Game Recap: Rhodes vs. Austin College
In a hard-fought road contest, the Rhodes College football team battled Austin College before falling 23-17 on Sept. 12 at Apple Stadium in Sherman, Texas. The Lynx took an early lead and continued to fight throughout the second half, but Austin's second-quarter surge proved to be the difference.
Rhodes struck first at the 7:15 mark of the opening quarter when
Sani Bartlett hauled in a 34-yard touchdown pass from
Taylor Haas.
Grady Jones added the extra point to give the Lynx a 7-0 advantage.
Austin answered with a field goal in the second quarter before scoring three additional times in the final 44 seconds of the half to take a 20-7 lead into the break.
Key Performances
Taylor Haas connected with Bartlett for the game's opening touchdown, a 34-yard scoring strike that capped an 80-yard Rhodes drive.
Bartlett provided the early offensive spark for the Lynx with his touchdown reception, giving Rhodes its first lead of the afternoon.
Rhodes responded coming out of halftime as
Jelani Lovett scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown with 8:06 remaining in the third quarter. The touchdown capped a 12-play, 69-yard drive and cut Austin's lead to 20-14.
Grady Jones contributed five points for the Lynx, converting both extra-point attempts and adding a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Game Highlights
Rhodes opened the afternoon with a strong first quarter, taking a 7-0 lead after Bartlett's touchdown reception. Austin responded with 20 points in the second quarter to take control of the game heading into halftime.
The Lynx continued to battle in the second half, putting together a 12-play, 69-yard scoring drive that ended with Lovett's one-yard touchdown run. Rhodes added another score in the fourth quarter when Jones connected on a 31-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to six points.
Rhodes continued to compete down the stretch, but Austin held on for the 23-17 victory.
Up Next: Rhodes vs Maryville College
The Lynx continue the 2026 season with their next matchup at home on September 26 against Maryville College to open up SAA play.
