HUNTSVILLE – Senior quarterback Rhett Bomar completed 14 of 22 passes for 198 yards and four touchdowns playing only the first half as Sam Houston State opened its 2008 football season with a 58-14 non-conference victory over East Central University of Oklahoma.

Bomar led the Bearkats to seven touchdowns and a field goal in nine possessions in the first half as Sam Houston State (1-0) built a 52-0 lead. The 52 points were the most ever by a Bearkat football team in the first half of a game.

East Central (0-1), a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference, scored 14 points in the second half. Quarterback Marcus Johnson completed 31 of 53 attempts for 296 yards.

Running back James Aston carried eight times on the ground for 115 yards and two touchdowns including a 49 yard scamper. Aston also caught three passes for 41 yards and a tally.

Catron Houston led Bearkat receivers with five catches for 72 yards and two scores.

Bower threw TD passes of 7, 11, 21 and 24 yards.

The Bearkat defense forced four turnovers, two on fumbles and two on interceptions.

Sam Houston State will play Prairie View A&M Sept. 13 in Huntsville in their next action.