Sam Vidlak, Kylon Harris lead the way and Stephen F. Austin reaches FCS quarters with 41-34 win
AP
Dec 06, 2025
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (AP) Sam Vidlak passed for a career-high 357 yards, Kylon Harris had 183 yards receiving, and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defeated Abilene Chrisitan 41-34 on Saturday in a second-round game of the FCS playoffs.
Seventh-seeded Stephen F. Austin (11-2) advances to the quarterfinals and will play No. 2 Montana State.
The Lumberjacks scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, twice overcoming three-point deficits.
The 10th-seeded Wildcats led 27-24 heading to the fourth quarter then SFA took a 31-27 lead on Jerrell Wimbley's 10-yard touchdown run with 12 minutes remaining.
Three plays later Jordon Vaughn's 66-yard touchdown run up the middle had Abilene Christian Wildcats back in front, 34-31, with 10 1/2 minutes remaining.
Vidlak's 9-yard TD pass to Harris gave the Lumberjacks a 38-34 lead and Jacob Hand's 26-yard field goal made it 41-34 with 1:56 left in the game.
The Wildcats stalled at their own 23 on their final possession.
This was the fourth time this season that Vidlak threw three touchdown passes. His career high is five, which he accomplished twice last season. Harris' 183 yards equal his career high that was established six weeks ago against East Texas A&M.
Vaughn had 100 yards rushing for Abilene Christian (9-5) and Stone Earle passed for 206 yards.
The Lumberjacks have won a school-record 11 in a row since a 28-20 loss to Abilene Christian in September.
It was the Lumberjacks’ first home playoff game since 2010 and the first non-opening round playoff game since 1989.
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(10:08 - 2nd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by J.Wimbley for -1 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 44.
Punt
4 & 16 - ABIL 44
(9:24 - 2nd) L.Pozzobon punts 39 yards to AC 5 Center-SFA. Downed by C.Sautter.
ABIL
Wildcats
- Touchdown (8 plays, 95 yards, 3:47 poss)
Result
Play
Penalty
1 & 10 - ABIL 5
(9:19 - 2nd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for D.Dudley. PENALTY on SFA-C.Demmings Defensive Pass Interference 15 yards accepted. No Play.
+25 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 20
(9:14 - 2nd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by J.Gipson for 25 yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 45.
No Gain
1 & 10 - ABIL 45
(8:31 - 2nd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for J.Gipson.
+18 YD
2 & 10 - ABIL 45
(8:25 - 2nd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by H.Graham for 18 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 37.
+9 YD
1 & 10 - SFA 37
(7:45 - 2nd) S.Earle rushed for 9 yards. Pushed out of bounds by SFA at SFA 28.
+10 YD
2 & 1 - SFA 28
(7:06 - 2nd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by J.Gipson for 10 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 18.
No Gain
1 & 10 - SFA 18
(6:30 - 2nd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for J.Gipson.
+1 YD
2 & 10 - SFA 18
(6:24 - 2nd) S.Earle rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 17.
Penalty
3 & 9 - SFA 17
(5:47 - 2nd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for J.Henry. PENALTY on SFA-M.Williams Defensive Offside 5 yards declined. PENALTY on SFA-M.Patterson Defensive Pass Interference 15 yards accepted. No Play.
+2 YD
1 & Goal - SFA 2
(5:42 - 2nd) J.Vaughn rushed for 2 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
PAT Good
(5:38 - 2nd) B.Perez extra point is good.
SFA
Lumberjacks
- Punt (4 plays, 21 yards, 1:42 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(5:32 - 2nd) B.Perez kicks 65 yards from AC 35 to the SFA End Zone. R.Reese returns the kickoff. Pushed out of bounds by AC at SFA 28. PENALTY on SFA-C.Sautter Defensive Holding 10 yards accepted.
+14 YD
1 & 10 - SFA 12
(5:32 - 2nd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 14 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 26.
-2 YD
1 & 10 - SFA 26
(5:09 - 2nd) J.Wimbley rushed for -2 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 24.
No Gain
2 & 12 - SFA 24
(4:36 - 2nd) S.Vidlak steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for C.Wayland. PENALTY on SFA-SFA Offensive Holding 10 yards declined.
+9 YD
3 & 12 - SFA 24
(4:27 - 2nd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 9 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 33.
Punt
4 & 3 - SFA 33
(3:51 - 2nd) L.Pozzobon punts 37 yards to AC 30 Center-SFA. Fair catch by T.Williams. PENALTY on SFA-K.Reddic Kick Catch Interference 15 yards accepted.
ABIL
Wildcats
- Touchdown (6 plays, 55 yards, 2:45 poss)
Result
Play
+5 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 45
(3:50 - 2nd) J.Vaughn rushed for 5 yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 50.
+2 YD
2 & 5 - ABIL 50
(3:11 - 2nd) J.Vaughn rushed for 2 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 48.
+19 YD
3 & 3 - SFA 48
(2:38 - 2nd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by J.Gipson for 19 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 29.
+9 YD
1 & 10 - SFA 29
(2:00 - 2nd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by B.Henry for 9 yards. Pushed out of bounds by SFA at SFA 20.
-3 YD
2 & 1 - SFA 20
(1:53 - 2nd) J.Vaughn rushed for -3 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 23.
+23 YD
3 & 4 - SFA 23
(1:10 - 2nd) J.Vaughn rushed for 23 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
PAT Good
(1:05 - 2nd) B.Perez extra point is good.
SFA
Lumberjacks
- Field Goal (7 plays, 45 yards, 1:02 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(1:05 - 2nd) B.Perez kicks 65 yards from AC 35 to the SFA End Zone. Touchback.
+1 YD
1 & 10 - SFA 25
(1:05 - 2nd) J.Wimbley rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 26.
+25 YD
2 & 9 - SFA 26
(0:42 - 2nd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by C.Wayland for 25 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 49.
+3 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 49
(0:29 - 2nd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by J.Wimbley for 3 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 46.
Sack
2 & 7 - ABIL 46
(0:23 - 2nd) S.Vidlak steps back to pass. Sacked at SFA 49 for -5 yards (K.Roach).
+15 YD
3 & 12 - SFA 49
(0:18 - 2nd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by C.Wayland for 15 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 36.
+6 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 36
(0:10 - 2nd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 6 yards. Pushed out of bounds by AC at AC 30.
Field Goal
2 & 4 - ABIL 38
(0:07 - 2nd) J.Hand 48 yard field goal attempt is good Center-SFA Holder-L.Pozzobon.
SFA
Lumberjacks
- Touchdown (4 plays, 75 yards, 1:52 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(0:03 - 2nd) J.Hand kicks 45 yards from SFA 35 to the AC 20. N.Jones returns the kickoff. Tackled by SFA at AC 26.
ABIL
Wildcats
- Touchdown (13 plays, 75 yards, 6:13 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(15:00 - 3rd) B.Perez kicks 65 yards from AC 35 to the SFA End Zone. Touchback.
+60 YD
1 & 10 - SFA 25
(15:00 - 3rd) R.Reese rushed for 60 yards. Pushed out of bounds by AC at AC 15.
(14:13 - 3rd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by C.Wayland for 1 yards. Pushed out of bounds by AC at AC 19.
+15 YD
2 & 14 - ABIL 19
(13:50 - 3rd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 15 yards. Pushed out of bounds by AC at AC 4.
+4 YD
1 & Goal - ABIL 4
(13:12 - 3rd) J.Wimbley rushed for 4 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
PAT Good
(13:08 - 3rd) C.Alvarado extra point is good.
SFA
Lumberjacks
- Punt (3 plays, -23 yards, 1:43 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(13:08 - 3rd) J.Hand kicks 65 yards from SFA 35 to the AC End Zone. Touchback.
+4 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 25
(13:08 - 3rd) S.Earle rushed for 4 yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 29.
No Gain
2 & 6 - ABIL 29
(12:29 - 3rd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for J.Gipson.
+7 YD
3 & 6 - ABIL 29
(12:22 - 3rd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by R.Baltrip for 7 yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 36.
+9 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 36
(11:49 - 3rd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by J.Vaughn for 9 yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 45.
+13 YD
2 & 1 - ABIL 45
(11:07 - 3rd) R.Banks rushed for 13 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 42.
No Gain
1 & 10 - SFA 42
(10:44 - 3rd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for R.Baltrip.
+12 YD
2 & 10 - SFA 42
(10:33 - 3rd) S.Earle rushed for 12 yards. Pushed out of bounds by SFA at SFA 30.
+9 YD
1 & 10 - SFA 30
(9:53 - 3rd) R.Banks rushed for 9 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 21.
No Gain
2 & 1 - SFA 21
(9:08 - 3rd) R.Banks rushed for 0 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 21.
+3 YD
3 & 1 - SFA 21
(8:32 - 3rd) S.Earle rushed for 3 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 18.
No Gain
1 & 10 - SFA 18
(7:47 - 3rd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for J.Vaughn. PENALTY on AC-B.Henry Illegal Shift 5 yards declined.
+1 YD
2 & 10 - SFA 18
(7:42 - 3rd) R.Banks rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 17.
+17 YD
3 & 9 - SFA 17
(7:09 - 3rd) S.Earle rushed for 17 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
PAT Good
(6:55 - 3rd) B.Perez extra point is good.
ABIL
Wildcats
- Field Goal (8 plays, 48 yards, 3:22 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(6:55 - 3rd) B.Perez kicks 65 yards from AC 35 to the SFA End Zone. R.Reese returns the kickoff. Tackled by AC at SFA 25.
Sack
1 & 10 - SFA 25
(6:48 - 3rd) S.Vidlak steps back to pass. Sacked at SFA 8 for -17 yards (Z.Fonua). PENALTY on SFA-S.Vidlak Intentional Grounding 17 yards accepted.
+4 YD
2 & 27 - SFA 8
(6:41 - 3rd) J.Jenkins rushed for 4 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 12.
+7 YD
3 & 23 - SFA 12
(6:04 - 3rd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by C.Wayland for 7 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 19.
Punt
4 & 16 - SFA 19
(5:21 - 3rd) L.Pozzobon punts 50 yards to AC 31 Center-SFA. T.Williams returned punt from the AC 31. Tackled by SFA at AC 38.
SFA
Lumberjacks
- Touchdown (11 plays, 75 yards, 4:54 poss)
Result
Play
+32 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 38
(5:12 - 3rd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by D.Dudley for 32 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 30.
No Gain
1 & 10 - SFA 30
(4:29 - 3rd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for R.Baltrip.
+3 YD
2 & 10 - SFA 30
(4:25 - 3rd) S.Earle rushed for 3 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 27.
+11 YD
3 & 7 - SFA 27
(3:38 - 3rd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by J.Gipson for 11 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 16. PENALTY on SFA-X.Potts Roughing the Passer 8 yards accepted.
+4 YD
1 & Goal - SFA 8
(3:15 - 3rd) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by J.Henry for 4 yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 4.
No Gain
2 & Goal - SFA 4
(2:27 - 3rd) J.Vaughn rushed for yards. Tackled by SFA at SFA 5. PENALTY on AC-G.French Offensive Holding 10 yards accepted. No Play.
No Gain
2 & 14 - SFA 14
(2:06 - 3rd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for D.Dudley.
No Gain
3 & 14 - SFA 14
(1:59 - 3rd) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for D.Dudley.
Field Goal
4 & 14 - SFA 21
(1:55 - 3rd) B.Perez 31 yard field goal attempt is good Center-AC Holder-H.Nash.
ABIL
Wildcats
- Touchdown (3 plays, 75 yards, 1:25 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(1:50 - 3rd) B.Perez kicks 65 yards from AC 35 to the SFA End Zone. Touchback.
+9 YD
1 & 10 - SFA 25
(1:50 - 3rd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 9 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 34.
+2 YD
2 & 1 - SFA 34
(1:15 - 3rd) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by I.Davis for 2 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 36.
Sack
1 & 10 - SFA 36
(0:48 - 3rd) S.Vidlak steps back to pass. Sacked at SFA 35 for -1 yards (K.Rausaw).
+18 YD
2 & 11 - SFA 35
(15:00 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 18 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 47.
Penalty
1 & 10 - ABIL 47
(14:21 - 4th) S.Vidlak steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for D.Bohler. PENALTY on AC-J.Malaska Defensive Pass Interference 15 yards accepted. No Play.
+11 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 32
(14:14 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by J.Wimbley for 11 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 21.
+11 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 21
(13:46 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for 11 yards. Pushed out of bounds by AC at AC 6. PENALTY on SFA-I.Davis Offensive Holding 10 yards accepted.
+6 YD
1 & 9 - ABIL 20
(13:30 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by I.Davis for 6 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 14.
+8 YD
2 & 3 - ABIL 14
(13:05 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 8 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 6.
No Gain
1 & Goal - ABIL 6
(12:31 - 4th) S.Vidlak steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for I.Davis.
-4 YD
2 & Goal - ABIL 6
(12:29 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for -4 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 10.
+10 YD
3 & 10 - ABIL 10
(11:59 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for 10 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
PAT Good
(11:56 - 4th) C.Alvarado extra point is good.
SFA
Lumberjacks
- Touchdown (6 plays, 70 yards, 2:45 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(11:56 - 4th) J.Hand kicks 60 yards from SFA 35 to the AC 5. R.Baltrip returns the kickoff. Tackled by SFA at AC 25.
+9 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 25
(11:51 - 4th) S.Earle rushed for 9 yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 34.
No Gain
2 & 1 - ABIL 34
(11:17 - 4th) J.Vaughn rushed for 0 yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 34.
+66 YD
3 & 1 - ABIL 34
(10:44 - 4th) J.Vaughn rushed for 66 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
PAT Good
(10:31 - 4th) B.Perez extra point is good.
ABIL
Wildcats
- Interception (3 plays, 0 yards, 1:30 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(10:31 - 4th) B.Perez kicks 57 yards from AC 35 to the SFA 8. R.Reese returns the kickoff. Tackled by AC at SFA 30.
No Gain
1 & 10 - SFA 30
(10:25 - 4th) S.Vidlak steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for D.Bohler.
+5 YD
2 & 10 - SFA 30
(10:23 - 4th) R.Reese rushed for 5 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 35.
+55 YD
3 & 5 - SFA 35
(9:48 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 55 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 10.
+6 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 10
(9:15 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for 6 yards. Pushed out of bounds by AC at AC 4. PENALTY on SFA-R.Keller Offensive Holding 10 yards accepted.
+5 YD
1 & 14 - ABIL 14
(8:49 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by J.Wimbley for 5 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 9.
+9 YD
2 & Goal - ABIL 9
(7:51 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 9 yards. TOUCHDOWN.
PAT Good
(7:46 - 4th) C.Alvarado extra point is good.
SFA
Lumberjacks
- Field Goal (10 plays, 46 yards, 4:20 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(7:46 - 4th) J.Hand kicks 65 yards from SFA 35 to the AC End Zone. Touchback.
Sack
1 & 10 - ABIL 25
(7:46 - 4th) S.Earle steps back to pass. Sacked at AC 16 for -9 yards (A.Austin).
+9 YD
2 & 19 - ABIL 16
(7:10 - 4th) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by J.Vaughn for 9 yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 25.
Int
3 & 10 - ABIL 25
(6:27 - 4th) S.Earle pass INTERCEPTED at SFA 46. Intercepted by C.Demmings at SFA 46. Tackled by AC at SFA 46.
ABIL
Wildcats
- Downs (4 plays, -2 yards, 1:00 poss)
Result
Play
No Gain
1 & 10 - SFA 46
(6:16 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for 0 yards. Tackled by AC at SFA 46.
+7 YD
2 & 10 - SFA 46
(5:41 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by K.Harris for 7 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 47.
+7 YD
3 & 3 - ABIL 47
(5:18 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for 7 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 40.
+13 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 40
(4:52 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by B.Green for 13 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 27.
+1 YD
1 & 10 - ABIL 27
(4:07 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 26.
+19 YD
2 & 9 - ABIL 26
(3:25 - 4th) S.Vidlak pass complete. Catch made by J.Wimbley for 19 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 7.
No Gain
1 & Goal - ABIL 7
(2:35 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for 0 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 7.
+1 YD
2 & Goal - ABIL 7
(2:31 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for 1 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 6.
-2 YD
3 & Goal - ABIL 6
(2:23 - 4th) J.Wimbley rushed for -2 yards. Tackled by AC at AC 8.
Field Goal
4 & 8 - ABIL 16
(2:00 - 4th) C.Alvarado 26 yard field goal attempt is good Center-SFA Holder-L.Pozzobon.
SFA
Lumberjacks
- End of Game (2 plays, -2 yards, 0:56 poss)
Result
Play
Kickoff
(1:56 - 4th) J.Hand kicks 65 yards from SFA 35 to the AC End Zone. Touchback.
Penalty
1 & 10 - ABIL 25
(1:56 - 4th) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by R.Baltrip for yards. Tackled by SFA at AC 41. PENALTY on AC-L.Roaten Offensive Holding 10 yards accepted. No Play.
No Gain
1 & 20 - ABIL 15
(1:33 - 4th) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for D.Dudley.
+9 YD
2 & 20 - ABIL 15
(1:27 - 4th) S.Earle pass complete. Catch made by D.Dudley for 9 yards. Pushed out of bounds by SFA at AC 24.
Sack
3 & 11 - ABIL 24
(1:23 - 4th) S.Earle steps back to pass. Sacked at AC 23 for -1 yards (K.Thomas).
No Gain
4 & 12 - ABIL 23
(1:02 - 4th) S.Earle steps back to pass. Pass incomplete intended for J.Castles.