The evening of September 14, 2024, marked a game to remember—or perhaps one to forget, depending on which side of the field you were on. Houston Christian Huskies delivered a dominating performance against the Louisiana Christian University (LCU) Wildcats, securing a monumental 70-7 victory at Husky Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Setting the Stage
The game started with Houston Christian (1-2, 0-0) looking to build momentum after a tough start to the season, while Louisiana Christian (0-1, 0-0) aimed to shake off early-season rust. The stage was set under a clear sky with a balmy temperature of 94°F, and an attendance of 1,256 eager fans.
First Quarter: A Dominant Start
Right from the opening kickoff, the Huskies asserted their dominance. Semaj Brown electrified the crowd with an 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown just 14 seconds into the game. Dillon Fedor’s successful kick put Houston Christian on the board with a quick 7-0 lead. Louisiana Christian’s response was stifled, as their first drive ended with a turnover on downs.
HCU’s offense, led by Eli Brickhandler, wasted no time capitalizing on the momentum. An efficient 4-play, 75-yard drive culminated in a 35-yard touchdown pass to Deuce McMillan, extending the lead to 15-0. The Wildcats struggled to gain traction, and by the end of the first quarter, they were down 15-0, unable to get past Houston Christian’s suffocating defense.
Second Quarter: Pouring It On
The second quarter brought more of the same as the Huskies continued their relentless assault. Eli Brickhandler connected with AJ Wilson for a 34-yard touchdown, followed by a 25-yard rushing touchdown by Calvin Hill. By halftime, the Huskies had built a commanding 29-0 lead, leaving LCU searching for answers.
Louisiana Christian’s offense was largely ineffective throughout the first half. River Thompson, their starting quarterback, struggled under pressure, completing just 12 of 23 passes for 129 yards with two interceptions. The Wildcats’ ground game, although persistent, couldn’t make up for the lack of aerial success, and they went into halftime scoreless.
Third Quarter: The Onslaught Continues
If the Wildcats had any hopes of mounting a comeback, those were quickly dashed in the third quarter. Houston Christian’s Cutter Stewart found Drake Martinez for a 24-yard touchdown pass early in the quarter, and just five minutes later, Ismael Fuller caught a 71-yard bomb from Stewart, stretching the lead to 43-7.
LCU managed to get on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run by Datlan Cunningham, following a 15-play, 75-yard drive. However, the Huskies responded immediately with a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown by Semaj Brown, pushing the score to 57-7. The Wildcats’ lone score was a brief glimmer of hope in an otherwise one-sided affair.
Fourth Quarter: Closing the Curtains
The final quarter was no different as Houston Christian continued to dominate. Darryle Evans added two more rushing touchdowns, including a 66-yard breakaway that sealed the game. The Huskies’ defense stood tall, preventing any further LCU scoring opportunities.
By the end of the game, the scoreboard read 70-7, a clear testament to Houston Christian’s superiority on both sides of the ball. The Huskies accumulated 496 total yards compared to LCU’s 323, with 279 of those yards coming through the air. Meanwhile, the Wildcats’ quarterbacks threw four interceptions, a glaring indicator of their struggles.
Key Performances
- Houston Christian:
- Eli Brickhandler: 126 yards passing, 2 touchdowns.
- Cutter Stewart: 126 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown.
- Darryle Evans: 122 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Semaj Brown: 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, 65-yard interception return for a touchdown.
- Louisiana Christian:
- River Thompson: 129 passing yards, 2 interceptions.
- Datlan Cunningham: 1 rushing touchdown.
- Daylon Charles: 51 rushing yards.
Post-Game Reflection
For Louisiana Christian, this game served as a brutal wake-up call. Their inability to protect the football, combined with struggles in both the passing and rushing attacks, made it difficult to compete against a more disciplined and aggressive Houston Christian squad.
On the other hand, Houston Christian’s victory not only boosted their record but also their confidence. The team will look to carry this momentum forward as they navigate the rest of the season, aiming to build on the strengths displayed in this dominant performance.
As for Louisiana Christian, the road ahead requires significant adjustments. They must address their offensive inefficiencies and tighten their defensive schemes to avoid similar outcomes in future matchups.
Looking Ahead
Houston Christian’s next challenge will see them taking on more formidable opponents, where they will aim to replicate the intensity and precision demonstrated in this game. Louisiana Christian, meanwhile, faces the daunting task of regrouping and finding a way to bounce back from this crushing defeat.
In conclusion, the September 14th clash at Husky Stadium was a night that highlighted the potential of Houston Christian’s team while exposing the vulnerabilities of Louisiana Christian. For the Huskies, it was a step in the right direction, while for the Wildcats, it was a game that underscored the importance of growth and resilience in the season ahead.
