PULSE – Vaqueros Muzzle Huskies in First Conference Win

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger braces for impact as he’s tackled by Houston Christian University Linebacker Mike Sylvalie during the first quarter Saturday evening at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.
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The Vaqueros defense shut out the Houston Christian University Huskies in the second half of their conference matchup, leading to UTRGV’s first home conference win (27-7) Saturday at the Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg.

Quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger led the offense with 131 passing yards, 89 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns—two rushing and one passing.

The Vaquero defense limited the Huskies to just 144 total yards, keeping them from scoring completely in the second half.

At the half, the Vaqueros and Huskies were tied 7-7. Football head coach Travis Bush attributed the momentum shift to adjustments made at halftime.

UTRGV Defensive End Withchiel “Hank” Filamar and Houston Christian University Offensive Line Cullen Montgomery clash at the line of scrimmage, each battling for control in a high-stakes Saturday evening at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.
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“We came out 7-7 and knew we had to run the football, chew the clock and keep them off the field,” Bush said.

UTRGV junior defensive end Ian Box achieved a career-best 1.5 sacks from the total six garnered by the Vaqueros.

Freshman linebacker Jaiden Haygood led the defense with 11 tackles, one for loss.

“We gave up an early touchdown,” Haygood said. “We said that wasn’t going to happen again and capitalized off it. We went into the second half and stood them up.”

UTRGV defensive back Alijah Prosser closes in to tackle Houston ChristianUniversity running back Xai’Shaun Edwards during a play Saturday night at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.
Logan Huizar/Pulse

D.J. Roberts and Norey Johnson each picked off HCU, turning the tide and further propelling the Vaqueros toward a win.

The Vaqueros broke the halftime tie after a 1-yard run by Marburger in the third quarter. UTRGV redshirt sophomore Brysen Gardner drilled two field goals of 25 and 43 yards to add to the Vaqueros’ lead.

Marburger’s 4-yard touchdown pass to fellow redshirt sophomore tight end Ismael Smith Flores in the fourth quarter secured the win.

The quarterback credited his teammates for the win.

“I think the spotlight should be on these guys,” Marburger said. “I mean 7 points in a game, that’s unheard of. They’re the reason we won this game.”