{
  "id": 4337917,
  "title": "Mercer uses all phases and holds off East Texas A&m 23-15",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/mercer-uses-all-phases-and-holds-off-east-texas-a-m-23-15",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T03:34:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/08/29/mercer-uses-all-phases-and-holds-off-east-texas-am-23-15"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Macon, Ga. (AP) — In a season opener, Mercer defeated East Texas A&M 23-15 on Saturday night. Jaylen King contributed to the win with a touchdown pass and Cameron Goggins returned an interception for another touchdown. The Bears entered the game ranked 21st in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll. The scoring began when Simon Zeidan kicked a 55-yard field goal, giving Mercer a 3-0 lead. Jaylen King then connected with Jackson Kostmayer for a 12-yard touchdown, extending Mercer's lead to 10-0 before halftime. East Texas A&M responded with field goals of 21 and 33 yards, increasing their lead to 16-0. With 15 seconds left in the half, Eric Rodriguez intercepted a pass from Rodriguez, extending Mercer's lead to 23 points. The Lions scored later when Rodriguez connected with Micah Simpson for a 48-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 23-15. Quay Middlebrooks ended an 80-yard drive by scoring on a 9-yard run. A two-point conversion extended Mercer's lead to 23-15. East Texas A&M turned the ball over on downs with 35 seconds left, and Simpson caught nine passes for 165 yards and a touchdown for the Lions.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Mercer defeats East Texas A&M 23-15 in season opener.",
    "Jaylen King scores two touchdowns via pass and interception return.",
    "East Texas A&M scores two field goals and a touchdown to end game."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The win shows Mercer can prevail when facing adversity, having overcome a 16-0 deficit to hold on for a narrow victory against a lower-ranked opponent.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}