ABILENE, Texas - The Howard Payne University football put up 640 yards of total offense in a 56-37 conference victory over the McMurry University War Hawks Saturday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets start the season 2-0 overall and 1-0 in American Southwest Conference action.

For the second week in a row, Howard Payne quarterback Caleb Estes threw for five touchdowns, this time it was on 26 of 31 passing for 388 yards and no interceptions. While throwing to eight different receivers, he would rush for 10 yards and one touchdown.

Estes' favorite target this week was DunTayvion Gross who caught seven passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Gross' longest reception would be 61 yards and he also returned one punt and one kickoff to total 161 all-purpose yards. 

Receiver Thomas Williams had another solid outing for the Jackets grabbing five passes for 111 yards and one TD. Jordan Bryant caught four passes for 75 yards and a TD and Eric Haverstock would also haul in four passes and one TD.

The Yellow Jackets rushed for 252 yards as a team led by Billy Reagins with 114 yards on 12 carries and one TD. Cameron Keener had 86 yards on nine carries and one TD.

Despite allowing 37 points in the game, the Jacket defense was strong against the run holding McMurry to just 91 yards on the ground. 

Britt Boler led HPU with 10 tackles, three solo. Zeno Barnum followed with seven tackles, three solo and three pass breakups. Austin Killgore had seven tackles, one pass breakup and two QB hurries. Conner Day and Corey Perkins each recorded a sack.

McGwire Martin had seven punts for 236 yards (33.7) three inside the 20-yard line and a long of 60 yards.

Howard Payne is now 2-0 overall and 1-0 in American Southwest Conference action. McMurry stands at 0-2 overall and 0-1 in league play. The Jackets will have their home opener next Saturday against nationally ranked Hardin-Simmons University at Gordon Wood Stadium, It will be a 1:00 pm kick-off.