September 30, 2023
 

Waxahachie, TX - The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions Football team clashed with the Langston University (LU) Lions in a highly anticipated Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) matchup. Ultimately, it was the LU Lions who emerged victorious, prevailing over the SAGU Lions with a final score of 45-21 in this fierce battle of the Lions.

First Half Highlights
The game kicked off with LU Lions securing an early lead through a well-executed field goal. However, the SAGU Lions quickly responded when quarterback Jamonte Gordon-West connected with wide receiver Paul Odidi for an impeccable touchdown pass in the end zone. The precision of the throw left Odidi as the only player capable of making the reception, putting SAGU on the scoreboard. Jonah Osborne followed up with a successful field goal for SAGU. Unfortunately, a series of SAGU fumbles allowed LU to capitalize and extend their lead. Throughout the first half, the LU Lions displayed a video game offensive prowess that seemed almost surreal.

Another standout moment in the first half was when SAGU running back, Dakeevion Rose, broke loose for an impressive 22-yard rush. By halftime, SAGU had accumulated 13 first downs compared to LU's nine, yet LU maintained a 17-7 lead.
 

Second Half Surge
In the second half, Briley Green took the helm as quarterback for SAGU and led a determined drive down the field, amassing 37 passing yards. The first drive resulted in a SAGU field goal. Green's performance in the second half was nothing short of exceptional, as he racked up 115 passing yards and completed eight passes before the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter began with a thunderous tackle by Xavier Garcia, igniting the Lion faithful, but the LU Lions remained unfazed as they continued to add to their score.

Down the stretch of the fourth quarter, SAGU's wide receiver, Jamal Long, made remarkable plays to contribute to the Lions' scoring efforts.

Individual Performances
In the end, Jamal Long emerged as the standout performer for SAGU, leading the team in both receiving yards and receptions with an impressive nine grabs for 159 yards. Dakeevion Rose led the Lions in rushing yards, tallying 58 on 17 carries. Briley Green threw for a total of 253 passing yards on 17 completions out of 33 attempts, while Jamonte Gordon-West added 114 passing yards on 9 completions out of 16 attempts. Defensively, Joseph Chavez and Dalton Spencer anchored SAGU with six total tackles each. Joseph Chavez also recorded two tackles for a loss, while Dalton Spencer contributed with a crucial pass breakup.

Looking Ahead

Next up for the SAGU Lions is a road trip to face Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX on October 7th at 2:00 PM in another crucial SAC matchup.

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.