Saturday, September 27, 1997

Texans looking for third straight victory

EDMOND, Okla. -- Tarleton State shoots for its third straight win and tries to remain unbeaten in Lone Star Conference play when the Texans travel to play Central Oklahoma today.

The Texans enter the game off of a wild 49-46 win over Harding last week while UCO enters its homecoming off of a 28-0 win against Abilene Christian University.

TSU is averaging 36 points per game and is led by quarterback Chad Cole, who is averaging 213 yards passing per contest. Running backs Lamont Randle, Justin McDaniel and Tyrone Wall are helping the Texans generate 145 yards per game on the ground.

Cole's primary targets this year have been tight end James Dearth (13 catches for 134 yards) and Steven Kendall and Dayne Albright, who each have 12 receptions.

On defense, linebackers Justin Hafer (29 tackles) and Keith Brackens (27 tackles) lead the way. Safety Trent Grona, who has 25 tackles, paces the Texans with four interceptions.

The Texans will try to slow a ground-oriented attack by the Bronchos. Leading the way are running backs Ryan Logan (60 carries for 226 yards) and Barry Antwinte (46 carries for 135 yards).

Quarterback Sean Morgan is averaging 109 yards passing per game. His favorite receiver thus far has been 6-6, 250-pound tight end Derek Elmore, who has six catches for 117 yards.

UCO is permitting just 11 points per game and its defense is permitting just 107 yards passing per contest.

TSU's offense has helped its defense which is allowing 426 yards and 34 points per game.

Tarleton State at Central Oklahoma

-- When: 2 p.m.

-- Where: Edmond, Okla.

-- Records: TSU 2-1, 1-0; UCO 2-1, 1-1

-- Last year's meeting: UCO 17, TSU 14

-- Injuries: TSU: LB Trenzio Turner (knee) doubtful; WR Montoi Dixon (knee) questionable; UCO: None

-- Radio: KCUB-Stephenville FM 98.3 and KCLE FM 92.1