ABILENE, Texas – Bryce Still threw for 380 yards and five touchdowns, including three scoring passes to Chance Hehman, but Howard Payne came up short in a 52-39 loss to McMurry in an American Southwest Conference matchup Saturday at Wilford Moore Stadium.

The Yellow Jackets piled up 546 yards of total offense and 27 first downs, with Still completing 25-of-36 passes without an interception. Hehman hauled in eight receptions for 97 yards and three touchdowns, while Deuce Martin posted a game-high 156 receiving yards on nine catches.

Howard Payne struck first on a 23-yard touchdown pass from Still to Hehman, but McMurry answered and carried a 24-21 advantage into halftime despite two first-half touchdown connections between the Yellow Jacket duo.

Trailing by 16 late in the third quarter, the Yellow Jackets continued to battle behind their explosive passing attack. Still connected with JD Mays, Ellis Myers and Hehman for fourth-quarter touchdowns as Howard Payne scored 18 points in the final period.

Blessing Ngene recorded his fifth 100-yard rushing performance of the season, carrying the ball 23 times for 100 yards and a touchdown. He also added a 17-yard reception as Howard Payne balanced its offense with 166 rushing yards and 380 passing yards.

Defensively, Hezekiah Parker led the Yellow Jackets with 11 tackles, while Antonio Ross intercepted a third-quarter pass. Elijah Flowers-Goodloe recorded a sack and blocked an extra point attempt, and Cameron Hall added a sack of his own.

McMurry countered with 490 total yards and capitalized on key defensive stops, including a turnover on downs at the 2-yard line late in the fourth quarter. Carson Roper accounted for four touchdowns, throwing for 295 yards and two scores while rushing for 75 yards and two more touchdowns.

Despite the setback, Howard Payne's offense continued its strong season-long production, generating 39 points and more than 500 yards for the second consecutive week as the Yellow Jackets fought until the final minute.

UP NEXT: The Yellow Jackets will conclude the 2026 football season with one final match up at Gordon Wood Stadium, where they will welcome East Texas Baptist University of Saturday, November 14. Kick off is currently set for 1:00 p.m. Central Time.