Jackets Fall In Season Finale

Eppler sets NCAA III record

HPU Sports Information

Box Score
BROWNWOOD, Texas – Howard Payne punter Josh Eppler sets an NCAA D-III punting record in a 47-6 loss to Texas Lutheran University Saturday afternoon at Gordon Wood Stadium.

Texas Lutheran totaled 562 yards (255 rushing) of total offense while holding the Yellow Jackets to just 199 (88 rushing) total yards in the game.

After a TLU touchdown four minutes into the first quarter, the Jackets put together a six play 69 yard drive that was ended by a Thomas Head 43 yard touchdown run. The drive took only 2:45 off the clock and with a blocked extra point brought the score to 7-6 TLU.

Thomas Head had 13 carries for 87 yards and the one TD. Head was also 13 of 26 passing for 100 yards and one interception.

Joshua Eppler 2012
Late in the second quarter, TLU backed the Jackets to their own eight yard line. In a fourth and long situation, HPU punter Josh Eppler would then send a booming kick 92 yards down the field into the TLU yard endzone. The 92 yard punt broke an NCAA III record that previously was 90 yards set in 2002.

Eppler finished with nine punts for 385 yards (42.8 average) and two touchbacks. He also had 11 tackles playing free safety for the Jackets.

TLU scored 23 addition points to led 30-6 at halftime. The Bulldogs would tack on 17 points in the second half to bring the score to its final 47-6.
HPU linebacker J.D. King led all tacklers with a game high 14, 8 unassisted.

The Yellow Jackets finish the season at 1-9 over and 1-6 in ASC play. Texas Lutheran finishes at 4-6 overall and 2-5 in conference play.

Thirteen HPU seniors were recognized before the game, DL Brake, John Williams, Tyson Swanner, Thomas Head, JD King, Karl Stewart, Josh Eppler, Jose Luna, Mike Melendez, Matt Melendez, Zach Herman, Keafer Clegg, and Mitchell Bailey.



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