BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University football dropped its first game of the season 24-10 to Belhaven University Saturday afternoon at Gordon Wood Stadium. The Yellow Jackets are now 6-1 overall and 5-1 in American Southwest Conference action.

Howard Payne defensive lineman, Aaron Alderete, had a career game recording a game high 16 total tackles, nine solo and Otis Lanier shined on the offensive side with five catches for 104 yards for the Yellow Jackets.

Despite the Howard Payne offense being held to just 276 total yards, the Yellow Jackets had opportunities down the stretch to claim the lead.

With Belhaven leading 17-0, HPU's Blake Phipps got the Jackets on the scoreboard connecting on a 25-yard field goal midway through the third quarter.

HPU's Selah Smith caught a 45-yard TD pass from Landon McKinney with 14:46 left in the fourth quarter to pull the Jackets to within a touchdown 17-10. The Blazers would then score on their next possession to make it a two score game.

HPU Landon McKinney was 16 of 29 passing for 212 yards, and one touchdown while rushing for 49 yards on 10 attempts.

Following Alderete's 16 tackles was HPU's Kyle Bell with 10 tackles. Jame Jakubowski, Dai'shawn Fisher, and Carson Padilla each added eight tackles for the Jackets. Jakubowski and Peyton Lowe each recorded a sack for HPU.

Howard Payne is now 6-1 overall and 5-1 in conference. Belhaven improves to 5-2 overall and 4-2 in league play. The Yellow Jackets will be back at home next Saturday taking on Hardin-Simmons University at 1:00 pm.