Fresh from capturing the first Lone Star Conference championship in program history, the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) Falcons football team will open the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II playoffs with a first-round matchup against the Bemidji State University (BSU) Beavers. UTPB said on Facebook that the Falcons will host the Beavers at Astound Stadium in Midland on Nov. 18 at 1 p.m.
Midland Times reported that UTPB soared to a 42-14 victory over the Central Washington University (CWU) Wildcats on Nov. 11 to win the conference. "Jeremiah Cooley, a Big Spring native, hauled in a pair of touchdowns to help lift the Falcons to victory", said Midland Times.
The conference championship is a highlight of first-year UTPB head coach Kris McCullough’s inaugural season patrolling the Falcons sideline, reported Midland Reporter-Telegram.
"According to Midland Reporter-Telegram, it was merely a full circle moment for Cooley as he rejoined the Falcons after spending time at Division I Gardner-Webb," said Midland Reporter-Telegram. The Falcons ended their 2023 season 10-1 overall and 8-0 in conference play. Tickets to the game can be purchased at https://utpbfalcons.com/sports/2023/2/8/tickets.aspx.