MIDLAND It was definitely not the start the UTPB football team was expecting.
Visiting Southwest Baptist took the opening drive 75 yards for a touchdown and never stopped, racing away to a 41-17 victory against the Falcons in the season opener Saturday at Astound Broadband Stadium.
The Bearcats compiled 462 yards of total offense, led by running back Abel Carter.
Carter, who committed to Washington State to play baseball out of high school, carried the ball 22 time for 173 yard and three touchdowns.
He scored on runs of 2, 4 and 17 yards as Southwest Baptist avenged a season-opening loss to the Falcons in 2021 in Bolivar, Mo.
Bearcats quarterback Cooper Callis was 16-of-26 passing for 179 yards and two touchdowns, with 12 different receivers catching a pass.
“We didn’t show up,” co-defensive coordinator Jacob Martin said. “I don’t know why. We have plenty of things work on and correct.”
UTPB quarterback Dylan Graham, making his first start for the Falcons, was 16-of-31 passing for 164 yards and two late touchdowns.
Gunnar Abseck was the top target, with five receptions for 66 yards, including a 34-yarder to set up UTPB’s first touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter.
Brock Johnson and Timothy Wiggins caught touchdown passes for the Falcons, with Carson Roberts connecting on a 41-yard field goal in the first quarter.
Roberts’ field goal cut the Bearcats’ lead to 7-3, but Southwest Baptist would score 34 unanswered points for 41-3 lead with 38 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
UTPB (0-1) will host Western Colorado at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Astound Broadband Stadium.
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