By: Tarleton State Athletic Communications

**Courtesy of Tarleton State Athletic Communications**

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The historic 2025 Tarleton State Football campaign continues, with the Texans advancing to its first-ever FCS Quarterfinal with a 31-13 second round victory over North Dakota on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. 

Tarleton State clinched its 12th win of the season, matching the most in a single season in program history. The United Athletic Conference co-champions, the No. 4 seed in the FCS Playoffs, have reached the final eight for the first time in their Division I history. 

The Texans will face No. 12 seed Villanova in the FCS Quarterfinal at Memorial Stadium next week on Friday, December 12 or Saturday, December 13. Date and kickoff time is to be determined. 

Tickets are now available for the game, priced at $25 for reserved seating and $12 for north side general admission. Season ticket holders have first opportunity to claim their seats, simply needing to log into their accounts online or call 254-968-1832 to purchase. 

Senior quarterback Victor Gabalis threw for 292 yards to go with three touchdowns. Junior running back Tylan Hines led the Texans' rushing attack with 120 yards while redshirt junior wide receiver Marquis Willis came down with 133 receiving yards off four receptions and a touchdown. Senior linebacker AJ Owens led the Texans' defense with eight total tackles and his first multi-sack game of the season. 

"This is a big win for our program and I couldn't be more proud of our team," head coach Todd Whitten said. "I couldn't be more proud of our players. We had two really good weeks of preparation. We tip our hat to North Dakota. They have a really good team and are especially good up front on defense. It was really hard to run the ball against those guys. Being 12-1 and making it to the final eight is a great accomplishment. We get another at-bat next week and I'm excited about that." 

Tarleton State set the tone in the first quarter, forcing North Dakota to a three and out on its first offensive possession. North Dakota looked to answer by blocking the Texans' punt and returning the ball for a touchdown, but a penalty gave it back to Tarleton State. The Texans took advantage by taking the early lead off a 21-yard field goal from senior kicker Brad Larson. 

Senior Kasyus Kurns showed North Dakota why he is one of the best defensive players in the nation on the Fighting Hawks' final offensive drive of the opening period. The Buck Buchanan Award finalist intercepted North Dakota's pass to put the Texans' offense in the red zone. Tarleton State took advantage of the pick by opening the second period with a 39-yard field goal to take a 6-0 lead. 

Once again propelled by its defense, the Texans' offense capitalized to extend the lead. After the Texans forced North Dakota into a turnover on downs, Gabalis found senior wide receiver T'iar Young for the touchdown to put Tarleton State up by 13. 

North Dakota responded with a touchdown of its own following an interception to make it a 13-7 game. The Fighting Hawks eyed a score again, but Tarleton State's defense had a different schedule in mind. Senior linebacker Bam Smith intercepted the North Dakota pass from the red zone, preventing a potential score and swinging the momentum just before halftime. 

"We all believe in (defensive coordinator Tyrone) Nix," Owens said. "We knew what kind of game it was going to be to be honest. We knew it was going to be a physical, hard-fought game. We had to come out there every play and take it from them. They weren't going to give us anything."

The Texans' offense came out firing in the second half, with Gabalis finding senior wide receiver Peyton Kramer for a 64-yard touchdown to extend the Tarleton State lead. After Tarleton State's defense forced North Dakota into another turnover on downs, the Texans seized the opportunity. A 26-yard field goal allowed the Texans to take a 24-7 lead entering the final period. 

Not only did the Texans get a boost from its offense and defense, but also got a lift from Texan Nation. A handful of fans, the "Tarpless Texans", gave Tarleton State the shirt off their backs. Literally. 

Hundreds migrated towards the northwest corner of Memorial Stadium and the group of shirtless individuals brought a new level of energy to the crowd that helped the Texans keep the momentum in the second half.  

"That was awesome because for me personally, I like stuff where I can look and take my mind off the game for a moment and switch it back on," Gabalis said. "You look up and you see them having a great time. It loosened me up and we wanted to get those guys excited. I thought that was really cool and we want those guys to bring the same energy for the next game. It added a lot to the game." 

North Dakota trimmed the deficit in the fourth quarter by scoring a touchdown to make it an 11-point game. Tarleton State's offense quickly answered, with Gabalis connecting with Willis for a 77-yard touchdown. The defense finished the job by not allowing another North Dakota score to give the Texans the 18-point win. 

Official date and kickoff time for Tarleton State's Quarterfinal matchup against No. 12 seed Villanova will be announced at a later date.