Football

November 10, 2007

Tigers Clinch Share of SCAC Title and Playoff Bid Saturday

Trinity (9-1, 6-1) tied for the top mark in the conference with Millsaps College, but Trinity's win over the Majors two weeks ago sends the Tigers to the postseason for the 10th time in 11 years.  The SCAC Championship is the team's 14th title in 15 seasons.

The Tigers jumped out quickly with 21 points in the first quarter and never really looked back.  Austin College got on the board after a blocked field goal left them a short field, cutting the lead to 21-6 late in the second quarter.  Trinity answered with a touchdown drive that put them ahead 28-6 with 19 seconds to play in the half.

A pair of rushing touchdowns in the third were all the scoring Trinity would need, and the 'Roos added a late score in the fourth for the 41-13 final.  Trinity tallied 461 yards of offense, holding Austin College to just 231 total yards and just 55 yards through the air.  Austin College only had two drives longer than 40 yards for the entire game.

Blake Barmore completed 20-30 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns on the day, while running back Chris Baer scored two twice - once rushing and once passing - to increase his season total to 13 touchdowns.  Baer finished with 81 yards rushing on 16 carries, as well as catching two passes for 23 yards.  Matt Moorefield finished with 37 yards and a score on just five carries.

Riley Curry topped 100 yards receiving for the fourth time this season - all coming in the last six games for the Tigers.  Curry nabbed eight receptions for 101 yards against Austin College Saturday.  Chris Coleman had four catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, while Michael Tomlin also had a 13-yard touchdown reception. 

Chris Jones and Dylan Nealous led the Tiger defense with nine tackles each, while Andrew Fox grabbed an interception late in the game against the 'Roos passing attack.  Trinity also picked up a fumble, making 10 straight games that the defense has forced at least one turnover this season.

Trinity will await tomorrow's official selections to find out who they will play in the opening round of the postseason next Saturday, as well as where that game will be played.  The Tigers have put in a bid to host in the playoffs, but it is likely that the team will meet familiar playoff opponent Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas.