SHERMAN, Texas – Howard Payne University's Caleb Estes threw for 318 yards and five touchdowns in a Yellow Jacket 48-34 season opening victory at Austin College Saturday afternoon.

In his debut as the starting quarterback for Howard Payne, Caleb Estes was 26 of 33 passing for 315 yards with five TDs. 266 yards and four TDs came in the first half on 21 of 25 passing.

Howard Payne racked up 524 yards of total offense, 206 on the ground and 218 in the air.

Billy Reagins led the HPU ground game with 78 yards on 14 carries followed by Kaidrion Latson with 70 yards on 19 attempts and one TD. Estes would also rush for 63 yards with one TD.

HPU's leading receiver was Thomas Williams with four catches for 96 yards and two TDs followed by Jordan Bryant with six catches for 70 yards and a TD. DunTayvion Gross had five for 64 yards and a TD. Jake Parker with two for 48 yards and a TD. Ten different receivers caught a pass in the game for the Jackets.

Austin Killgore led the HPU defense with nine tackles followed by Jake Brown with eight and a pass breakup. Corey Perkins had one interception and a pass breakup.

McGwire Martin had five punts for 179 yards and a long of 44 yards.

Howard Payne will be on the road next week in Abilene, Texas to take on McMurry University at 1:00 pm.