The Howard Payne University football played Trinity University to a 7-7 halftime tie, but gave up two second half TD’s to fall 24-7 in the 2011 season opener at Gordon Wood Stadium Saturday night.

The Yellow Jackets, who are now running the triple option offense, looked to control the pace of the game with a stronger running attack. Due to 107 yards in penalties and two interceptions the Jackets only managed 135 yards of total offense, 62 on the ground against Trinity.

The Jacket defense played solid in the first half holding Trinity to just one TD. Trinity’s Patrick Granchelli scored on a run from two yards out at the 11:41 mark of the second quarter. The TD capped a 5-play 51-yard drive by Trinity.

Howard Payne answered right back on the next possession when Brandon Young scored on a 3-yard run to end a 12-play 68-yard drive.
The momentum swung in Trinity’s way when HPU back QB Marcus McAdoo, who was putting together a solid drive down field, threw an interception on the Trinity 22-yard line and Trinity returned it for a 78 interception and TD.

The Jackets were unable to recover offensively from then but were able to hold Trinity to only a field goal on their next possession.

Trinity QB Nykolas McKissic was 9 of 14 passing for 141 yards and one TD. WR Jon Osei-Kuffour lead Trinity with three catches for 60 yards. Desomnd King had 14 carries for 98 yards.

Trinity linebacker Nick Darling lead all with 15 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Jhonoven Pati had 10 carries for 30 yards followed by McAdoo with seven carries for 32 yards. Starting QB Thomas Head was 5 of 10 for 45 yards. Matthew Bills and Tyson Swanner each had nine tackles for the Howard Payne.

The Jackets travel to Waxahachie to play Southwestern Assemblies of God University next Saturday at 6:00 pm.