BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University football team could not hold off a strong second half push by Southwestern Assemblies of God University falling 21-27 Saturday evening.

After SAGU scored with just under seven minutes left in the first quarter, the Yellow Jackets scored 18 straight points to gain an, 18-7 lead at the half.

HPU answered SAGU's first TD with an 81-yard TD pass from Caisson Monthieth with 2:14 left in the first quarter. Justin Acosta would score on a swing pass from Monthieth to put HPU up five. Then an AJ Estes 94 yards interception return made the game 18-7 Jackets after HPU missed all three point after attempts.

SAGU had two rushing TDs and one passing in the second half to gain a 27-18 advantage with just under 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, A 33 yard Jason Disney field goal with 3:04 left in the game pulled the Jackets within six, 27-21.

 With under two minutes left in the game, the Jacket defense forced a fumble to give the HPU offense a chance to win. The HPU drive stalled and was not able to convert on a fourth and long ending the game at 27-21 SAGU.

Top performers for Howard Payne were Caisson Monthieth with 245 yards passing on 35 attempts with four interceptions and receiver Derrick Williams with five catches for 105 yards. Adrian Finley had four catches for 68 yards. 

Along with his field goal, Jason Disney led all tacklers with 15 tackles and three forced fumbles. JT Estes finished with 3.5 tackles and a 94 yard interception return for a touchdown.

JP Lowery accounted for three of the four SAGU touchdowns in the game. Lowery gained 101 yards on 16 carries. SAGU quartback CJ Collins had 299 yards and a touchdown.

Howard Payne will play at Austin College next week in Sherman, Texas. It will be an 12:00 noon.