Hardin-Simmons took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on a pass from Ty Thompson to Harison Brockway and a 2-yard run by Terrence Scott. Howard Payne scored three times in the second quarter. Osvaldo Gomez kicked a 23-yard field goal as time expired, and the Yellow Jackets led 17-14 at halftime.
The teams did not score in the third quarter. Hardin-Simmons took the lead back in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard run by Cayden Jones. Pedro Altamirano added a 46-yard field goal with 8:13 left to make it 23-17. Howard Payne did not score in the second half.
Bryce Still completed 27 of 33 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions for Howard Payne. Deuce Martin had six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. The Yellow Jackets finished with 388 yards of total offense and held the ball for 38:45. Donte Zeno had four tackles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble on defense.
Howard Payne next travels to Abilene to play McMurry University on Saturday, November 7. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. Central Time.