In a thrilling college football matchup, Tarleton State emerged victorious over Southeastern Louisiana with a final score of 36-33 on Saturday night in Stephenville, Texas. The game saw an intense back-and-forth between the two teams with a total of six lead changes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the contest.

Victor Gabalis showcased his skills by throwing three touchdown passes, contributing significantly to Tarleton’s offensive success. Running back Kayvon Britten had a standout performance, rushing for an impressive 181 yards to help secure the Texans’ win. On the opposing side, Antonio Martin Jr. of Southeastern Louisiana put up a valiant effort, amassing 206 yards rushing along with three touchdowns for the Lions.

The game’s decisive moment came when Gabalis connected with Darius Cooper for a 4-yard touchdown, giving Tarleton the lead with about 9 1/2 minutes left in the game. Cooper, who had eight receptions for 90 yards, proved to be a key player for the Texans, scoring two touchdowns on the night.

Defensively, Tre Page III sealed the victory for Tarleton by intercepting a pass from Southeastern Louisiana’s Eli Sawyer on a critical fourth-down play with just a minute remaining in the game. Sawyer completed 17 of 27 passes for 157 yards for the Lions, who put up a resilient fight despite falling short in the end.

Tarleton State, with a record of 4-1, showcased their offensive prowess with crucial third-quarter touchdowns that helped them take the lead. Derrel Kelley III punched in an 11-yard rushing touchdown, and Gabalis connected with Cooper for a 23-yard touchdown pass, putting the Texans ahead at 29-19.

Despite a comeback effort led by Martin for Southeastern Louisiana, who scored two quick touchdowns in the fourth quarter to briefly take the lead, Gabalis orchestrated a game-winning 75-yard drive to secure the victory for Tarleton. The Texans’ resilience and ability to deliver in clutch moments proved to be the difference in a hard-fought battle on the gridiron.