McMurry gets in ASC win column with win over Howard Payne + Photos

ABILENE, Texas—McMurry earned its first American Southwest Conference win of the season, taking down Howard Payne at home 45-21 Saturday afternoon.

The Yellow Jackets scored first but the War Hawks (3-4, 1-3) answered with the next 21 points and led by a 21-14 margin at the half.

It was 24-14 after three, then McMurry exploded for three fourth-quarter touchdowns to pull away and pick up the win.

Jess Hoel threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns, and Anson native Drew Hagler led the rushing attack with 77 yards and a score and also threw a touchdown pass.

Brett Kindle caught five passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

Timothy Leatherman led the defense with nine tackles.

For the Yellow Jackets (5-2, 2-2) Landon McKinney threw for 344 yards with three touchdowns and a pick. Jordan Carroll led the team with nine grabs for 119 yards and a score. Reece Rodgers topped the charts in the rushing game with 37 yards.

KJ Kelley led the HPU defense with seven tackles and a pass breakup.

McMurry hosts Austin College next week, while the Yellow Jackets will host Texas Lutheran.