RiverHawks Win Opener

Trey McVay hauls in a Kenny Davis pass in the first quarter at Tarleton State.

STEPHENVILLE, Texas --- Kenny Evans has waited three years to beat a Lone Star Conference South Division foe. Thursday night his Northeastern State football squad threw the proverbial monkey off his back in a thrilling 31-23 win over 16th-ranked Tarleton State.

Sophomore receiver Trey McVay caught three passes for 89 yards and a score, then Nate Robinson had a spectacular 95-yard kickoff return that proved to be the difference in the RiverHawks' season opening victory.

Freshman kicker Drew Patton's debut was just as impressive. The Fayetteville product had 11 points (three field goals and two PATs). His 44-yard boot with 10:45 to play in the first quarter put the RiverHawks in front for good. He made it 6-0 early in the 2nd with a 29-yarder.

The fourth period was wild. Ahead 17-7 going into the final stanza, Northeastern State used a one-yard Kenny Davis TD, set up by McVay's 42-yard reception, for a 24-7 lead.

The Texas countered when Nick Stephens connected with Jeken Frye on a 48-yard strike just :39 later to pull the Texans back to within 24-13 after their 2-point try was thwarted.

TSU added a 39-yard field goal from Blake Weist with 7:02 left for a 24-16 RiverHawk edge. However, Robinson returned the ensuing kickoff to give the advantage back to Northeastern State.

Jekens had a 60-yard rainbow with 6:08 to go, and the Texans had one last chance. Pinned deep in their own end of the field, backup quarterback Aaron Doyle misfired on four straight passes and the RiverHawks ran out the final 1:39 to preserve the victory.

Northeastern State will take on nationally-ranked Abilene Christian on Saturday, Sept. 11, in the home opener for the RiverHawks. Kickoff at Doc Wadley Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m.