The TLU Bulldogs: Dominating the Competition and Chasing a Conference Championship!
The Texas Lutheran University (TLU) Bulldogs continue to build momentum as they pursue a conference championship. Following a dominant performance against the Hendrix Warriors in the previous Game of the Week, the Bulldogs traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas, this past weekend to take on Lyon College. With preparation, hard work, and strong performances across all three phases of the game, TLU continued to demonstrate its ability to compete at a high level.
Against Hendrix, the Bulldogs delivered an impressive performance on both sides of the football. The defense was lights out, shutting out the Warriors and holding them scoreless throughout the game. This marked the first time TLU had ever held another team scoreless, making the performance a historic achievement for the Bulldogs’ defense. Meanwhile, the offense played with pace and intensity, creating explosive plays and finding ways to put points on the board. The commanding victory showcased the Bulldogs’ talent and determination as they continued their push toward a conference championship.
The Bulldogs carried that momentum into their matchup against Lyon College, earning a decisive 48–3 victory. The team performed well across offense, defense, and special teams, demonstrating the importance of preparation, execution, and teamwork. With standout individual performances and contributions from every unit, TLU continues to establish itself as a team to watch as the season progresses.
This week, we take an inside look at the coaching staff’s perspective, highlight key players who have helped lead the Bulldogs to success, and examine how the team’s continued momentum is fueling its pursuit of a conference championship.
The Offense: Finding Balance and Making Big Plays
Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Coach Lahue has emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced offensive attack. According to Lahue, the Bulldogs must establish an effective running game while controlling the passing game to keep opposing defenses guessing.
“We have to be balanced, be able to run the football. If we can do that and be successful at running it, as well as being able to control the passing game, we’ll be able to go out and perform. Getting in run formations and getting them to play tighter coverage will let us open the offense more to be able to throw the ball over the top,” Lahue explained.
The Bulldogs put that strategy into action against Hendrix, finishing with 379 yards of offense and four total touchdowns. Quarterbacks Elijah Favela, Micah Casson, and Logan Rodriguez contributed to the offensive effort, helping keep the Warriors’ defense under pressure throughout the game.
Running back James Garza was another standout performer, leading the Bulldogs on the ground. Garza rushed for 120 yards on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns. His ability to gain tough yards, find openings, and finish plays helped establish the running game and create opportunities for the offense to succeed.
His impressive performance also earned him Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Offensive Player of the Week honors.
The Bulldogs continued to demonstrate their offensive potential against Lyon College, putting up 48 points in a commanding victory. The performance highlighted the importance of executing the game plan, taking advantage of scoring opportunities, and working together to move the football effectively.
With the offensive line creating opportunities and the backfield capitalizing on them, TLU has demonstrated the value of establishing the run while maintaining the ability to attack opponents through the air. As the Bulldogs continue through the season, their offensive balance could prove instrumental in their pursuit of a conference championship.
The Defense: Relentless Pressure and Record-Breaking Plays
On the defensive side of the football, the Bulldogs have continued to make their presence felt. Defensive Coordinator Coach Scott has highlighted the importance of aggressive play, disciplined execution, and understanding individual assignments.
“We want to be able to be aggressive, want to make sure we know our assignments, rally to the football, and be very diverse to the football since they like to throw the football,” Scott said.
The Bulldogs brought that mindset to the field against Hendrix. From the opening whistle, the defense pressured the Warriors, disrupted their offensive rhythm, and made it difficult for them to move the football. The defensive unit recorded five sacks, consistently pressuring the quarterback and forcing Hendrix into difficult situations.
The secondary also played a major role in the shutout, recording three interceptions. Troy Tomaselli recorded two interceptions, while Malik Johnson added another. Johnson’s interception was especially memorable, as he returned it for a touchdown to record the sixth pick-six of his career.
According to the team’s record-setting announcement, Johnson’s achievement established the NCAA single-season pick-six record. His ability to create game-changing plays has made him a major presence on the defensive side of the football. Johnson’s outstanding performance also earned him SCAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The Bulldogs carried their defensive intensity into the matchup against Lyon College, helping limit the opposition to just three points in the 48–3 victory. The performance reinforced the unit’s ability to apply pressure, disrupt opposing offenses, and work together to limit scoring opportunities.
Beyond individual accomplishments, the defense’s success reflects the collective effort of the entire unit. The Bulldogs have demonstrated the importance of pressuring the quarterback, covering receivers, pursuing the football, and preventing opponents from establishing offensive momentum. Holding Hendrix scoreless and limiting Lyon to a field goal further highlighted the impact of disciplined execution and aggressive play.
As TLU continues its season, the defense will remain an important part of the team’s championship pursuit, with its ability to create turnovers and limit scoring opportunities providing a foundation for success.
Special Teams: Making Every Opportunity Count
Special teams have also played an important role in the Bulldogs’ recent success. Against Hendrix, Ethan Breeden delivered an impressive punting performance, earning SCAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Breeden recorded three punts for a total of 120 yards. Two of his punts landed inside the 20-yard line, and his longest punt traveled 56 yards. These contributions helped the Bulldogs gain an advantage in field position and put the defense in favorable situations.
By pinning Hendrix deep in its own territory, Breeden helped give the Bulldogs’ defense opportunities to continue applying pressure. His performance demonstrated how special teams can influence the flow of a game and contribute to a team’s overall success.
The Bulldogs also received recognition for their special teams performance following the victory over Lyon College. Jack Nelson earned SCAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, while Diego Avila was recognized as SCAC Defensive Player of the Week. Both players made key contributions on the field, helping TLU maintain its strong performance across multiple phases of the game.
These honors underscore the importance of having players who can make an impact in critical situations. Whether through effective punting, strong defensive play, or the ability to capitalize on opportunities, the Bulldogs have continued to receive valuable contributions from throughout the roster.
Success in football requires more than offensive production or defensive stops. By executing on special teams and taking advantage of opportunities in all three phases, TLU has continued to demonstrate the value of a complete team effort.
Looking Ahead: The Road to a Conference Championship
With victories over Hendrix and Lyon College behind them, the Bulldogs continue to build momentum as they pursue a conference championship. The 48–3 win over Lyon showcased the team’s ability to prepare, execute, and perform across all three phases of the game.
The coaching staff’s emphasis on preparation, balance, aggression, and execution will remain essential as TLU faces the challenges ahead. The offense will look to continue producing explosive plays and maintaining a balanced attack, while the defense aims to sustain its intensity, limit scoring opportunities, and create turnovers. Special teams will also play a critical role in controlling field position and capitalizing on every opportunity.
Standout performances from players such as James Garza, Malik Johnson, Ethan Breeden, Diego Avila, and Jack Nelson demonstrate the range of talent contributing to the Bulldogs’ success. Their accomplishments reflect the importance of individual preparation and the collective effort required to compete at a high level.
As the season progresses, TLU remains focused on the bigger goal: competing for a conference championship. The road ahead will bring new challenges, but the Bulldogs have demonstrated their determination, discipline, and ability to make big plays when it matters most.
The message is clear: the Bulldogs are building momentum, and every game presents another opportunity to move closer to their ultimate goal.
This has been your TLU Football news and updates! The Bulldogs are ready to keep the momentum rolling, and the mission is far from over!
GO DAWGS!
Article by: Eian Baker
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