7 decision. Overall, Trinity holds the upper hand in the rivalry with a 17-12-2 record.

Looking Ahead

The Tigers will hit the road for another big test against Berry College on Saturday, October 11th.