Howard Payne’s football team opened up its 2010 season with a thrilling 40-34 double-overtime loss to Trinity University on Saturday night. 

After Trinity opened the scoring with a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter, Howard Payne answered immediately with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Andre Dean. Kicker Mitchell Bailey then ran in the extra point after a botched snap to take an 8-3 lead. 

Trinity finished off the first quarter scoring when QB Robert Davidson connected for the first of two touchdowns to Daniel South. 

After Howard Payne’s Zach Hubbard finally got his team’s offense on the scoreboard with a short pass early in the second quarter, Trinity answered right back with another TD pass from Davidson Mitchell Bailey gave HPU the halftime lead with a 44-yard field goal late in the second quarter. 

Bailey was nearly the hero for the Yellow Jackets, as he finished with an impressive four field goals made in the game. Two of those field goals were from 50-yards out – one of which opened the fourth quarter scoring, and the other tied the game 34-34 to finish the first overtime period. 

After Bailey’s first 50-yard FG, Trinity scored again to tie the game 24-24 early in the fourth quarter. After the Trinity defense stopped the Yellow Jacket attack, their offense marched 76 yards in just six plays to take the lead with South’s second TD catch of the night.

Howard Payne was able to tie the game once again, though, scoring with just over two minutes left in regulation. Neither team was able to move the ball in the final minutes, setting up overtime. 

Trinity kicker, Biel, hit his second field goal of the night from 20 yards out, Bailey connected on his second 50-yarder of the game to keep the game going. 

The Jackets were unable to score in the second overtime and Bailey missed a 33-yard field goal to set up the winning drive for Trinity. 

Howard Payne put up 351 yards of total offense to Trinity’s 429. HPU had 146 yards on the ground and 205 in the air. Brandon Young and Walter Pam had 76 and 73 yards rushing respectively and Cody Hambrick had 5 catches for 67 yards. 

Demetrius Cody led all tacklers with 11 (7 assisted) and DB Eric Bunch had one interception. 

The Yellow Jackets will play at home next Saturday against Southwest Assemblies of God University at 6:00 pm.