Brief

Gavin Rutherford leads Stephen F. Austin to 28-26 win over Incarnate Word

The Lumberjacks improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Southland Conference play.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:24:11 GMT

Gavin Rutherford threw three touchdown passes on Saturday night in Stephen F. Austin's 28-26 victory over Incarnate Word in Nacogdoches, Texas, according to the Associated Press. The win marked the Lumberjacks' 16th straight regular‑season triumph and their 11th consecutive Southland Conference victory.

Incarnate Word briefly led 20-14 early in the third quarter after a 1‑yard rushing TD by David Rasor. Rutherford responded with an 8‑yard TD catch‑and‑run to Preston Alford four and a half minutes later, and later connected with Clayton Wayland for another 8‑yard score to put the Lumberjacks ahead 28-20.

Incarnate Word fought back when quarterback Emmett Brown threw a 53‑yard TD pass to Jacob Emmers with 22 seconds left, but a failed two‑point conversion and a missed field goal by Stephen F. Austin's Carlos Alvarado sealed the win. The Lumberjacks (6-0, 3-0 Southland) remain unbeaten, while Incarnate Word (2-3, 1-1) will travel to Lamar next Saturday.

Key facts

Gavin Rutherford threw three touchdown passes. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Stephen F. Austin won 28-26. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The victory was the team's 16th straight regular‑season win. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Incarnate Word led 20-14 early in the third quarter. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Stephen F. Austin improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in conference. (winnipegfreepress.com)