The Texas Lutheran Bulldogs football team added another trophy to their cabinet on Saturday, capturing a third straight Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) regular‑season championship. A 34‑0 victory over the Centenary Warriors not only kept the Bulldogs unbeaten at home for the second time since 2014, it also underscored the program’s resilience in the face of heartbreaking loss.
Dominant defense fuels success
Head coach Neal LaHue praised the Bulldogs’ defensive unit, noting its experience, depth and play‑making ability. “We have a very experienced and talented defense. A lot of older guys, and they’ve done a great job,” LaHue said. He highlighted the team’s national standing in interceptions, estimating they rank “first or second in the country” with roughly 28 picks. LaHue also pointed to a young defensive back who has set an NCAA record with five pick‑six touchdowns, a testament to the aggressive, turnover‑driven scheme that has kept opponents off balance all season.
Playing through tragedy
The championship run has been shadowed by a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of two Bulldogs: A’Jean Augustine and Deyreck Dean. Dean, a roommate of senior defensive back Troy Tomaselli, and Augustine, who lived upstairs, were both lost in the crash last week. The loss has galvanized the team, with players leaning on one another for support.
“To lose one of your brothers and have to bury him and then play a game two or three days later is insane,” Tomaselli said, describing the emotional weight of the situation. “We’re not going to let anything get in the way of those goals.” The Bulldogs have adopted a simple mantra: put one foot in front of the other and keep showing up for each other.
Looking ahead
With the SCAC title secured, the Bulldogs now turn their attention to the upcoming road game against conference rival Hendrix, scheduled for next Saturday. The matchup will be the first test of the team’s mettle away from the familiar surroundings of the campus stadium.
Following the Hendrix game, Texas Lutheran will travel to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, to face the Warriors again, this time as the visiting team. The Bulldogs will kick off that contest at 3 p.m., aiming to extend their unbeaten streak and further cement their dominance in the SCAC.
Community and faith support
The university community has rallied around the team, offering prayers, meals and emotional support to the players and coaches. Campus ministries have organized prayer vigils, emphasizing the role of faith in helping the Bulldogs navigate grief while pursuing excellence on the field. The collective response reflects the strong family‑and‑faith values that define Texas Lutheran’s campus culture.
As the season progresses, the Bulldogs’ story serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance, teamwork and a steadfast commitment to one another can triumph even amid profound sorrow. The team’s continued success will be a source of pride for the university, its supporters and the broader Texas Lutheran family.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
