Saturday, September 30
Nacogdoches, Texas
6:00 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin
vs
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Lumberjacks to Honor Cally Belcher at Game This Saturday
9/29/2023 11:45:00 AM | Football
NACOGDOCHES, Texas- The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (2-2, 0-1) host Texas A&M-University-Commerce (0-3, 0-0) in a non-conference game Saturday, September 30th at Homer Bryce Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00pm. The Lumberjacks will honor Presley Calloway "Cally" Belcher during the game.
Cally Belcher Day
The 'Jacks will remember Presley Calloway "Cally" Belcher, a SFA all-conference defensive back who passed away from a brain aneurysm following a spring practice in 1994 during the game. Born in 1971, Belcher was a three-year letter winner for SFA at the strong safety position and helped lead the 'Jacks to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 1993.
During a spring practice on March 22, 1994, Belcher was going through drills and took a blow to the helmet. He collapsed on the field and was transported to the hospital where he stayed in a coma for a week. On March 29, 1994, at 22 years old, Belcher passed away.
Known as one of the hardest hitters in the Southland at the time, Belcher's number 16 jersey was permanently retired on Sept. 10, 1994, with a special halftime ceremony during a game versus Montana State. For 20 years the No. 16 jersey was never worn by a SFA player until the 20th anniversary of Belcher's passing in 2014, when the first Cally Belcher game was held at Homer Bryce Stadium. Wide receiver Aaron Thomas was the first player to wear the No. 16 jersey since its retirement during the 'Jacks' 35-20 home win over Weber State on Sept. 20, 2014. Previous players who have worn the jersey since 2014 include:
2014 Aaron Thomas, Wide Receiver
2015 Joshawa West, Running Back
2016 Jamal Allen, Defensive End
2017 Marlon Walls, Safety
2018 Cody Williams, Wide Receiver
2019 Quin Jones, Corner Back
2020 Heston Kelly, Wide Receiver,
2021 Max Quick, Punter
2022 Xavier Gipson, Wide Receiver
The player wearing the number 16 jersey for the Lumberjacks tomorrow vs. the Lions will be announced at the team's pregame meal on Saturday.
Coach Colby Carthel
'Jacks head coach Colby Carthel spent six seasons guiding the Lions program (2013-18) as head coach and compiled a 59-18 overall record and 36-8 in conference play. During his time at Commerce, Carthel led them to an NCAA Division II National Championship in 2017. This will be Carthel's first meeting against the Lions since taking over the Lumberjacks as head coach in 2019.
Matchup History
Saturday's game will be the 56th meeting between the two teams and the first meeting since Colby Carthel came to SFA in 2019. Commerce currently leads the series with an overall record of 43-12.
A Look at SFA
Against Austin Peay, the offense had an all-hands-on deck performance with scoring coming from three different Lumberjacks. Preston Weeks had his first passing touchdown of the year when starting quarterback Brian Maurer had to come off the field. Houston transfer Kylon Harris also had a career day for the Lumberjacks' offense totaling eight receptions for 108 total yards and one touchdown. Brian Maurer also added one rushing touchdown for the 'Jacks, his third on the year.
The Lumberjacks defense had a huge game despite coming up short in the loss. The Lumberjacks held the Governor's offense to seven points through the first half of the game. The 'Jacks defense also held the Gov's quarterback Mike DiLiello to 81 passing yards and only one touchdown a week after the Governors had 441-yards passing with five touchdowns against ETSU. Red Shirt Freshman Aaron Sears had a huge game against the Governor's with 10 total tackles and won the UAC Freshman of the Week honors for his performance. Dylan Tooker and Bruce Harmon each had an interception in the game. The defense also hit home for three sacks against the Gov's.
A Look at Texas A&M Commerce
The Lions are coming off of a 10-9 loss to Old Dominion last Saturday. Quarterbacks Peter Parrish and Josh Magana combined for a total of 124 passing yards and one passing touchdown thrown by Magana. The Commerce rushing attack totaled 126 rushing yards in the game.
The Lion's defense held Old Dominion to just 10 points in the loss. Senior defensive back Daryion Taylor led the way with 11 total tackles. Cornerback Max Epps won FCS player of the week after having a two-interception performance for the Lion's defense last weekend. The defense totaled eight sacks and three interceptions in the performance.
Broadcast Information
The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN+ and on Q107.7 FM with The Voice of The Lumberjacks Rob Myers and color analyst Hunter Taylor calling all the action.
Game Day Events
Stephen F. Austin is celebrating Cally Belcher day this weekend. The College of Education will be recognized as part of Educator Appreciation Day. Think Pink will also be recognized this weekend. The first 500 fans will receive pink ZETA Sunglasses and all fans are encouraged to wear pink at the game. Axe 'Em Acres will be open at 4 pm before the game with food and live music. The Lumberjacks will hit the road to take on Utah Tech in St. George, Utah next Saturday, October 7 at Greater Zion Stadium at 6:00 pm CT.
Tickets for Texas A&M Commerce vs SFA
Tickets can be purchased at SFATICKETS.com.
Cally Belcher Day
The 'Jacks will remember Presley Calloway "Cally" Belcher, a SFA all-conference defensive back who passed away from a brain aneurysm following a spring practice in 1994 during the game. Born in 1971, Belcher was a three-year letter winner for SFA at the strong safety position and helped lead the 'Jacks to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 1993.
During a spring practice on March 22, 1994, Belcher was going through drills and took a blow to the helmet. He collapsed on the field and was transported to the hospital where he stayed in a coma for a week. On March 29, 1994, at 22 years old, Belcher passed away.
Known as one of the hardest hitters in the Southland at the time, Belcher's number 16 jersey was permanently retired on Sept. 10, 1994, with a special halftime ceremony during a game versus Montana State. For 20 years the No. 16 jersey was never worn by a SFA player until the 20th anniversary of Belcher's passing in 2014, when the first Cally Belcher game was held at Homer Bryce Stadium. Wide receiver Aaron Thomas was the first player to wear the No. 16 jersey since its retirement during the 'Jacks' 35-20 home win over Weber State on Sept. 20, 2014. Previous players who have worn the jersey since 2014 include:
2014 Aaron Thomas, Wide Receiver
2015 Joshawa West, Running Back
2016 Jamal Allen, Defensive End
2017 Marlon Walls, Safety
2018 Cody Williams, Wide Receiver
2019 Quin Jones, Corner Back
2020 Heston Kelly, Wide Receiver,
2021 Max Quick, Punter
2022 Xavier Gipson, Wide Receiver
The player wearing the number 16 jersey for the Lumberjacks tomorrow vs. the Lions will be announced at the team's pregame meal on Saturday.
Coach Colby Carthel
'Jacks head coach Colby Carthel spent six seasons guiding the Lions program (2013-18) as head coach and compiled a 59-18 overall record and 36-8 in conference play. During his time at Commerce, Carthel led them to an NCAA Division II National Championship in 2017. This will be Carthel's first meeting against the Lions since taking over the Lumberjacks as head coach in 2019.
Matchup History
Saturday's game will be the 56th meeting between the two teams and the first meeting since Colby Carthel came to SFA in 2019. Commerce currently leads the series with an overall record of 43-12.
A Look at SFA
Against Austin Peay, the offense had an all-hands-on deck performance with scoring coming from three different Lumberjacks. Preston Weeks had his first passing touchdown of the year when starting quarterback Brian Maurer had to come off the field. Houston transfer Kylon Harris also had a career day for the Lumberjacks' offense totaling eight receptions for 108 total yards and one touchdown. Brian Maurer also added one rushing touchdown for the 'Jacks, his third on the year.
The Lumberjacks defense had a huge game despite coming up short in the loss. The Lumberjacks held the Governor's offense to seven points through the first half of the game. The 'Jacks defense also held the Gov's quarterback Mike DiLiello to 81 passing yards and only one touchdown a week after the Governors had 441-yards passing with five touchdowns against ETSU. Red Shirt Freshman Aaron Sears had a huge game against the Governor's with 10 total tackles and won the UAC Freshman of the Week honors for his performance. Dylan Tooker and Bruce Harmon each had an interception in the game. The defense also hit home for three sacks against the Gov's.
A Look at Texas A&M Commerce
The Lions are coming off of a 10-9 loss to Old Dominion last Saturday. Quarterbacks Peter Parrish and Josh Magana combined for a total of 124 passing yards and one passing touchdown thrown by Magana. The Commerce rushing attack totaled 126 rushing yards in the game.
The Lion's defense held Old Dominion to just 10 points in the loss. Senior defensive back Daryion Taylor led the way with 11 total tackles. Cornerback Max Epps won FCS player of the week after having a two-interception performance for the Lion's defense last weekend. The defense totaled eight sacks and three interceptions in the performance.
Broadcast Information
The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN+ and on Q107.7 FM with The Voice of The Lumberjacks Rob Myers and color analyst Hunter Taylor calling all the action.
Game Day Events
Stephen F. Austin is celebrating Cally Belcher day this weekend. The College of Education will be recognized as part of Educator Appreciation Day. Think Pink will also be recognized this weekend. The first 500 fans will receive pink ZETA Sunglasses and all fans are encouraged to wear pink at the game. Axe 'Em Acres will be open at 4 pm before the game with food and live music. The Lumberjacks will hit the road to take on Utah Tech in St. George, Utah next Saturday, October 7 at Greater Zion Stadium at 6:00 pm CT.
Tickets for Texas A&M Commerce vs SFA
Tickets can be purchased at SFATICKETS.com.
Players Mentioned
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QB
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