By Joel Weckerly, Sports Editor

The ACU junior varsity football team fell to crosstown opponent Hardin-Simmons in the opening game of the Wildcats’ season, as well as the first showcase of ACU’s newly implemented JV program.

The Wildcats fell 26-3 to the Cowboys at the Hardin-Simmons field Monday.

“I told my guys before the game that they were gonna be part of history,” junior varsity coach Colby Carthel said. “It took us a while to find ourselves; they had three really big plays that killed us.”

HSU scored on a 60-yard interception return, a 45-yard fumble return and a 50-yard running play, Carthel said.

ACU scored its only time on a field goal by freshman kicker Michael Peres after freshman quarterback Brock Pierce drove the Wildcats 90 yards into scoring position.

Freshman tailback Michael Moody was the leading rusher for the Cats, though no official statistics were available.

Carthel said most of the players got to play in the game.

“We want to get everyone a good look,” he said. “We’re not Pop Warner; we want to stay competitive, but everyone’s paid their dues in practice.”

The JV team (0-1), which serves as the scout team for varsity, resumes play Monday at Cisco Junior College.