New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston Short Report | Sep 21, 2024
Elliot T. Bowers Stadium
Huntsville, TX
Sep 21, 2024
Upload a photo of you at this game and we'll create a commemorative ticket of it.
Game Recap
The Sam Houston Bearkats opened their Conference USA campaign with a commanding 31-11 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies. The Bearkats seized control early and never relinquished it, thanks to a dynamic performance by quarterback Hunter Watson, who rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns. The Aggies scored first via a 32-yard field goal by Abraham Montano, but Watson's 46-yard touchdown run on the ensuing drive shifted the momentum decisively.
Defensive back Isaiah Cash provided a significant boost by intercepting a Santino Marucci pass, setting up Jay Ducker's 1-yard touchdown run to extend the lead. Watson's 8-yard touchdown run in the second quarter pushed the halftime score to 21-3. Backup quarterback Jase Bauer connected with Simeon Evans for a 20-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Christian Pavon capped the scoring with a 46-yard field goal. Despite a valiant late-game effort by Marucci, who threw a touchdown pass and a successful 2-point conversion, the Aggies could not overcome their offensive struggles and the dominance of the Bearkats' defense.
Key Plays:
Abraham Montaño (New Mexico State Aggies)
Kicked a 32-yard field goal to give the Aggies an early lead. This would be the only bright spot for the Aggies' offense until late in the game.
Hunter Watson (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Rushed for a 46-yard touchdown four plays after the Aggies' field goal. This electrifying run changed the momentum and gave the Bearkats a lead they would never relinquish.
Jay Ducker (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Rushed for a 1-yard touchdown at the end of the first quarter, giving the Bearkats a 14-3 lead. This was set up by Isaiah Cash's interception return to the Aggies' 35-yard line.
Hunter Watson (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Rushed for an 8-yard touchdown after a grueling 17-play drive consuming over 8 minutes. This made the score 21-3 and demoralized the Aggies' defense.
Jase Bauer (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Passed to Simeon Evans for a 20-yard touchdown. This play effectively sealed the game for the Bearkats, making it 28-3.
Santino Marucci (New Mexico State Aggies)
Passed to Jerry Lydiatt for a 3-yard touchdown, then followed up with a 2-point conversion pass to Seth McGowan. This made the score 28-11, showing a late but futile effort by the Aggies.
Christian Pavon (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Kicked a 46-yard field goal, adding the final points to secure a 31-11 victory.
Isaiah Cash (Sam Houston Bearkats)
Intercepted a Santino Marucci pass and returned it 22 yards to set up Jay Ducker's 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Bearkats a 14-3 lead.
Standout Players:
Hunter Watson (Sam Houston Bearkats, QB)
Rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns, including a pivotal 46-yard run that shifted the game's momentum early. Additionally, Watson completed 9 of 21 passes for 64 yards, contributing to the Bearkats' overall dominance.
Jay Ducker (Sam Houston Bearkats, RB)
Rushed for a 1-yard touchdown and played a crucial role in short-yardage situations, helping to maintain the Bearkats' offensive momentum throughout the game.
Jase Bauer (Sam Houston Bearkats, QB)
Completed 3 of 5 passes for 38 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Simeon Evans. Bauer's performance in the fourth quarter helped seal the victory for the Bearkats.
Isaiah Cash (Sam Houston Bearkats, DB)
Intercepted a pass and returned it 22 yards, setting up a crucial touchdown. Also recorded three solo tackles, significantly contributing to the Bearkats' defensive strength.
Santino Marucci (New Mexico State Aggies, QB)
Made his first start of the season, completing 14 of 29 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Despite struggling early, Marucci showed resilience, finishing with a late-game touchdown pass and successful 2-point conversion.
Christian Pavon (Sam Houston Bearkats, K)
Kicked a 46-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter, adding the final points and securing the Bearkats' victory.
Team
1
2
3
4
T
New Mexico State Aggies
3
0
0
8
11
Sam Houston Bearkats
14
7
0
10
31
