Langston, OK – Louisiana Christian University opened Sooner Athletic Conference play with a statement win Saturday night, defeating Langston 31–24 in a hard-fought road contest that featured explosive plays, critical defensive stands, and a clutch scoring drive in the final two minutes.
The Wildcats (1–1, 1–0 SAC) set the tone early behind the steady leg of kicker Levi Hilborn, who connected on three field goals from 35, 25, and 36 yards to keep LCU within striking distance. Hilborn’s consistency proved invaluable in a game where every point mattered.
Quarterback Bryce Perkins showcased his big-play ability, completing 10 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his top receivers eclipsed the century mark: EJ Scott hauled in four catches for 112 yards, while Xavion Butler added three receptions for 110 yards, including the highlight of the night—an 81-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
Moments later, the defense provided an equally crucial spark. Jordan Oglesby delivered a crushing hit that jarred the ball loose, and Lyric Hawkins scooped it up and raced 30 yards for a touchdown. The turnover gave LCU a surge of momentum and a two-score advantage before Langston responded with back-to-back touchdowns to retake the lead 21–20 late in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter delivered the drama. Hilborn’s third field goal pushed LCU back in front 23–21, only for Langston to answer with a field goal of its own to make it 24–23 with under six minutes remaining. With the game on the line, the Wildcats pieced together their most important possession of the night: an 11-play, 77-yard drive capped by Datlan Cunningham’s two-yard touchdown run with 1:38 left. Cunningham carried the load all night, finishing with 27 carries for 97 yards and the game-winning score. Perkins then found Brenen Hawkins, the redshirt junior transfer from Austin Peay, for the two-point conversion, stretching the lead to 31–24.
From there, the defense closed the door. LCU forced two interceptions on the night—one by David Voorhies III and another by Brandon Johnson II—and stifled Langston’s final push. Linebacker Kylon Polk paced the unit with 12 tackles, while Oglesby’s forced fumble stood as the turning point of the night.
Afterward, head coach Ben McLaughlin praised his team’s composure:
“When things weren’t going well our sideline was glued up… It felt really good on the sideline. We gotta clean some things up, but we’re in a good spot.”
Receiver EJ Scott echoed the fight it took to finish the job:
“They were fighting, we were fighting… our defense came up big!”
The victory was not without its challenges. The Wildcats committed 13 penalties for 131 yards and struggled on third down (4-of-14), but overcame those miscues with explosive offense, timely turnovers, and efficient red-zone execution (4-for-5).
With the win, Louisiana Christian not only evened its overall record but also secured a key conference road victory. McLaughlin’s team demonstrated resilience, responding to every Langston counterpunch with poise and precision.
Next up, the Wildcats return home for their 2025 Home Opener on Saturday, September 13, welcoming Wayland Baptist to Wildcat Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. under the lights in Pineville.
Final Score: Louisiana Christian 31, Langston 24
Follow the Wildcats at lcwildcats.net/sports/football
