Box Score BROWNWOOD, Texas – Behind a balanced offensive attack and a standout performance from running back Blessing Ngene, the Howard Payne University Yellow Jackets earned a 36–18 victory over East Texas Baptist University on Saturday afternoon at Gordon Wood Stadium. The win came in front of a spirited Homecoming crowd of 1,889 fans.

Ngene powered the HPU ground game with 113 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries, helping the Jackets improve to 3–3 overall and 1–1 in American Southwest Conference play. Quarterback Bryce Still completed 8-of-12 passes for 144 yards, including a 65-yard strike to Ellis Myers for the game's opening touchdown less than two minutes into play.

HPU's defense set the tone early, forcing a turnover on downs on ETBU's first drive and limiting the Tigers to just 30 rushing yards for the game. Senior linebacker Cade Rochinski led the defensive effort with six tackles and two sacks, while KD Bookman added an interception and a pass breakup.

Kicker Osvaldo Gomez was perfect on the day, converting all three field goal attempts (34, 40, and 20 yards) and going 3-for-4 on extra points, providing key points that kept momentum in HPU's favor.

The Yellow Jackets led 23–3 at halftime and maintained control throughout, responding to both ETBU touchdowns with scoring drives of their own in the second half.

"I'm proud of how hard our guys battled today," said HPU Head Coach Coby Gipson. "They played with great effort and focus from start to finish, and we fed off an incredible Homecoming crowd. The energy in Gordon Wood Stadium was special, and it made a difference for our players."

Howard Payne finished with 384 yards of total offense, including 203 on the ground and 181 through the air, while holding ETBU to 312 total yards.