Bearkats extend home win streak
Briscoe becomes SHSU’s all-time leader in passing
HUNTSVILLE — Sam Houston State scored on the first offensive play of the game, and the seventhranked Bearkats were on their way to another home win.
Jeremiah Briscoe, who became the school’s alltime passing leader Saturday, threw for 371 yards and four touchdowns, leading Sam Houston State to a 63-27 victory over the Lamar Cardinals.
“We feel we haven’t played up to our ability,” said Bearkats coach K.C. Keeler, who is still finding ways for the Bearkats to improve. “We struggled some defensively. But offensively, we played very well. All in all, I’m real happy with the performance of all three phases.”
That included special teams. Tre Honshtein converted three field goals, and Davion Davis was something else returning punts. Davis brought back a second-quarter punt 46 yards for a score and followed with a non-scoring punt return of 54 yards for the Bearkats (6-1, 4-1 Southland).
Lamar, directed by former Texas City quarterback Andrew Allen, put up 527 yards with its option offense, with Allen passing for 228 yards and rushing for 54. Bearkats on the move
But Sam Houston had little trouble moving the ball and was comfortably ahead the entire game. Sam Houston piled up 643 yards — 274 in the first quarter — in extending its winning streak at Bowers Stadium to 16 games before a homecoming crowd of 8,031. Sam Houston’s last loss at Bowers was to Lamar, 49-46 in 2015.
“We can get better,” said Briscoe, who completed 17 of 36 passes.
Lamar (1-6, 0-5) attempted an unsuccessful onside kick to begin the game, and things quickly went downhill for the Cardinals, who dropped their fifth straight game despite gaining 341 first-half yards.
“All the credit goes to Sam Houston State,” Lamar coach Mike Schultz said. “They’re a great football team. They’ve got every aspect of the game covered. They’re good on offense, good on defense and special teams. In addition to that, coach Keeler and his staff always do a great job of getting their team ready to play.” Significant score
The 57-yard pass from Briscoe to Coree Compton to open the scoring made Briscoe the school’s alltime passing leader. The senior from Stratford came into the Southland Conference game needing only 26 yards to eclipse Brian Bell’s 8,665 career passing yards.
It was also the 90th touchdown pass as a Bearkat for Briscoe, who started his career at UAB.
“I had no idea until I was told after the game,” Briscoe said. “It’s a great feeling but I wouldn’t be where I am without these receivers and our offensive line. These receivers make me look so good catching balls. They are unbelievable.”
Briscoe, who passed for 294 yards in the first half on 12 completions, also threw scoring passes of 52 yards and 30 yards to Nathan Stewart and 20 yards to Tyler Scott. Stewart had five receptions for 147 yards.
Remus Bulmer, a junior from Ridge Point, rushed for 103 yards on eight carries for the Kats, who rushed for 253 yards.
The Kats, who led 47-20 at halftime, are 7-1 against the Cardinals since Lamar brought back its football program in 2010.