October 1, 2022

Waxahachie, TX: On their homecoming football game day, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) football squad welcomed Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) Buffaloes to Lumpkins Stadium. Pre-game festivities included alum reunions, a sizzling tailgate, and dancing by SAGU mascot Judah the Lion. The SAGU defense came into the contest as the NAIA's fifth-best run defense looking to stop the Buffaloes' rushing back, who last weekend averaged 6 yards per carry. Offensively the Lions would rely on their star rushing back Keaton Dudik to make the difference in the game's clash against an ABC defense that has had difficulty stopping rush offenses.

.

The SAGU Lions (2-2, 1-2) crushed the ABC Buffaloes 47-20. 

 

Lion Review

• Lions kicker Kieran Woodley sent the ball deep into Buffalo territory to start the game. 

• Keandre Belcher set the tone for the game early on by asserting himself on the ABC debut snap and making the opening tackle. 

• Briley Green would make a deep bomb fade route connection with Paul Odidi after the Lions' defense caused an ABU three and out. 

• Early in the game, Keaton Dudik would get significant yardage on his carries. 

• Kolby Tanner scored the opening touchdown of the contest after he snuck into the end zone's back corner.

• Ryan Lewis would use accurate punts to pin the ABC offense in an uncomfy position. This positioning would lead to a SAGU safety and an early 9-0 advantage for the Lions.

• The Lions' golden leg, Kieran Woodley, would punch in all his additional point attempts.

• Jaylan Moss would gobble up an opponent for a loss-causing tackle. The cracking sound of the helmets would fill Lumpkins Stadium, and the home fans would scream and cheer.

• In the second half of the game, Keaton Dudik continued to batter the ABC defense. The SAGU rushing back frequently rolled by opponents for significant yard gains, seeming to be playing with wheels beneath his cleats.

• After quarterback Briley Green successfully moved the Lions upfield with excellent decision-making and cunning throwing, Kolby Tanner would find freedom in the back of the endzone to grab his second touchdown.

• Hard tackles and a quick 32-yard kickoff return by Noah Gipson and Adarian Rowel would impact the game's outcome.

• Keaton Dudik would reverse field, cut up field, and lower his shoulder to make a decisive run. Dudik would have plenty of time to choose which direction he wanted to go, thanks to the SAGU offensive line. Dudik would pinball and zip into a blocking hole from five yards out for a touchdown.

• By amassing 243 yards in one game, Keaton Dudik broke the SAGU single-game running record.

• Keaton Dudik would run the ball 34 times for an average of 7.1 yards and four touchdowns.

 

Ellis' Edition 

"A big thanks to all of SAGU football supporters; because of you all, we won our homecoming football. We are proud of our football team, especially our seniors," SAGU football head coach Greg Ellis said.

Next Step

On Saturday, October 8, at Farrington Field in Fort Worth, Texas, Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) will take on their cross-town rivals, the Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) Rams.

---

As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.