ALPINE, Texas – After a defensive battle in the first half, the Howard Payne University football team fell 42-8 to Sul Ross State University Saturday evening a Jackson Field.

The Yellow Jackets managed just 232 yards of total offense while Sul Ross State finished with 332 in the air and 424 total in the game.

Both teams play to a scoreless tie in the first quarter till Sul Ross was able to get two scores in the second quarter to gain a 14-0 advantage.

The Jackets would have an opportunity to score right before the half, but the Lobos came up with a fluke interception on the Sul Ross three yard line to keep the score 14-0 Lobos at the half.

In the third, a 35-yard reception by Willie Rangel-Alfaro down to the Sul Ross 15 yard line set up an eventual Caisson Montieth 17-yard touchdown throw to Eric Haverstock. The touchdown capped a five play 50-yard drive by the Jackets that was sparked by a great kick-off return by Kris Mack to the 50-yard line.

The Jackets went for two on the extra point and Austin Bauman found Caisson Montieth in the corner of the endzone to make the game 21-8 Sul Ross with 9:14 left in the third quarter.

The Jackets would be unable to add any additional scores in the game with Sul Ross claiming the game 42-8 in the end.

Caisson Montieth was 13 for 21 passing for 148 yards for the Jackets with one touchdown and one interception. Willie Rangel-Alfaro led the receiving crew with four catches for 58 yards, His best game as a Yellow Jacket. Montieth and Ezekiel Jordan each finished with 34 yards rushing for HPU.

HPU's Austin Killgore led all tacklers with 12, four solo. Douglas Irby and Jason Disney each had seven tackles.

Howard Payne is now 0-9 overall and 0-6 in American Southwest Conference play. Sul Ross State stands at 5-4 overall and 3-2 in league action. The Jackets will finish out the season at home next Saturday versus Belhaven University at 1:00 pm. It will be senior day for the Jackets as the two schools battle in their first ever meeting.