Lamar's Aiden McCown and Parker Jenkins score six touchdowns to top Southland Conference
The Cardinals defeated second-ranked Stephen F. Austin 45-28 on Saturday, taking the lead in the Southland with a 17-0 first-half advantage.
By Natalia Costa ·
Forty-five points separated the final score in Beaumont, Texas, as the Lamar Cardinals defeated the second-ranked Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks on Saturday. The 45-28 victory allowed Lamar to move into first place in the Southland Conference standings.
Aiden McCown and Parker Jenkins each recorded three touchdowns, combining for six total scores for the Cardinals. McCown passed for 307 yards, while Jenkins carried the ball for 138 yards. Blake Thomas added 120 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.
The Cardinals established a 17-0 lead before halftime. Andres Sandoval kicked a 27-yard field goal near the midpoint of the first quarter. McCown then completed a 7-yard pass to Davin Driskell with 2:03 remaining in the first quarter, ending a 9-play, 65-yard drive. Jenkins finished the half with a 3-yard run after a 9-play, 60-yard sequence.
Stephen F. Austin responded late in the first half. Gavin Rutherford threw for 315 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions for the Lumberjacks. His 22-yard pass to Clayton Wayland with 25 seconds before halftime marked the Lumberjacks' first score. Wayland also had 173 receiving yards, while Bugs Mortimer added 124 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Lamar enters the game ranked 13th in the Stats Perform FCS Poll, holding a record of 8-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play. Stephen F. Austin entered the contest ranked second in the same poll with a 9-1 overall record and 6-1 in conference play.
Lamar will host East Texas A&M on Saturday. Stephen F. Austin will play at UT Rio Grande Valley on the same day.
