ADA, Okla. – On a chilly and rainy Senior Day inside Koi Ishto Stadium, the East Central University football team put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against Arkansas Tech University in a rain-soaked Saturday showdown in Ada.
 
The Tigers trailed 18-3 after three quarters but mounted two impressive fourth-quarter drives that brought them within two points, 18-16, putting ECU within striking distance. Yet, an unsuccessful onside kick, dwindling time, and no timeouts remaining allowed Arkansas Tech to regain possession and run out the clock to secure the victory.
 
ECU drew first blood in the contest with a 30-yard field goal by Tommy Yousey in the opening quarter. Arkansas Tech quickly gained momentum in the following quarter, coming up with 15 unanswered points to head into halftime with a commanding 15-3 lead.
 
Nearing the final period, ECU initiated a gritty 14-play, 75-yard drive capped by a short rush from Damuriyon Montgomery to give the Tigers their first touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter. ECU was unsuccessful on the PAT, making the score 18-9.
 
On their next offensive possession, the Wonder Boys chewed up the game clock but eventually saw their drive stall at the ECU 31-yard line after a failed fourth down attempt with 7:14 left to play.
 
With newfound enthusiasm, the Tigers' offense found their footing, embarking on a 16-play, 69-yard drive highlighted by Jaiave Magalei's 38-yard pass to Jace Wyatt, advancing the ball to the Arkansas Tech 22-yard line. Six plays later, Mongomery notched his and ECU's second touchdown of the game. Following Tommy Yousey's successful PAT, the score tightened to 18-16.
 
With no timeouts, the Tigers' final opportunity rested on an onside kick attempt with 2:07 remaining in the game. Unfortunately, the ball was tapped out of bounds by Arkansas Tech, giving the Wonder Boys possession as they were able to kneel and end the game.
 
ECU's defense only allowed three points in the second half to give ECU a chance to win. Top performers on defense included Ameer Muhammad with 10 total tackles, including one for loss, and a sack. Prince Umanmielen added five stops, two of those for loss, while adding a sack as well.
 
In tough conditions, the ECU offense turned in 331 yards, highlighted by 227 passing yards from Jaiave Magalei. He completed 13 passes including a long of 49 yards.
 
In the air, C.J. Moore led with four receptions for 119 yards while Damuriyon Montgomery led on the ground with nine carries for 46 yards to go along with his two touchdowns.
 
The ECU football team will now prepare to hit the road for their final two games of the season. The first of those will be this coming Saturday, Nov. 4 at Harding University. Kick-off against the Bisons is scheduled for 3 pm in Searcy, Arkansas.