From the SBU Athletic Media Relations Department

Bolivar, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist University Bearcats began their 2011 season with an opening day victory over Bacone College, 28-19. After being down 19-7 at halftime, the Bearcats responded with 21 straight points to come away with the victory.

After trailing 13-0 early, the Bearcats had a huge interception by Raymond Segura who took the ball back 28 yards for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 13-7. The Warriors would add two field goals to lead 19-7 at halftime. The Bearcats came out in the second half, looking to turn things around.

Early in the third quarter, running back Justin Duhaney had a five yard touchdown run, pulling the Bearcats within five points. Later in the third quarter, quarterback Justin French connected with Derwyn Lauderdale with a 10 yard pass for a touchdown to give the Bearcats a 21-19 lead. The Bearcats would add a 36-yard rushing touchdown from Thaddeus Everson in the fourth quarter to seal a 28-19 victory.

The Bearcats were lead in passing by Justin French who was 18-30 for 148 yards with one touchdown. Justin Duhaney lead the Bearcats in rushing with seven attempts for 41 yards and a touchdown, while Derwyn Lauderdale lead the Bearcat receivers with three grabs for 47 yards and a touchdown.

The defense was excellent in the second half, shutting out the Warriors. Zach Moore lead the Bearcats with 10 tackles, while Anthony Wiggins had a blocked extra point, and the Bearcats compiled three sacks.

"I am very proud of our teams resilience and fight tonight," head coach Keith Allen commented after the victory. "We were down by two scores going into the half and we came back out and scored 21 unanswered points to secure the victory."

The Bearcats will be back in action next Saturday, September 10th when they host Arkansas Tech at 6:00 p.m.

---

SBU is a four-year evangelical Christian university that was established in 1878.  The main campus is located about 30 minutes north of Springfield, Missouri, in Bolivar, a town of approximately 10,000 people. DHS alum Glen Johnson is a defensive lineman for the Bearcats.

For more information on SBU Bearcat Athletics, visit sbubearcats.com.