BEAUMONT, Texas — In a thrilling matchup, Qualon Jones demonstrated his prowess on the field, rushing for 119 yards and scoring two pivotal touchdowns in the second half, propelling Stephen F. Austin to a 27-20 victory over Lamar in the Southland Conference clash on Saturday.
The Lumberjacks (4-2, 2-1) maintained control throughout the game without ever falling behind. They kicked off the scoring when quarterback Sam Vidlak connected with Kylon Harris for a 36-yard touchdown pass during their first possession. Chris Campos later added to the tally with field goals of 31 and 25 yards, helping the team secure a 13-7 advantage by halftime.
In the second half, Jones made his mark by executing touchdown runs of 13 and 10 yards. This offensive surge came in between an impressive 80-yard touchdown pass from Lamar’s Robert Coleman to Sevonne Rhea. The Cardinals (3-3, 0-1) didn’t go down quietly, as Jakolby Longino punched in a 2-yard touchdown run in the final quarter, bringing the game to its concluding score.
Vidlak had a standout performance, completing 26 of 37 passes for an impressive 329 yards, leading his team’s offense effectively. Harris was a key player, hauling in 10 receptions for 106 yards, while Blaine Green added a significant contribution with seven catches totaling 103 yards.
On the other side, Coleman completed 22 of 41 passes for 279 yards, albeit with one interception. Sevonne Rhea emerged as a noteworthy target for the Cardinals, making six catches for a remarkable 166 yards.
This contest showcased a fierce competition, with both teams demonstrating their athletic abilities, but ultimately, Stephen F. Austin’s early lead and strong second half made the difference in securing victory.