What Is 2013 McMurry War Hawks football team

Overview

The 2013 McMurry War Hawks football team represented McMurry University during the 2013 NCAA Division III football season. Competing in the American Southwest Conference (ASC), the team was led by head coach Jordan Black, who was in his second year at the helm.

The War Hawks played their home games at the historic Wilford Moore Stadium in Abilene, Texas, a venue that has hosted the program since 1950. Despite not qualifying for the NCAA playoffs, the 2013 season showcased offensive firepower and mid-tier defensive performance.

• Overall record of 5-5: The War Hawks finished the season with an even split, marking slight improvement from their 4-6 record in 2012.
• 5-3 conference record: Within the American Southwest Conference, they performed competitively, winning more than half of their league matchups.
• Averaged 35.6 points per game: The offense was one of the most potent in Division III, scoring 356 points across 10 games.
• Allowed 33.8 points per game: The defense struggled at times, surrendering 338 total points, which limited playoff opportunities.
• Quarterback performance: Senior quarterback J.T. Sisson threw for over 2,800 yards and 28 touchdowns, anchoring the high-powered offense.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2013 campaign featured a mix of high-scoring victories and narrow losses, highlighting both offensive consistency and defensive vulnerabilities. The War Hawks opened the season with a strong 49-35 win over Sul Ross State, setting a tone of aggressive play-calling.

• September 7, 2013: 49-35 win vs. Sul Ross State: The War Hawks opened with a statement win, scoring seven touchdowns and showcasing a balanced attack.
• October 5, 2013: 56-49 win vs. Howard Payne: A high-scoring shootout where McMurry outlasted their rivals in double overtime.
• October 19, 2013: 42-38 loss to Mary Hardin-Baylor: A close defeat against the eventual ASC champion and national powerhouse.
• November 9, 2013: 63-42 win vs. Concordia (Texas): One of the highest-scoring games of the season, demonstrating offensive dominance.
• November 16, 2013: 42-14 loss to Trinity (TX): A decisive loss in the season finale, ending playoff hopes.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 McMurry War Hawks with key conference rivals in terms of win-loss record, scoring, and defensive performance.

The table illustrates that while McMurry ranked in the middle of the ASC in overall wins, their offensive output was among the best in the conference. However, their high points allowed total revealed defensive inconsistencies compared to top teams like Mary Hardin-Baylor, who combined scoring prowess with elite defense.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional year that laid groundwork for future competitiveness in the American Southwest Conference. Though the War Hawks missed the playoffs, their offensive achievements and improvement in conference play signaled progress under Coach Black.

• Development of J.T. Sisson: The senior quarterback’s standout season elevated his status as one of the top players in program history.
• Recruiting momentum: Strong offensive performances helped attract talent for the 2014 and 2015 classes.
• Conference relevance: A 5-3 ASC record kept McMurry competitive and visible within Division III football.
• Home field advantage: Wilford Moore Stadium continued to be a challenging venue for visiting teams.
• Foundation for future success: The season’s balance of wins and losses provided valuable experience for a young roster.
• Statistical benchmark: The 35.6 points per game average remains one of the highest in school history.

Overall, the 2013 McMurry War Hawks season exemplified a team on the rise, combining offensive brilliance with the need for defensive refinement—setting the stage for continued growth in the years to follow.