Louisiana Christian University Loses in Dramatic Overtime Thriller Against Texas College
In an electrifying Homecoming game on October 19, 2024, Louisiana Christian University (LCU) faced off against Texas College (TC) at Wildcat Field in Pineville, Louisiana. Despite a valiant effort and a hard-fought contest, the Wildcats fell short in a dramatic 40-34 overtime loss. The defeat dropped LCU’s record to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in conference play, while Texas College improved to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in conference action.
Fast Start for LCU
The Wildcats opened the game with a commanding start. In the first quarter, LCU’s running back Jy’Marion Islan capped a 12-play, 51-yard drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown at 8:37, putting LCU ahead 7-0 after kicker Levi Hilborn nailed the extra point. LCU continued their momentum into the second quarter, scoring quickly after a Texas College turnover. Daylon Charles punched in a 2-yard rushing touchdown after a short, three-play drive that covered 21 yards, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 14-0 at 10:33 in the second quarter.
Texas College Responds
Texas College struggled early but found their footing late in the second quarter. Quarterback Amani Gilmore connected with Kevante Carter for a 27-yard touchdown at 2:43. Though the extra point attempt failed, the score narrowed LCU’s lead to 14-6. Less than two minutes later, Gilmore led another scoring drive, finishing with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point made it a 14-13 game with just over a minute left in the half.
LCU managed to close the half on a high note, driving 20 yards in six plays and nailing a 40-yard field goal from Levi Hilborn as time expired, giving the Wildcats a 17-13 lead going into halftime.
Wild Third Quarter Action
The third quarter saw plenty of offensive fireworks from both teams. LCU increased their lead to 20-13 after another field goal from Hilborn, this time a 35-yarder with 6:27 remaining in the quarter. However, Texas College quickly struck back when Gilmore hit Tyre Lindsey for an 88-yard touchdown pass less than a minute later, tying the game at 20.
The Wildcats answered back with a well-executed 89-yard drive, capped by a 42-yard touchdown pass from quarterback River Thompson to wide receiver Logan Malone. With Hilborn’s extra point, LCU regained the lead, 27-20. But Texas College was relentless, responding with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Gilmore to Gregory Donalds with just over a minute left in the third quarter, tying the game once again at 27.
Dramatic Fourth Quarter and Overtime
The fourth quarter kept fans on the edge of their seats. With 5:55 left in the game, Texas College’s Kendrick Lee recovered a fumble by LCU quarterback River Thompson and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown, giving Texas College a 34-27 lead. LCU, however, wasn’t finished. The Wildcats mounted a 10-play, 64-yard drive that ended with Daylon Charles scoring his second rushing touchdown of the game, a 13-yard run, to tie it at 34 with just over two minutes left.
Neither team could score in the final moments of regulation, sending the game into overtime. In overtime, Texas College pulled off the game-winning play when Gilmore connected with Deiontey Hill on a 94-yard touchdown pass, sealing a dramatic 40-34 victory for Texas College.
Team Stats Breakdown
Despite the loss, LCU had an impressive performance. They dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 38:29 compared to Texas College’s 21:31. The Wildcats also outgained Texas College in total rushing yards, amassing 216 yards on the ground compared to Texas College’s -26. Leading the way for LCU’s ground game was Daylon Charles, who rushed for 84 yards on 23 attempts and scored two touchdowns. Jy’Marion Islan was also a force, contributing 69 yards on 8 attempts with a touchdown, including a game-long 52-yard run.
Quarterback River Thompson threw for 134 yards, completing 13 of 21 passes with one touchdown and one interception. Thompson’s top target was Joaquin Reid, who caught 8 passes for 45 yards, while Logan Malone had the longest catch of the day, a 42-yard touchdown reception.
For Texas College, quarterback Amani Gilmore had a stellar day, completing 25 of 53 passes for 404 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. His top receiver, Deiontey Hill, racked up 157 yards on 5 receptions, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. Tyre Lindsey also had a strong showing with 5 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, LCU’s Jaden Jones led the team with 8 tackles, while Pop McGhee had 6 tackles and 3 pass breakups. Texas College’s defense was spearheaded by Dylan Dubois, who tallied 17 total tackles, and Zion Long, who added 15 tackles and a sack.
Looking Ahead
This loss, while painful, displayed the fighting spirit of the LCU Wildcats. Despite the defeat, there are positives to build on for the rest of the season. Their rushing attack was dominant, and their defense made key plays, especially in forcing multiple turnovers. The Wildcats will need to clean up penalties and ball security issues, but their resilience and talent give them hope moving forward in the season.
As LCU looks ahead to the next game, they will aim to bounce back and secure a much-needed win to shift momentum back in their favor.
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