Texans start the season 2-0

BY JAXON HANSARD / Multimedia Journalist 

Last year the Tarleton State University football team earned a winning regular season record of 6-5 with victories over North Alabama, Southern Utah and Houston Christian. 

While the regular season on paper can be viewed as a success having more victories than losses, the Texans did not advance to postseason play due to the poor Conference record of 1-3 and the transition period from NCAA Division II. Patrick Jones, the UAC player of the week, was asked what would be different this year.

“There’s a lot of leadership, more guys willing to buy in this year and do whatever it takes to get the job done.” Jones said.

Tarleton is under the leadership of Todd Whiten for his 14th  season with the Texans. The defense is coordinated again by Tyrone Nix for his second season bleeding purple. 

The Texans battled McNeese State University cowboys Sept. 2 on their home field in Lake Charles Louisiana for the first game of the fall 2023 season. The Texans took the first win of the season in Louisiana with McNeese with a final score of 52-34. 

This victory marks the first  Tarleton win over McNeese, snapping an 0-3 record against the cowboys. 

New addition Kayvon Britten scored two touchdowns with 82 rushing yards. Kayvon credited those points plus the yards to Tarleton’s ability to execute their gameplan of stacking the box to throw and run the ball more to gain more ground. 

When asked about his favorite moment from the victory over McNeese, Britten had two favorites. His second touchdown plus Patrick Jones’s interception he caught and scored a touchdown. Kayvon Britten is also just as excited for the home opener. 

“I am definitely excited; I want to see what it’s like to play on this field with a packed stadium,” Britten said. 

Safety Patrick Jones agreed.

“I’m looking forward to being able to play at home with the fans, see my mom and hopefully pack out these stands,” Jones said.

The Tarleton Texans home opening game was Sept. 9 against North Alabama. The home game was streamed on ESPN+ and broadcasted over the radio with Tarleton Sports Network on 90.5 FM. 

The Texans delivered on their promises with a dominant 52-31 victory over the North Alabama Lions. This UAC matchup started with back-and-forth scoring with the makings of a good game. 

Entering halftime down 28-17, the Texans defense locked in while the offense showed up outscoring North Alabama 35-3 in the second half of the game. Two more Tarleton players were named UAC player of the week honors. 

Keylan Johnson was named the Offensive Player of the Week by tying the program record of touchdowns scored in a single game with four touchdowns over 219 yards with six receptions. D.J. Harris secured the title of Defensive Player of the Week with his team-high 12 tackles, a sack and forcing a fumble. 

The Texans’ next game will be Sept. 30 against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions.