Box Score

Allendale, Mich. - The Southwest Baptist University football team gave all #24 Grand Valley State could handle, but the Bearcats fell in the contest 36-28 after rattling off 21 straight second half points in a strong comeback attempt.

Grand Valley State jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game, but the Bearcats promptly responded on the next drive. Utilizing short passes and a 34 yard rush by Bubba Jenkins, the Bearcats were set up on the GVSU four yardline where Jenkins ran in his first score of the year to tie the contest up at 7-7 after the first quarter of play. In the second quarter GVSU put up 22 points on the Bearcats, taking advantage of special teams miscues and a safety, as SBU went into the break trailing 29-7.

In the second half GVSU once again struck first, taking a 36-7 lead, before the SBU defense buckled down and the offense found their rhythm. With Grand Valley State deep within SBU territory, Shaun Hutchinson forced a GVSU fumble, which was recovered by Nate Hatcher, and gave the ball back to the Bearcat offense. After a couple of solid runs from Bubba Jenkins and Trent Edwards II, Edwards II hit Kendrick Payne with an 11 yard pass, followed by a 55 yard touchdown pass to put SBU back on the scoreboard as they trailed 36-14.

On the following Grand Valley State possession, Antion McBee picked off the pass and returned it all the way to the GVSU 9 yardline. However, a defensive stand by GVSU at their own 1 yardline would prevent the Bearcats from finding the endzone. Heading into the fourth quarter, Edwards II once again found Payne in the back of the endzone, this time on an 18 yard completion, to cut the GVSU lead to 36-21. After a three-and-out from Grand Valley State, the Bearcats struck once again. Edwards II hit Payne with a 21 yard pass, Ivan Lofton with an 17 yard pass, and Nathan Mourik with a 19 yard pass capped off by an Edwards II 6 yard rushing touchdown to pull SBU within one score at 36-28.

The SBU defense had another strong stand against a potent GVSU offensive attack, giving the ball back to the offense, but the Bearcats were unable to score again as the Bearcats comeback came up just short in the 36-28 loss.

Playing primarily in the second half, SBU quarterback Trent Edwards II threw for 239 yards with a pair of touchdowns to go along with 52 rushing yards and a score. Kendrick Payne hauled in a team high 8 receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns, while on the ground Bubba Jenkins had 15 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown. The Bearcats had turnovers forced by Shaun Hutchinson, Antion McBee, and Brycen Gagnon, while Darryl Battles recorded a team high 9 tackles and Victor Clavier had a team high 3.0 tackles for a loss.

The Bearcats will return home on Saturday, September 12 for the SBU home opener against Friends University. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. from Plaster Stadium in Bolivar.