How Lions Football got to the Elite Eight

Todd Kleiboer, Co-Editor|December 1, 2017

Following are photos from each football game.

Compiled by Todd Kleiboer, Co-Editor

A&M-Commerce @ North Alabama | Final Score: 8-7 A&M-Commerce

(Sept. 1, 2017) The Lions, then No. 5, defeat No. 6 North Alabama in a defensive battle as the Lions wins with a safety and two field goals. Photo Courtesy | Lion Athletics

 

 

A&M-Commerce v. William Jewell | Final Score: 59-6 A&M-Commerce

Jessie Cunningham
(Sept. 9, 2017) Lions quarterback Luis Perez scans downfield for the perfect opening. Perez ended the game with 4 touchdowns.

 

 

A&M-Commerce v. Eastern New Mexico | Final Score: 51-22 A&M-Commerce

Jessie Cunningham
(Sept. 16, 2017) Lions wide receiver Shawn Hooks (5) and Greyhounds defender Zach Johnson (28) race for the dropped ball.

 

 

A&M-Commerce @ A&M-Kingsville | Final Score: 38-7 A&M-Commerce

(Sept. 23, 2017) The entire Lions Football team celebrates on the field after winning the Chennault Cup for the sixth straight time. Photo Courtesy | Lion Athletics

 

 

A&M-Commerce @ Midwestern State | Final Score: 47-42 Midwestern State

(Oct. 7, 2017) Lions receiver Vincent Hobbs (15) reaches out to stiff-arm incoming Mustangs defender Marcus Wilkerson (11) in this failed comeback heartbreaker. Photo Courtesy | Karson Land via Lion Athletics

 

 

A&M-Commerce v. Western New Mexico | Final Score: 52-3 A&M-Commerce

Jessie Cunningham
(Oct. 14, 2017) Ernest Hawkins, the coach with the most wins in program history, leads the team in the fight song. The field was later renamed in his honor.

 

 

A&M-Commerce v. Angelo State | Final Score: 34-20 A&M-Commerce

Jessie Cunningham
(Oct. 21, 2017) Lions linebacker Garrett Blaubagh is caught by a Rams defender as the offensive and defensive lines scuffle.

 

 

A&M-Commerce @ West Texas A&M | Final Score: 35-16 A&M-Commerce

(Oct. 28, 2017) A Buffs defender attempts to block Lions quarterback Luis Perez’s (12) pass, but Perez went on to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. Photo Courtesy | Josh Manck via Lion Athletics

 

 

A&M-Commerce v. UT-Permian Basin | Final Score: 52-0 A&M-Commerce

Jessie Cunningham
(Nov. 4, 2017) Lions running back Carandal Hale attempts to stay in bounds as an Eagles defender launches himself at his legs in this second-to-last regular season game that turned into a shutout for the Eagles.

 

 

A&M-Commerce @ Tarleton State | Final Score: 33-21 A&M-Commerce

Imogené Wofford
(Nov. 11, 2017) Players cheer as they hold up the President’s Cup won for the fifth straight season in the last regular season game before they headed into the NCAA playoffs.

 

 

A&M-Commerce @ Winona State | Final Score: 20-6 A&M-Commerce

(Nov. 18, 2017) Lions linebacker Travon Blanchard (48) tackles Warriors quarterback Darren Beenkeen (13) in the first round of the playoffs. The Lion defense held the Warrior offense to just two field goals. Photo Courtesy | Josh Manck via Lion Athletics

 

 

A&M-Commerce @ Central Washington | Final Score: 34-31 A&M-Commerce

(Nov. 25, 2017) Players carry Lions kicker Kristov Martinez on their shoulders after his game-winning field goal in double overtime that progressed the Lions to the Elite Eight of the NCAA playoffs. Photo Courtesy | Josh Manck via Lion Athletics

Onward to Mankato!