Plainview, TX | Nov. 1, 2025 — The Nelson University Lions came out swinging under the bright West Texas sun, striking first and leading for much of the first half before Wayland Baptist rallied back for a 45–27 win on Saturday afternoon in Sooner Athletic Conference play.

Quarterback Judah Holtzclaw commanded the offense with grit and versatility, tossing for 210 yards while adding a pair of rushing touchdowns. Holtzclaw's early connection with Jermaine Jones, a 20-yard strike midway through the second quarter, electrified the sideline and pushed Nelson to a 14-6 lead. Moments later, Holtzclaw showed his legs, breaking through the middle for a 15-yard touchdown run that extended the cushion to 21-6.

Running back Quinton Jones ignited the first scoring drive of the day, plunging into the end zone from nine yards out to cap a fast start for the Lions. Jones led the rushing unit with 57 yards on 10 carries, while Zach Fuller and Marvin Sanders each provided explosive plays downfield… Fuller hauled in a 62-yard reception and Sanders added 37 yards on a single grab.

Defensively, Kenyon Valentine made a statement with a 54-yard interception return that flipped momentum early in the contest. Linebackers Johnathan Bloom and Dalton L'Esperance anchored the middle with nine and eight total tackles, respectively, while Jordan Walker and Treshoun Ware helped keep the Lions within striking distance throughout the physical matchup.

Wayland Baptist, however, found rhythm after halftime, stringing together long drives behind running backs Keamodre Horace and Damon Ford, while quarterback Khalon Davis connected on key third-down throws to complete the comeback.

Despite the setback, Nelson showcased flashes of balanced offense and resilience that set a foundation heading into a pivotal week ahead.

Next Up
The Lions return home to Waxahachie for Homecoming Saturday, a 4:00 PM showdown against Langston University inside the Sheaffer Center Complex. Expect a full day of campus spirit as Nelson looks to roar back in front of the home crowd.

Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.