Texas Southern Football Celebrates First Winning Season Since 2000

Texas Southern University football closed out a landmark year with a 24-7 victory over Alabama A&M on Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium, securing the program’s first winning season in more than two decades. 

The win also marked the team’s first triumph over Alabama A&M since 2016 and its first home win of the season.

Before kickoff, Texas Southern University honored its 13 seniors: #0 Chaunzavia Lewis, #1 Trenton Leary, #3 Da’Veon Ford, #4 Kerien Charlo, #6 Edric Whitley, #7 Jalen Williams, #9 Michael Akins, #14 Charles George Jr., #26 Jonathan Lewis, #38 Josiah Hardman, #44 Alex Bouldin, #73 Calvin Lester III, and #90 Victory Vaka.

Alabama A&M threatened early with a drive to the Texas Southern 38-yard line, but the Tigers’ defense delivered a momentum-shifting play. Edric Whitley forced a fumble at the one-yard line, and Matthew Cooks recovered it in the endzone. With first-time backfield starters Lawrence Butler at running back and Jordon Davis at quarterback, Texas Southern University moved the ball efficiently, though an early 27-yard field goal attempt fell short.

After forcing an Alabama A&M punt, Texas Southern University capitalized as Butler punched in a one-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead. Alabama A&M answered with a 44-yard touchdown on a trick-play wide receiver pass, tying the game at 7-7.

Texas Southern University regained control before halftime with an 84-yard drive capped by a nine-yard touchdown run from Davis. On the next scoring drive, Davis launched a 48-yard strike to Trenton Leary, setting up a nine-yard touchdown pass to Kordell Rodgers, extending the lead to 21-7 at the break.

In the third quarter, a strip sack by Garfield Lawrence set up a field goal that pushed the lead to 24-7. From there, the Texas Southern University defense locked down the Bulldogs, forcing three punts, a fumble, and two turnovers on downs to close out the game.

Texas Southern University finished with 386 total yards while holding Alabama A&M to 311. Butler posted 101 rushing yards on 20 carries. Davis added 158 passing yards and a touchdown, along with 62 rushing yards and another score. Hardman led the defense with nine tackles, while Lawrence recorded 2.5 sacks.

Defensive End Michael Akins reflected on the moment, saying, “Walking off the field, just make sure I leave no regrets, just giving my all. Because I can’t get this moment back.”

Head Coach Cris Dishman shared his philosophy, saying, “I try to push our players to the limit where we are always chasing greatness.” After securing the winning season, he said he felt great, thankful and ready for next season.

Dishman also had a message for future players: “We play good football here. You don’t need to go north, you can stay right at home… Play good football and get coached very very good. We have some of the best coaches here.”

Quarterback Jordan Davis summed up the team’s mentality moving forward: “Ending like this with a win, pushed us into next year with a mentality of we got to be better.”

With its first winning season since 2000, Texas Southern University football ends the year with renewed pride, and a foundation that suggests even bigger moments are ahead.

You can watch the full Post-game press conference: 

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