Odessa, TX.- The SBU Football team began their season today as they took on University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB). These two teams met last season in Bolivar, where the Falcons pulled out a small win over SBU. The Bearcats returned the favor and handled them in spectacular fashion today winning the game 41-17. SBU moves to 1-0 on the season.
 
"We knew it was going to be a tough test for our program. Long road trip versus a great football team." Head Coach Robert Clardy said, "Offensive line came out and established the run early and helped us balance offensively. Abel ran the ball like a monster and set the tone for us early."
 
The Bearcats came out of the tunnel ready to play scoring on the first drive of the game, finishing with an Abel Carter 2-yard touchdown run. Carter finished the game with 175 total rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. SBU ran for a total of 249 yards and passed for 213 recording 462 total offense on the game.
 
On the other end of the ball, the defense allowed the Falcons to kick a field goal on their first drive of the game. That was the only shining moment for the Falcons offense until 30 seconds into the 4^th quarter where they scored their first points in over 38 minutes. They held UTPB to only 181 total yards of offense causing them to punt seven times.
 
"Defense played lights out tonight!" Clardy said, "Held them to under 100 yards in the first half and were flying around making plays all over the field. You could tell they were very confident in their play and trusting the coaches."
 
With this win Coach Clardy earned his 28^th win as the Head Football Coach at SBU moving him to #1 on the SBU All-Time Wins list. After being a star quarterback for the Bearcats in his college days with his name all over the record list, he now moves further into history as a coach in the Bearcat program.
 
"What a way to start the season. It's been a heck of a ride at SBU. I've been so blessed to play and coach with so many great young men. This record is a family accomplishment, and the credit belongs to all those men. Couldn't be happier with the way our team played tonight."
 
The Bearcats will return home next weekend as they take on University of West Florida. The game will take place at Plaster Stadium and kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Saturday September 10^th.