Texas State Gets First Shutout Win Since 2014

Jaysen Collins
Sports Reporter

The Bobcats (2-2) handily defeated the Houston Christian Huskies (1-2) by a final score of 34-0 Saturday night at Bobcat Stadium.

Both teams got off to a shaky start offensively as the Bobcats threw an interception in their first possession followed by two quick three-and-outs. The Huskies couldn’t get anything going with the stifling defense from the Bobcats

But by the end of the first quarter, it was all Texas State. With 2:22 left in the first quarter, Layne Hatcher connected with Julian Ortega-Jones for a 19-yard passing touchdown to get their first points of the game.

Following another Huskie three and out, Hatcher connected with Ashtyn Hawkins for a three-yard passing touchdown to put the Bobcats up 14-0 with 14:19 left in the second quarter. Hatcher finished the game 27-41 while throwing for 360 yards and four passing touchdowns.

Following an interception by Kordell Rogers, the Bobcats scored again off a 38-yard passing touchdown from Hatcher to Marcell Barbee to make the score 21-0 with 8:55 left in the second quarter.

Defensively, the Bobcats continued to hound the Huskies and not allow them to get into any rhythm. The Bobcats were able to get a field goal before halftime to make the score 24-0

Coach Spavital said that the preparation they took on defense was a big coming into the game.

“I’m like, you know, the resiliency is a great deal. They don’t waver. We talk all the time about adversity, and you got to work your way through the game, and you know the defense, they didn’t complain,” Spavital said. “They just show up, you know, making stops and making plays. I was really proud of them; I gave them all the game ball.”

Similar to the first half, both teams couldn’t get it going offensively to start the second half. Both defenses had an answer for everything being thrown their way.

Following a few tough possessions, the Bobcats were finally able to get some points on the board as they kicked a field goal to push the score to 27-0 with 1:12 left in the third quarter. These were the first points scored in the third quarter this season.

The second half was all defense. The Bobcats were able to score one more touchdown to make the score 34-0. This was the Bobcat’s first shutout victory since 2014.

The Bobcats’ offense was at a standstill for a majority of the second half. Spavital wants to clean that up and become better coming out of halftime.

“I didn’t think we played with that edge. We were moving a lot of bodies and we’re trying to save some guys but that’s not the expectation we have, it’s not okay,” Spavital said. “We didn’t play with that edge and passion like we did offensively in the first half, and I got to fix that. I got to correct that.”
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The Bobcat’s next game will be away against James Madison University on Saturday, October 1. This game opens up Sun Belt Conference play and the Bobcats will be looking to start off with a win.