SFA Holds Off Incarnate Word, 28–26, to Remain Unbeaten
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin survived its closest test of the season Saturday, holding off Incarnate Word 28–26 after a back-and-forth second half at Homer Bryce Stadium.
The Lumberjacks improved to 6–0 after a game that remained unsettled until the final seconds.
SFA struck quickly. Gavin Rutherford connected with Jaylen Jenkins for a 45-yard touchdown less than 90 seconds into the game, and Kitan J’T added a 2-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter to give the Lumberjacks a 14–3 advantage.
Incarnate Word steadily worked its way back.
After two Nick Rigas field goals, UIW quarterback Emmett Brown connected with Isaiah Champagne for a 10-yard touchdown with 5:44 remaining in the second quarter, cutting SFA’s advantage to 14–13 at halftime.
The Cardinals carried that momentum into the third quarter. David Rasor’s 1-yard touchdown run capped a 10-play, 70-yard drive and put UIW ahead 20–14.
SFA’s response came quickly.
Rutherford directed a three-play, 56-yard possession that took just 41 seconds, finishing it with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Preston Alford. The extra point restored the Lumberjacks’ lead at 21–20 with 4:07 remaining in the third quarter.
SFA extended the margin on its next possession, driving 82 yards in seven plays. Rutherford found Clayton Wayland for an 8-yard touchdown just five seconds into the fourth quarter, giving the Lumberjacks a 28–20 advantage.
The eight-point margin proved just enough.
SFA had opportunities to create separation but came away empty on three field-goal attempts, leaving Incarnate Word within striking distance throughout the fourth quarter.
UIW took advantage of one final opportunity.
Beginning at its own 25 with 48 seconds remaining, the Cardinals moved 75 yards in four plays. Brown connected with Jacob Emmers for a 53-yard touchdown with 22 seconds left, cutting SFA’s lead to 28–26.
The late score provided one final moment of tension, but the Lumberjacks preserved the two-point advantage and escaped with their sixth victory of the season.
Rutherford finished with 291 passing yards and three touchdowns. Clayton Wayland led SFA with 104 receiving yards, while Speedy Jones paced the Lumberjacks on the ground with 70 yards.
Incarnate Word generated much of its offense through the air, with Brown throwing for 372 yards as the Cardinals repeatedly challenged an SFA team that had opened the season with five consecutive victories.
The game began under muggy early-evening conditions following the 5 p.m. kickoff, with skies beginning to clear late in the first half.
For SFA, the narrow victory keeps an unbeaten season intact after a considerably different challenge than many of its earlier wins. The Lumberjacks had to surrender a lead, regain it and then protect it through the final seconds.
SFA will have a bye next week before traveling to Thibodaux, Louisiana, to face Nicholls on Oct. 17.
