MARSHALL, Texas - The Howard Payne University football team posts a season high for passing yards, but falls to East Texas Baptist University 54-28 Saturday night in American Southwest Conference play.

The Yellow Jackets recorded 396 yards of total offense, 279 passing versus East Texas Baptist. But it was the Tigers of ETBU that recorded 676 total yards, 366 passing on the night that was the difference in the game.

Though the Jackets dominated time of possession 42:58 to 17:02, ETBU used big plays to score early.

With ETBU leading 21-0, the Jackets got on the scoreboard with 21 seconds left in the first quarter on a Gage McClanahan seven yard run capping an eight play 44 yard drive.

After another ETBU touchdown, the Jackets answered this time on a four yard rush by Benjamin Green ending a 12 play 75 yard drive for HPU. The score now 28-14 ETBU.

After missing out on an opportunity to score right before the halftime break, the Jackets would give up an ETBU TD with just 21 second remaining in the first half, 35-14 ETBU at the half.

The Jackets scored first in the third quarter again on a Benjamin Green run, a one yard run ending a five play 32 yard drive after an ETBU muffed punt that the Jackets recovered.

Howard Payne then answered another ETBU touchdown now a Kaidrion Latson one yard run capping a 12 play 71 yard drive by the Jackets. ETBU added two more TDs to round out the 54-28 final.

Gage McClanahan was 23 of 38 passing for 279 yards. DunTayviun Gross caught eight passes for 71 yards, Tariq Gray had five catches for 70 yards. Kaidrion Latson had 28 carries for 69 yards and one TD.

Britt Boler led HPU with 11 tackles followed by Austin Killgore with seven, 1.5 for loss. The Jacket defense would force two fumbles with Anthony Lindsey forcing one and recovering two fumbles.

The Yellow Jackets are now 1-4 overall and 1-3 in ASC action. ETBU stands a 3-2 overall 3-1 in league play. The Jackets will play host to #2 Mary Hardin-Baylor next Saturday at Gordon Wood Stadium, it will be a1:00 pm kickoff.