FOREST GROVE, Oregon – The Howard Payne University football team opened the 2026 football season in impressive fashion Friday night, shutting out Pacific University (OR) 49-0 at Hanson Stadium.
The Yellow Jackets controlled the game from the opening possession, scoring just three offensive snaps into the contest after sophomore quarterback Bryce Still connected with Deuce Martin for a 56-yard touchdown pass. After the successful two-point conversion, Howard Payne did not look back.
The Jackets built a 15-0 lead by the end of the first quarter after Blessing Ngene capped a lengthy scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Howard Payne continued to pull away in the second quarter. Kicker Osvaldo Gomez knocked through a pair of 21-yard field goals before Still found Chance Hehman for a 17-yard touchdown strike with 13 seconds remaining in the half. The Jackets entered the halftime break with a 28-0 advantage.
The offense remained efficient to start the third quarter. Western Oregon transfer Michael Phillips scored on a 3-yard run midway through the third quarter, and Still added his third touchdown pass of the night on a 28-yard connection with Jalen Thomas as Howard Payne stretched the lead to 42-0. Kaleb Tate capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Still was sharp in his season debut, completing 16-of-23 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Martin led all receivers with 131 yards on four receptions, including the game's opening touchdown.
Ngene paced the rushing attack with 14 carries for 106 yards as Howard Payne amassed 522 yards of total offense and recorded 24 first downs.
The Yellow Jacket defense proved equally dominant, limiting Pacific to 151 total yards while forcing a turnover and registering three sacks. Ryan Campbell recorded an interception in the fourth quarter, while the defense held the Boxers scoreless on both of their red-zone opportunities.
Armani Franklin led Howard Payne with seven tackles, and Trey Keith and Jadin Jackson added six tackles each.
Up Next
Howard Payne football returns to Brownwood for their home opener at Gordon Wood Stadium Saturday, September 12, to take on Clutch City Prep. Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m. Central Time.
