Football | 11/10/2019 12:34:00 PM
GOODWELL, Okla. – On a day when the Oklahoma Panhandle State University community paid tribute to local first responders at its "Guns & Hoses" event, the football team saw its defense respond to Southwestern Assemblies of God University by pitching a 35-0 shutout at Anchor D Stadium. Before a crowd of 1,736 fans, the Aggies (3-6, 3-4 SAC) allowed just 270 offensive yards to the Lions.
(For the record, the Goodwell Police Department won the "Guns & Hoses" competition for the third-consecutive year. Chief Wes Gray accepted the perpetual trophy for his department in halftime ceremonies).
From the moment the game ball was helicoptered in by Apollo Med Flight until the final horn, OPSU's defensive unit was on the spot. SAGU managed just 54 passing yards, as a trio of Lion quarterbacks were constantly harassed by the Panhandle stoppers to the tune of four sacks, 13 pass break-ups, two fumbles lost and a "pick-six" interception.
Senior all-American linebacker
Diamante Pounds will probably be in SAGU's nightmares for some time, after making 16 tackles, three for losses of six yards, a sack and a break-up. Pounds and the Aggies' defense handed the Lions just their sixth shutout since 2004 and first since 2012.
Senior defensive end
Jasper Smiley did a little bit of everything against the Lions. Smiley finished the game with five total tackles, 2.0 sacks, 3.0 tackles for losses of 23 yards, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
On the offensive side of the ball, sophomore quarterback
Tony Brown ran for three touchdowns of one yard each. Those all came after Brown had opened the scoring with a 79-yard pass-and-run to
Seth Barbarino on the second play of the game.
Tony Brown finished to day with 94 rushing yards on 15 attempts. He completed 2-of-9 throws for 83 yards. OPSU threw the ball just 17 times in the game.
The Aggies held the 28-0 halftime advantage after the productive first half.
The final score of the day came in the third quarter, as SAGU signal-caller Brylen Harlen attempted a deep throw and Aggies' defensive back
Malik Brown timed his jump perfectly, cutting off the intended receiver, to pilfer the pass. Brown then returned the ball, weaving his way through would-be Lion tacklers, going the 60 yards for a score and a 35-0 Panhandle State lead.
Panhandle State will close out the 2019 season and first under Head Coach
Bob Majeski – next Saturday, November 16 versus Lyon College from Batesville, Ark. Kickoff at Anchor D Stadium will be 2 p.m., with OPSU's annual Chili Cook-off taking place from 12-2 p.m. during the tailgating.
