After coming off of their best offensive performance at Steven F. Austin University, the Colonels return home to take on Houston Baptist University.

The Colonels reached a season-high of 356 yards of total offense against the Lumberjacks. Head Coach Tim Rebowe said that there were plenty of positives to take away from the loss and the team is improving each game.

“We got off to a good start offensively, which we needed to do because we have been struggling,” Rebowe said. “Defensively, they moved the ball on us, but we were fortunate with a couple of turnovers and we kept them off the scoreboard.”

The Colonels reached a ten-point lead in the fourth quarter, but they allowed two touchdown drives before the game ended. Rebowe credited the Lumberjacks for coming back into the game.

“The second half was back and forth, and it came right down to the end,” Rebowe said. “They ended up scoring with 26 seconds left to go, and they did a good job on the last two drives.”

The Colonels recovered a season-high four fumbles, and they also had a season-high three sacks. Linebacker Geoffrey Hebert said the team is starting to get things right on the defensive end.

“Our team is coming together and we are starting to win some individual battles,” Hebert said. “We put emphasis on taking the ball away from the opponent, and it is starting to pay dividends.”

The Colonels will face the Houston Baptist Huskies (2-3) this Saturday. Rebowe said the team went over their mistakes from the last game and they will keep a positive attitude heading into this week’s game.

“Once we got off the field on Sunday night, the guys were feeling good,” Rebowe said. “I know that they put that one behind them and they are looking forward to the game this week in front of the home crowd.”

Several of the players had to leave the field because of injuries. Rebowe said that none of the injuries were too serious, and they shouldn’t hinder the team going forward.

“We’re a little banged up, but it’s just some normal bump and bruises,” Rebowe said. “One thing that will heal you real quick is a W.”

Wide receiver Darryl Watson scored his first touchdown for the Colonels, and he also reached a season-high 80 yards. Rebowe said that the team has depth and the players made some plays.

“Darryl stepped up and did some big things that you would expect a senior to do,” Rebowe said. “We’re really proud and happy with his performance.”

The Colonels only allowed the Lumberjacks to score three out of eight attempts in the red-zone. Defensive coordinator Tommy Rybacki said that the team is starting to make plays, but they need to cut out the mistakes and limit red zone opportunities.

“Unfortunately we weren’t able to finish it, but the preparation and commitment is why were able to put ourselves in a position to win that game,” Rybacki. “We were able to force some crucial turnovers that swung the momentum our way. We just need to fix tackling and finish plays.”

The Colonels scored a season-high three touchdowns against the Lumberjacks. Quarterback Tuskani Figaro said that the team is becoming more fluent offensively.
“We are completing more passes, getting more yards and our deep balls are coming off,” Figaro said. “We are preparing better as a team, and hopefully when Saturday comes we will have another big day.”

Figaro was one of the players that left the game due to injury. He said he will be available for the game against the Huskies.

“I talked to the doctors, and they just felt I should rest it,” Figaro said. “I’ll be ready for this weekend.”