BATON ROUGE, TX — Southern University brought its trademark defensive intensity and explosive playmaking on the road Saturday, using four takeaways, a career performance from freshman wide receiver Damien Henderson Jr. and a dominant showing from defensive standout Herman Brister III to defeat Prairie View A&M 28-14 at Panther Stadium at Blackshear Field.
Brister III delivered one of the Jaguars' most impactful defensive performances of the season, collecting 10 tackles and two interceptions, including a 47-yard interception return for a touchdown that sealed the victory with 15 seconds remaining.
Henderson, meanwhile, continued to establish himself as one of Southern's brightest young offensive playmakers. The freshman sensation hauled in two receptions for a career-high 115 yards and two touchdowns, recording the first 100-yard receiving game of his young collegiate career.
The victory improved Southern to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, giving the Jaguars a much-needed road triumph.
DEFENSE SETS THE TONE
Southern's defense made the difference, forcing three interceptions and recovering a fumble while keeping Prairie View's offense off balance in critical situations. The Jaguars generated 14 points off turnovers and repeatedly created opportunities through timely takeaways and favorable field position.
Brister led the defensive effort. The Southern safety finished with three solo tackles, seven assists, and two interceptions, returning his picks for 56 yards combined. His biggest moment came in the closing seconds when he intercepted Prairie View quarterback Tevin Carter and raced 47 yards for the game-clinching touchdown, turning a seven-point advantage into a convincing 14-point victory.
Southern also got interceptions from Ty Lee, while linebacker Tay James led the team with 12 tackles. The Jaguars held Prairie View to just 3 of 12 on third-down conversions and shut out the Panthers in the fourth quarter.
HENDERSON'S BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE IGNITES THE JAGUARS
With Southern looking for offensive momentum, Henderson delivered the explosive plays the Jaguars needed. The freshman opened the scoring late in the first quarter when quarterback Christian Johnson connected with him on a 69-yard touchdown pass, giving Southern a 7-0 advantage with 1:43 remaining. After Prairie View answered with 14 consecutive points to take a 14-7 lead early in the third quarter, Henderson responded.
Johnson found the freshman for a 46-yard touchdown with 1:33 remaining in the third, tying the game at 14 and swinging momentum back toward the Jaguars. Henderson finished with 115 receiving yards on just two catches, averaging an impressive 57.5 yards per reception. He also contributed 34 kickoff return yards, finishing with 149 all-purpose yards. His two touchdown receptions accounted for all of Southern's passing scores and provided the offensive spark that helped fuel the comeback.
HOLLY AND JOHNSON FINISH THE JOB
With the game tied entering the fourth quarter, Southern turned to its ground attack to take control. Running back Trey Holly powered the Jaguars' offense with 125 rushing yards on 29 carries, including a 30-yard touchdown run with seven minutes remaining that gave Southern a 21-14 lead. The touchdown capped an impressive 13-play, 89-yard drive that chewed up 5:59 and showed Southern's ability to control the line of scrimmage when it mattered most.
Johnson completed 9 of 22 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed for 34 yards, giving him 241 yards of total offense. Southern finished with 389 total yards, including 182 on the ground, and held possession for 33:36. The Jaguars scored 21 unanswered points after falling behind 14-7, combining explosive offense with a defense that delivered the final statement.
A STATEMENT ROAD VICTORY
Southern's defense made the decisive plays, and the Jaguars' offense capitalized when opportunities arose. For Southern, the victory showcased a promising combination of experienced defensive leadership, emerging freshman talent, and a physical running game.
Brister's two-interception performance provided the defensive exclamation point, Henderson's first 100-yard game offered a glimpse of his potential, and Holly's fourth-quarter touchdown delivered the go-ahead score. The Jaguars left Prairie View with more than a road victory. They left with renewed momentum and a performance built on the complementary football that can help define the rest of their season.
BY THE NUMBERS
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4: Takeaways by Southern's defense — three interceptions and one fumble recovery.
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2: Interceptions byHerman Brister III, including a 47-yard touchdown return.
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115: Receiving yards by freshman Damien Henderson Jr., a career high.
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2: Touchdown receptions by Henderson, covering 69 and 46 yards.
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125: Rushing yards by Trey Holly on 29 carries.
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207: Passing yards by Christian Johnson, who threw two touchdowns without an interception.
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14: Points Southern scored off Prairie View turnovers.
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21: Unanswered points scored by Southern to close the game.
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389: Total offensive yards produced by the Jaguars.
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12: Team-high tackles recorded by Tay James.
JAGUAR PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
Herman Brister III | Defensive standout
10 total tackles, two interceptions, 56 interception return yards and a 47-yard defensive touchdown. Brister's playmaking helped lead a four-takeaway defensive effort.
Damien Henderson Jr. | Freshman offensive standout
Two receptions, 115 yards, two touchdowns and 149 all-purpose yards. Henderson recorded his first collegiate 100-yard receiving game and averaged 57.5 yards per catch.
Trey Holly | Ground-game leader
29 carries, 121 rushing yards and one touchdown. Holly's 30-yard fourth-quarter scoring run gave Southern the lead for good.
Christian Johnson | Quarterback
9-of-22 passing, 207 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Johnson also added 34 rushing yards.
Tayton James | Defensive leader
A team-high 12 tackles, including four solo stops and eight assists, along with a pass breakup.
Ty Lee | Turnover contributor
Four tackles and a crucial fumble recovery that helped preserve Southern's defensive effort.
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