The Houston Tigers managed just 114 yards of total offense, and sophomore quarterback Kyle Jones threw four interceptions in a 36-7 loss Friday night to visiting Southern Boone.
The Eagles, who lost 40-0 last season to Houston during a winless campaign, improved to 2-0. Houston (0-2) is winless in 2009.
Despite gaining three first downs – two coming in the final minute – in the first half, the Tigers remained within striking distance. Trailing 14-0, Houston opened the second half with eight straight running plays that covered 57 yards. Tailback Justin Schmidt, who carried the ball seven times during the drive, scored from 1 yard away to make it 14-7.
Southern Boone responded with a long drive that included two fourth-down conversions. The last – Sam Mueller’s 1-yard run – made it 22-7.
The Eagles scored on fourth-and-1 on their next drive — another Mueller plunge — to go ahead 28-7.
Jones was picked off for the fourth time on Houston’s next possession, and Southern Boone converted another fourth down during a quick seven-play drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown run by Cole Finley.
The Eagles picked up small chunks of yardage in their double-wing offense. Tyler Grethen had 143 yards on 23 carries, and Mueller added 116 on 22 rushes. Southern Boone ran the ball on 64 of its 73 plays for 289 yards.
Schmidt led Houston with 22 carries for 91 yards and a score. Jones was 1-of-10 passing for 11 yards.
It was a sloppy first half for both teams in a steady rain that ended midway through the second quarter. Southern Boone lost two fumbles and was twice stopped on fourth downs just outside the red zone. Jones threw three first-half interceptions for the Tigers.