Commerce, Texas

Despite a season-high 12 tackles for loss - including seven sacks - by the Texas A&M-Commerce defense, the Lions offense was held to a season-low 128 yards total offense in a 10-3 homecoming loss to East Central.

The loss drops the Lions to 4-5 and 2-2 in the Lone Star Conference North Division; however, the Tigers raise their record to 2-6 overall and 1-2 in the LSC North.

Senior linebacker JR Satchel led an aggressive A&M-Commerce defense with 10 tackles and redshirt junior defensive end Garnet Smith had three tackles for loss, including two sacks. Tigers linebacker Andrew O'Neill had a game-high 14 tackles and three-and-a half tackles for loss for minus six yards. Freshman quarterback Josh Phillips connected 20 of 32 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown to lead an ECU offense, who recorded only 158 yards - 72 of which came on a 14 play, 92-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter.

Senior Jack Criss took the opening kickoff a season-high 63-yards, setting up the opening A&M-Commerce possession on the ECU 31-yard line. The Lions moved the ball down to the Tigers 12 until an Edwards fumble ended the Lions drive.

On the next play, Satchel picked off an ECU pass, giving the Lions ball at the ECU 10. After three-straight running plays, junior Rusty Holmes attempted a 27-yard field goal that missed wide left. The Tigers' Chris Mims stepped in front of a Westerberg pass and ran it back to the A&M-Commerce 13. Again, the Lions defense rose to the occasion to force a 27-yard field goal attempt by Max Mauser. Like the Lions, the Tigers missed their field goal attempt wide left.

In the opening half, the Lions held the Tigers to two first downs and 35 yards. A&M-Commerce was held to seven first downs and 92 yards.

A 54-yard punt return by JaMichael Palmer set up 1st and goal for the Lions on their opening drive of the second half at the ECU 3. The Tigers defense held A&M-Commerce to minus three yards before the first points of the afternoon. Holmes put A&M-Commerce in front 3-0 on a 23-yard field goal.

After Holmes pinned the Tigers down at the 8. The Tigers went no-huddle and moved 14 plays and 92 yards for a go-ahead touchdown. During the drive, ECU completed 11 passes to set up the touchdown, including a crucial 21-yard completion on a 3rd and 23. After a 15-yard completion on fourth down, Phillips completed a five-yard touchdown pass to Kory Dowell.

The Tigers added to their lead when Max Mauser connected on a season-long, 35-yard field goal. ECU took possession after Mims blocked a Holmes punt and Mark Escamilla recovered the loose ball at the Lions seven-yard line.

The Lions will have two weeks to prepare for the regular season finale against Southeastern Oklahoma on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2 pm at Memorial Stadium.