OBU Tigers Handle UAM Weevils

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Ouachita Tigers dominated both sides of the line scrimmage today at A.U. Williams Field and came away with victory over The University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils 35-10.

The Tigers’ offensive line opened holes all day for a rushing attack that gained 344 yards on 65 attempts. Senior running back Chris Rycraw had 198 yards on 29 carries and one touchdown. Junior Steven Kehner finished with 79 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. As a team, the Tigers averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

The UAM Weevils were held to 148 yards of total offense, 66 of which were gained on their opening drive which resulted in their only touchdown of the game. The Tiger defense held UAM to 3 total yards of offense in the second half. Senior linebacker Augustine Ume-Ezeoke led Ouachita with 10 tackles and one tackle for loss.

UAM scored on their opening possession when Boll Weevil quarterback Cody Trimble found rod smith for a ten yard touchdown reception. Two possessions later, the Tigers would capitalize on a UAM 13 yard punt. Tiger Steven Kehner would score his first rushing touchdown of the day from 20 yards out to tie the game in the first quarter 7-7.

The Tigers would force Monticello to punt on their next possession and continued their drive into the second quarter. Junior Tiger quarterback Benson Jordan would have a pass deflected and ricochet into the hands of a UAM defensive lineman Calvin Ursin for an interception. The Boll Weevils would kick a 24 yard field goal to retake the lead 10-7 with 13:50 left to play in the half.

The Tigers would start the next drive on their own 26 yard line. The Tigers would run nine plays, eight of which were on the ground and was highlighted by a 35-yard run by Rycraw. On a third and goal from the UAM four yard line, Benson Jordan would run it himself and put the Tigers up for good, 14-10.

Late in the first half, senior defensive back Greg Williams would pick off a Cody Trimble pass and return it 16 yards to the UAM 20 yard line. Two plays later, Kehner would score his second rushing touchdown of the day and the Tigers would lead 21-10 at halftime.

Both teams would remain scoreless for much of the third quarter. With just over three minutes left in the quarter, return specialist and defensive back Etauj Allen would find a seam and return a 36-yard punt 45 yards for the touchdown. It marks the second time in three weeks that Allen has topped 100 in punt return yards.

Ouachita would start the fourth quarter with possession and with just over 12 minute to play, Chris Rycraw would find a seam and tack to the house for his lone score of the game and cap off a 198-yard performance on the ground.

The Boll Weevil offense would run six plays for the remainder of the quarter and the Tigers would run out the clock leading 35-10.

The Tigers are now 7-2 on the season. They host undefeated Henderson State next Saturday, November 16, 2013. The Southern Bancorp Battle of the Ravine will kickoff at 2:00 pm.

The Weevils conclude the 2013 season next Saturday, November 16 on the roadagainst Southern Arkansas for the Battle of the Timberlands. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. in Magnolia.