Purple completes fourth quarter comeback to defeat White in Tarleton State Football’s Spring Game

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Texan Nation got a sneak peak of Tarleton State Football's talent in 2026, with Purple mounting a fourth quarter comeback to defeat White 85-61 in the Texans' Purple and White Spring Game presented by Focused Care Partners on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Down 55-54 going into the fourth quarter, Purple turned to its passing game and scored 30 points in the final period of play. Wide receiver Cydd Ford ignited Purple's comeback by getting a pair of touchdowns and tallying over 100 receiving yards in the fourth quarter alone.

Tarleton State had stars shine on the defensive side of the ball, with Nigel Mills and Avian Rice collecting interceptions. White's Kenyan Kelly led the defensive efforts with a fumble recovery, defensive touchdown and an interception.

"This game and this spring really showed us how much skill and depth we have," Ford said. "This group really came together and that's the main thing we are going to need this year. It shows us a lot with how much we came together and how much we care for each other."

The Stephenville heat was cooking and so was Tarleton State's offense, with wide receiver Camdon Frier getting the scoring parade started. Frier, a four-star prospect from Florida State, scored the first offensive touchdown of the day to put Purple out in front early.

Tarleton State's defense showed their talent in response to the score, with interceptions coming from Mills and Rice to give White points. After carrying a 25-19 lead in the first quarter, White's defense continued to display its dominance.

Kelly recovered a fumble, adding more points for the White team by taking it to the house for the scoop and score touchdown. The safety from UTSA put his team ahead 38-31 going into the locker room.

"I was just trying to see the ball and get the ball on that scoop and score touchdown," Kelly said. "I was just trusting the coach's techniques in order to see the ball and fight for the ball."

Purple struck fast and furious coming out of the halftime break, getting a boost from All-Southland Conference running back Miequle Brock. The former Nicholls running back showcased his speed and raced past White's secondary for the touchdown.

White, however, countered a response by utilizing Kelly's skill in the secondary. Kelly took away a red zone opportunity for Purple by coming up with an interception to keep White out in front with points. His interception allowed White to go into the third quarter with a 55-54 lead.

"A game like this lets me know that I have the ability to make plays," Kelly said. "Coaches can trust me and it lets me know that I still have my confidence."

Purple would come away as the victors in Saturday's scrimmage, quickly coming up with a 30-point outburst. Ford hauled in his first touchdown pass of the day to put the Purple on top. His second touchdown of the day came at the two minute mark, coming down with a 60-yard touchdown reception to extend the lead.

Purple held White to just six fourth quarter points while going on its offensive run, giving them the 24-point win.

"Coach pulled us over and told us we needed to pick it up if we were going to win," Ford said. "I just took the opportunities that I got on the field."

Tarleton State will open the 2026 campaign against Prairie View A&M on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Memorial Stadium. Season tickets for Tarleton State's six home games are on sale now and start at just $75 for general admission seats or $90 for reserved seating. Fans can also utilize interest free payment plans through August to pay for their season tickets. Season tickets can be purchased here: https://tarletonsports.evenue.net/events/FB26ST

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Players Mentioned

#82 Cydd Ford: WR; 6' 2"; Junior

#24 Avian Rice: DB; 6' 0"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#82 Cydd Ford
: 6' 2"; Junior
: WR

#24 Avian Rice
: 6' 0"; Junior
: DB

Players Mentioned

#82 Cydd Ford

#24 Avian Rice

Players Mentioned

#82 Cydd Ford

#24 Avian Rice