High-powered Hendrix Tops 'Roo Football

The Austin College football team found itself in a 27-7 hole at halftime and was never able to climb out, falling 55-23 at Hendrix College on Saturday afternoon. The 'Roos are now 0-1 heading into next week's home opener against Howard Payne.

Hendrix got on the board early with a 30 yard touchdown run by Dayton Winn, and the explosive Warriors offense got another long score with a 40 yard strike from Seth Peters to Spencer Smith to make it a 14-0 game with 4:58 left in the first quarter. Austin College would drive 60 yards on seven plays on the ensuing possession, culminating in a six yard touchdown run by Cooper Woodyard.

Winn found the endzone again early in the second quarter to make it a 21-7 game, and the running back scored for a third time on a one yard run to make it 27-7 heading into halftime after a missed point after attempt. 

Austin College opened the second half strong, with Woodyard driving the team down the field and finding Kyle Mucerino for a four yard touchdown pass to cut it to a 27-14 game. However, Hendrix answered with a 34 yard touchdown pass from Peters to Taylor Tibbits three minutes later to push the margin back to 20 at 34-14.

Cesar Ruiz kicked a 31 yard field goal to make it a 34-17 game with 6:09 left in the third, but once again Hendrix answered with pointsof their own as a two yard touchdown run from Mason Millsap made it 41-17 with 1:30 left in the third. The 'Roos put together one of their most impressive drives of the day early in the fourth quarter, going 80 yards on 10 plays and finishing with a one yard touchdown run from Tre Jones to make it 41-23 after a failed two point conversion with 7:55 remaining.

Hendrix would score twice more, first on a 28 yard touchdown run by Millsap and then on a 22 yard pass with 2:39 left to make it a 55-23 final.

Woodyard finished the game completing 23-of-34 passes for 271 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, and also tossed one pick. The senior quarterback also led the 'Roos with 47 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Jones finished the game with 43 rushing yards, while Mucerino caught seven passes for 96 yards. Charles Eneh had eight tackles, including six solo stops and a sack, to lead Austin College defensively.