Senior Day Pic
HPU Sports Information
65
Winner Mary Hardin-Baylor UMH 7-3 , 5-1
9
Howard Payne HPU 4-6 , 2-4
Winner
Mary Hardin-Baylor UMH
7-3 , 5-1
65
Final
9
Howard Payne HPU
4-6 , 2-4
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
UMH Mary Hardin-Baylor 13 14 24 14 65
HPU Howard Payne 6 3 0 0 9

Game Recap: Football |

Jackets Close Season With Heart as Senior Class Takes Final Bow

The Future Is Bright Because of Them: HPU Says Thank You to Its Seniors

Jackets Honor Senior Class in Emotional Senior Day Finale
Brownwood, Texas — On a warm afternoon inside Gordon Wood Stadium, the final score told one story — but Senior Day told a much deeper one. Howard Payne Football closed out the season by celebrating a remarkable group of seniors whose impact has stretched far beyond the win–loss column. Though the Jackets fell on the field, the day was defined by gratitude, brotherhood, and a final chance to honor those who poured years of effort, leadership, and heart into the program.

Before kickoff, HPU recognized the 2025 senior class: Cade Rochinski, Behnjamin "Behn" Marin, Milam Mayfield, Derrick Christopher Lewis II, Justin Kay, Ryan Gonzales, Derik Jackson Jr., KD Bookman, Jesus Mendoza, Kadarius "KD" Carr, Adan Aleman, Kahliq Paulette, and Dominik Reed. Each player took the field surrounded by teammates, coaches, family, and fans — a moment that symbolized the countless hours of practice, film study, workouts, and sacrifice that have shaped their journeys.

Even in a tough game, the Jackets continued to fight, leaning on the resilience these seniors helped build. Their leadership could be seen in every huddle, every encouraging word to younger teammates, and every snap taken with pride. For many, it was the last time lacing up in the Blue and Gold, but not the end of their connection to Howard Payne.

This class has weathered ups and downs, big wins, long road trips, early mornings, and late nights. They have been role models in the locker room, voices of calm in adversity, and examples of what it means to be committed to something larger than yourself. Their presence has elevated the standard for the teams that will follow.

Head Coach Coby Gipson emphasized the significance of this group, sharing how much they've meant to the culture and direction of the program.
"The scoreboard never tells the whole story of what these young men have poured into Howard Payne University. This senior class showed up every day with heart, toughness, and a commitment to each other that can't be measured in wins and losses. They've helped build the foundation for where this program is headed, and because of them, the future is bright. Once a Jacket, always a Jacket — that's a family bond that doesn't fade."

As the clock wound down, the emotions were clear — hugs on the sideline, long looks at the field, and a final walk to the locker room where their college football story began. And while the scoreboard didn't favor the Jackets, Senior Day reminded everyone what truly endures.

To Cade, Behn, Milam, Derrick, Justin, Ryan, Derik, KD Bookman, KD Carr, Jesus, Adan, Kahliq, and Dominik — thank you. Thank you for the leadership, the passion, the countless hours given, the memories created, and the legacy left behind. The future of Howard Payne Football is brighter because of you.
 
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