By Joel Weckerly, Sports Editor

ACU’s junior varsity football team let Hardin-Simmons get away with a huge third quarter en route to a 40-21 Wildcat loss at HSU Monday.

“We didn’t play well in the second half,” JV coach Colby Carthel said. “We were trying to drive into the wind, and we just couldn’t get good field position. That third quarter really killed us.”

The Cowboys came back from a 14-13 Wildcat lead at the half and scored 27 unanswered points-20 of those in the third stanza.

Sophomore running back Jamie Bueno had a 37-yard touchdown run and freshman wideout Jeff Cavanaugh caught a 29-yard touchdown from freshman quarterback Brock Pierce to lead ACU’s offensive scoring attack, while freshman cornerback Courtney Armstrong returned a fumble nine yards for a score.

Carthel also said that freshman wide receiver Korbin Williams and sophomore fullback played solid offensive games.

Defensively, freshman safety Robert Grannis had an interception and made several big tackles while freshman safety Quincy Green made a “big stop” on a two-point conversion, Carthel said.

The loss makes the JV team 3-3 on the season after a forfeit victory over McMurry last Thursday. Carthel said that game could be made up, however, if McMurry’s coach is able to schedule it. Otherwise, the game will count as a Wildcat victory.

ACU’s final game of the season is its only one at home, as the Cats play host to Cisco Junior College 6 p.m. Monday at Shotwell Stadium.