ECU Closes Out Regular-Season With Rival Southeastern
ADA, Okla. – East Central University can put an exclamation point on what has been an impressive football season with a victory over rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Koi Ishto Stadium.
The Tigers (7-3) would end their regular season with eight wins with a win, the most since 2011. Southeastern enters with a 6-4 record and has won four of their last five games, before a 40-18 loss last week to nationally-ranked Ouachita Baptist.
"This is the one that everyone has circled on the calendar all year long," ECU Head Coach Kris McCullough said. "It's going to be an incredible atmosphere with a lot on the line."
While the stakes could not be higher, the Tigers also hope to send out 16 seniors on a winning note: Cameron Jones, Jalen Baldwin, JayQuan Lincoln, Greg Howell, Jackson McFarlane, Orlando Brown, Marques Williams, Chamar Cobb, Johnathan Housley, Jalen Reynolds, Jordan Jacobs, Jamari Johnson, Malik Augustine, Seeker Samara, Cody Alexander, Nathanyl Caballero, Anthony Correia, Damas Green, and Taoheed Karim.
"I can't think of a better way to honor our seniors one last time with such a big rivalry game," McCullough said.
ECU's defense has been one of the primary reasons the Tigers have been so successful this season. They were 16-0 winners last week against Arkansas Monticello and have moved into second in the league with the fewest points allowed per game (16.4 ppg). The Tigers are first in passing defense (159.2 ypg), second in total defense (333.1 ypg) and fourth in rushing (173.9 ypg.)
Devon Roush has had the best season statistically with 89 tackles. He ranks third in the GAC and trails the leader, Southeastern's Keldric Martin with 93. Roush was named the GAC Defensive Player-of-the-Week in the win over UAM.
Kenny Hrncir should have a bounce-back game after throwing for a season-low 100 yards and two interceptions against UAM. Hrncir remains third in the league in passing, averaging 224.5 yards per game. He has completed more than 60 percent of his passes and tossed 17 touchdowns to just seven interceptions.
"Those guys down south are an explosive team with weapons everywhere," McCullough said. "They are one of the most talented teams in the country, but so are we. It will be a game that comes down to who wins the crucial moments and turnover battle. We are ready to roll."
