By: Dave Parks, Intern
ABILENE, Texas – The McNeese State Cowboys held on for a hard-fought 15-13 win over Abilene Christian on Halloween and improved to 8-0 on the year. The Cowboys are now #7 overall in the rankings.
The defense once again made plays when called upon and helped secure the victory for the Cowboys. In the first quarter, McNeese kicked a field goal to lead 3-0. The Wildcats scored the game’s first touchdown early in the second, with a pass from freshman Dallas Sealey to give them the 6-3 advantage. McNeese later added another field goal to tie it up right before the half.
In the third quarter McNeese quickly scored on a Daniel Sams touchdown run. They also tacked on a field goal to extend their lead to 15-6 in the fourth quarter. They Wildcats quickly answered with another Sealey touchdown pass, but the Cowboys defense held tough and the Wildcats were unable to score again, giving McNeese the 15-13 win.
Sams passed for 138 yards and ran for 58 with a touchdown. Ross led the Cowboys in rushing with 17 carries for 99 yards. Kent Shelby had five receptions to lead the team and Tavarious Battiste had 53 yards receiving.
On the defensive side, Ashari Goins led the way with six tackles and a sack. Jammerio Gross also had a sack with Gabe Hamner had five tackles and an interception.
The Cowboys will host Sam Houston State next Saturday for a big conference matchup. The game’s kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of McNeese State Athletics