SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Four Howard Payne turnovers led to 28 Trinity University points as the Tigers defeat the Yellow Jackets 56-7 to open the 2012 season.

The Yellow Jackets fumbled the ball three times in the first half leading to three consecutive Trinity touchdowns. Trinity added another TD and led 28-0 at halftime.

The Jackets would throw an interception to open the second half leading to another Trinity TD.

HPU got on the scoreboard in the last drive of the game when Thomas Head found Matt Melendez in the endzone for the 10-yard TD Reception. The catch capped a 13 play 66 yard drive that took 4:47 off the clock. Trinity would throw seven total TD passes and post a 56-7 win.

Head was 18 of 28 passing for 136 yards and the TD. Tyson Swanner was the Jackets leading receiver with 6 catches for 44 yards.

Jonne Warnstaff led the HPU defense with seven tackles, one for loss, followed by J.D King with six, one of loss.

The Jackets will be at home next week versus Southwestern Assemblies of God University at 6:00 pm.