ADA, Okla. – The East Central University football team picked up a huge victory on Saturday in a highly anticipated Homecoming showdown against the University of Arkansas-Monticello at Koi Ishto Stadium. The Tigers surged ahead early and maintained their momentum throughout the game, securing a resounding 42-17 victory.
 
With the win, ECU secures their first conference win of the 2024 season while UAM suffered their third loss in conference play.

"It was a good team win, all three phases impacted the game," Head Coach John Litrenta said. "Playing complimentary football and no turnovers is huge! Some of the things we have continued to emphasize got fixed this game. I am happy for the players and how they stuck with the process and put their head down. Obviously there are things we can fix and they will be coached hard this week. Very excited to see how they handle success, being coached hard after a win, and facing a good opponent this week. The homecoming crowd was amazing and we appreciate all of the support. Glad to get a win in front of them all!"
 
The Tigers piled up 429 yards of total offense – 216 on the ground and 213 in the air – demonstrating their most well-rounded and impressive performance of the season.
 
ECU kicked off the scoring late in the first quarter when Sergio Kennedy capped an 11 play, 69-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to Deqavius Bowens, giving the Tigers an early lead.
 
The Tigers would double their advantage in the second quarter with an impressive 40-yard touchdown run from Kennedy on a swift five-play, 63-yard drive, bringing the score to 14-0. The momentum rolled further in their next possession when Jaquarion Turner capped off a nine-play, 66-yard drive, punching in a one-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to a commanding 21-0.
 
The Boll Weevils managed to find the end zone before halftime with a 20-yrd reception, but the Tigers responded with a dominant nine-play, 75-yard drive right out of the break. Cade Searcy caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Kennedy, pushing the lead to 28-7. On the ensuing kickoff, ECU's defense struck gold as Ben Farrell intercepted a pass and raced 38 yards for a touchdown, widening the gap to 35-7.
 
A 27-yard field goal from UAM brought the score 35-10, but an interception later by Keebler Wagoner ensured ECU maintained control heading into the final quarter.
 
Cade Searcy further fueled the Tigers' offense with a massive 73-yard rushing touchdown to start the fourth quarter, punctuating an outstanding team performance. Though the Boll Weevils added one final touchdown, it was too little, too late, as ECU had dominated the game throughout.
 
Quarterback Sergio Kennedy delivered a solid performance, completing 20-of-31 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing 42 yards on four carries and adding his fourth rushing touchdown of the season.
 
Cade Searcy shined, leading the offensive efforts with 118 rushing yards on seven carries, along with 34 receiving yards and two total touchdowns.
 
Jaquarion Turner contributed 67 rushing yards on 20 attempts and a touchdown, while Deqavius Bowens had five receptions for 63 yards.
 
Defensively, Caden Pickens, Keebler Wagoner, and Ben Farell each grabbed an interception, with Davion Hodge leading the team in tackles with eight.
 
The ECU football team will hit the road next week to take on Ouachita Baptist University in the battle of the Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12 pm.