Interim coach Brad Cornelsen and players Jaylon Jimmerson, Kavian Gaither, and Hunter Watson share thoughts after milestone win.
The Sam Houston Bearkats etched their names in the history books Saturday night, earning their first-ever bowl victory with a hard-fought 24-14 win in the New Orleans Bowl. Interim head coach Brad Cornelsen and key players reflected on the season and the significance of the moment during a postgame press conference.
“I’m just proud of these guys,” said Cornelsen. “I’ve said it for two weeks, it feels like, on all the interviews. These guys wanted to play. It was 10 wins. It was finishing the job.”
Cornelsen highlighted the team’s resilience during a transitional season. “In the transition, there’s a lot of guys that could have pushed that easy button… None of them did, and that’s what happened,” he said. “Just proud of these guys, can’t say enough about this team and what they accomplished this year.”
The defense set the tone early with a dominant performance. “A great start on defense once again,” Cornelsen said. “The offense made some big plays when it counted. Everybody kept battling. We knew they were going to bounce back and keep coming. They’re a good team.”
Jimmerson: “It Means Everything”
Defensive back Jaylon Jimmerson, who played a pivotal role in the victory, spoke emotionally about the team’s accomplishment. “It means everything to leave a legacy here,” he said. “For the guys that have more years to come, this is the standard we set. Y’all can be just as good as us and do the same thing next year.”
Jimmerson also opened up about personal losses and how they fueled his drive. “In 2020, I lost over 50 people—family and friends—and it took me to a dark place,” he shared. “I didn’t know if I wanted to play football anymore, honestly. My family kept me together.”
He recalled a mantra he wrote down before the game: “Be unforgettable. How do you want to be remembered? Play fast and have fun. You be that kid who always dreamed of being great.”
Gaither: “Truly a Blessing”
Kavian Gaither, a defensive back and emotional leader for the Bearkats, reflected on the team’s unity and commitment, especially from the senior players. “It’s truly a blessing being up here with all these people,” Gaither said. “For this last game… I know there was a lot of controversy with the head coach and things of that nature, so whenever I saw people not opt out of the bowl, that meant a lot to us seniors.”
Hunter Watson Leads the Offense
Quarterback Hunter Watson spearheaded the offense, trusting his teammates to deliver in key moments. “We just went out there and did our job,” Watson said. “We trusted in our coaches and I trusted in my receivers to make plays.”
Watson also highlighted the energy brought by early scoring. “Getting on the board early gives energy, not just to us but to the fans too,” he said. “We just trusted in our coaches and went out there to make plays.”
Cornelsen Credits Team Unity
Cornelsen attributed the victory to the collective effort of players and staff. “This was a collective effort,” he said. “These guys will tell you that. They’re the ones that drove the ship, and we just tried to steer it a little bit.”
Reflecting on the defensive dominance, Cornelsen said, “The defensive staff did a great job. To start the game with a turnover and six points, that’s huge. Those big plays can change the complexion of the whole game.”
A Historic Moment
The Bearkats’ 10th win of the season sets a new standard for the program and its future. “This win is a statement,” Cornelsen said. “It’s about setting the standard for what’s to come.”
As the press conference concluded, the players and coaches celebrated the culmination of a season built on determination, grit, and belief in each other. For the Bearkats, their first bowl win is not just a milestone—it’s a legacy.
