Eric Rodriguez throws 4 TD passes to help East Texas A&M outlast Houston Christian 37-32

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COMMERCE, Texas (AP) — Eric Rodriguez threw four touchdown passes and East Texas A&M scored 23 unanswered points before holding off Houston Christian 37-32 on Saturday.

Xai'Shaun Edwards scored on a 2-yard run in each of the first two quarters but Houston Christian (2-9, 1-6 Southland Conference) whiffed on both extra-point tries for a 12-7 lead.

Rodriguez had a 14-yard touchdown pass to Devin Matthews late in the first quarter and then connected with Paul Odidi for a 7-yard score with 19 seconds remaining to put East Texas A&M (3-8, 3-4) ahead 14-12 at halftime.

Rodriguez passed 3 yards to Joshua Piki for a touchdown, ending a six-play, 71-yard drive for a 21-12 advantage midway through the third quarter.

Tramar Gilbert and Devante Keys teamed up to tackle Edwards in the end zone for a safety and E.J. Oakman scored on a 1-yard plunge for a 30-12 advantage 45 seconds into the fourth quarter. Rodriguez hit Matthews for a 33-yard score with 5:20 remaining.

Jayden Anderson scored on a 70-yard fumble return to end the Lions' 23-point run. Maddox Kopp had an 8-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Koontz and a 7-yarder to Keith Wheeler in the final 2:21.

Rodriguez completed 21 of 31 passes for 233 yards with one interception.

Kopp finished with 183 yards on 15-for-32 passing for the Huskies and carried 17 times for 98 yards. Edwards rushed 21 times for 94 yards.

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