Alumni report: Watkins gets takeaway; Burkhead, Harrell score
Posted on 01. Oct, 2009 by Brian Porter in '09 Season
Kenny Watkins earned his first takeaway of the season last week, Rex Burkhead turned in his best game of the year and Greg Harrell got in the end zone again during what was a standout day for several former Plano Wildcats on college football teams.
Here’s a glance at some of the happenings for former Wildcats in last week’s games and a look at the games they’ll be playing in Saturday.
Beau Brence, UNLV
Beau Brence played in his fourth straight game last week for UNLV, but the Rebels (2-2) lost to Wyoming, 30-27. UNLV travels to Nevada-Reno this week before playing in seven straight televised games to close the season.
Rex Burkhead, Nebraska
Rex Burkhead turned in his best performance to date with 112 total yards and a touchdown last week as Nebraska defeated Louisiana-Lafayette, 55-0. Burkhead had 59 return yards to go with 27 yards rushing on 6 carries and 26 yards receiving on 4 catches, including a touchdown grab. Nebraska is idle this week. Burkhead is said to be relishing opportunities as the backup halfback and the first impression he has made has been noted. Omaha.com weighs in on Burkhead in a two-deep return scheme.
Aric Flowers, Nicholls State
Aric Flowers made another start at right guard last week, but Nicholls State failed to contain Jacksonville State in a 60-10 loss. Nicholls State (1-3) is idle this week.
Greg Harrell, Austin College
Greg Harrell turned in another big touchdown catch to go along with 42 yards on three receptions, but Austin College fell, 34-27, to Centre College. Austin College (2-2, 0-2) has lost consecutive games to open conference play. Harrell’s 30-yard touchdown catch tied the game at 27-27 with 4:05 left in the fourth quarter, but Centre College responded.
Alex Lott, North Texas
Alex Lott caught a pair of passes last week for North Texas, but Middle Tennessee proved to be too much in a 37-21 loss. Lott has 10 catches this season. North Texas (1-3) is idle this week before meeting Louisiana-Lafayette Oct. 10.
C.J. Martin, Holy Cross
C.J. Martin, who has played in all three games this season, and Holy Cross will return to action this week at Northeastern. Holy Cross (3-0) puts its unbeaten record on the line following an off week.
Blake McJunkin, SMU
Blake McJunkin, who has played in all three games this season, will get an opportunity to see action Saturday for SMU (2-1) against TCU (3-0). SMU makes the trip to Fort Worth. McJunkin has appeared in 13 straight games for SMU. It will be the first major test for SMU, as TCU enters as the No. 11 team in the nation. SMU’s lone loss came two weeks ago in overtime to Washington State.
Matt Nicholson, Houston
Matt Nicholson collected what seemed to be a drive-ending interception last week and then suffered what is expected to be a season-ending injury later during the drive, but Houston defeated Texas Tech, 29-28, and has risen to the No. 12 team in the country. Nicholson was a team captain. The Houston Chronicle notes the play of Nicholson and that the linebacker promises on Facebook that fans haven’t seen the last of him.
Kenny Watkins, North Dakota
Kenny Watkins recovered a fumble for his first takeaway this season, but North Dakota fell, 65-31, last week to Stephen F. Austin. North Dakota (1-2) meets South Dakota this week.
Have you noted the play of a Plano Wildcat in college that we missed or have photos of a alumni player to share? E-mail editor@planofootball.com.
