Fast Starts Pacing Bearkat Winning Streak
10/27/2015 2:04:00 PM | Football
In Sam Houston's last three football victories, the constant has been getting off to a fast start.
The Bearkats jumped out to leads of 24-0, 28-0 and 23-0 in consecutive victories over Incarnate Word, Abilene Christian and Nicholls State. Keying on those explosions in the opening period, Sam Houston has outscored their foes 145 to 35 overall to extend their current winning streak to five and climb to number eight in the FCS national rankings.
Starting fast wasn't a team characteristic early in the season. The Bearkats trailed at half in three of their first four games. Texas Tech led 42-31, Lamar 31-14 and SFA 14-3 at intermission and the Kats and HBU were tied 14-14 in the second quarter.
“How we start games has really been something we've emphasized in the last month of practice,” Sam Houston head coach K. C. Keeler said. “And the kids have listened. We've come out blazing these last three games. We've stressed that a fast start is one thing but a focused start is something else.
“We haven't had any problems with being excited about playing. There hasn't been a game this year when we weren't just out of our skin ready to play, excitement-wise,” Keeler said. “The kids do a great job in the locker room. The energy is there. It's the focus. It's one thing to be excited but it's everything to be focused.”
The play of the Bearkat defense has had a lot to do with the fast starts. In the first quarters of the Incarnate Word, Abilene Christian and Nicholls games combined, the defense has given up only 13 yards rushing and 42 passing. During those 45 minutes of first quarter action, Sam Houston has produced three interceptions, blocked a punt and scored on a safety.
In the Incarnate Word victory, the Bearkats scored three touchdowns in less than a two-minute span in the first quarter. Interceptions by P. J. Hall and Mikell Everette set up short, quick scoring drives. Highlighting last week's 37-7 win over Nicholls, a first quarter interception by Torian Williams set up a two-play, 20-yard touchdown drive.
“We've done a really good job of being focused the last three weeks,” Keeler said. “That's something we're going to need again this weekend because we have a really tough opponent coming up.”
Texas A&M-Commerce is ranked No. 8 in the NCAA Division II national rankings this week. The Lions stand 7-1 and already have clinched the Lone Star Conference championship
“They will be one of the top three offenses we see all year,” Keeler said. “They had a quarterback who can sling it. The offensive line is as big and physical as ours, two very good running backs and wide receivers are really big athletic kids. Defensively, they're athletic and fly to the ball. They are a good football team.”
Keeler believes his team will not take a non-conference game at this time of the season lightly or be caught looking ahead to big Southland Conference games in the coming weeks.
“All we have to do is switch on the video of these guys and let the players see just how talented and athletic A&M-Commerce really is,” Keeler said.
Game time Saturday is 6 p.m. at Bowers Stadium. Tickets are available on line now at www.gobearkats.com and at the SHSU athletic ticket office located on the west side of the stadium. The ticket office telephone is (936) 294-1729.
