JOURNAL SPORTS

The McMurry War Hawks showed exactly why they were the preseason pick to win the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference crown Saturday, dominating Centenary’s Gents 52-6 at Atkins Field.

The McMurry (4-3, 3-0) offense exploded for 637 yards of total offense while the defense stifled the Gents (1-5, 1-2). The visiting War Hawks held the Gents to just 289 total yards while pressure was constant on Centenary true freshman quarterback Abram Wardell, resulting in eight sacks.

Wardell, the former Calvary Baptist star, made his first collegiate start as both veteran Centenary quarterbacks were unavailable due to injuries. He threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Theo Dunn that got the Gents within 14-6 late in the first half, but McMurry scored with 21 seconds to go in the second period and added three third-quarter TDs to take command.

Wardell completed 28 of 43 for 229 yards with an interception, returned for a third-period 65-yard score, and the touchdown to Dunn. Sophomore Christopher Jackson, also a Calvary product, was Centenary’s top pass catcher with eight receptions for 113 yards.

The War Hawks’ passing attack was overwhelming, posting 473 yards through the air. McMurry receiver Thomas Chandler had an explosive day, hauling in 11 receptions for 205 yards and a touchdown.

The Gents go on the road to Hendrix next Saturday, then finish the regular season at home Nov. 8 against Austin College.