RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The East Central University football team concluded their final road test of the 2024 season, securing a 23-13 victory at Thone Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers struck early and maintained their lead throughout, marking their third consecutive win and improving their season record to 4-5.
"A gritty road win that took team complimentary football," Head Coach
John Litrenta said. "We started fast and played physical! I am proud of the way we ran the ball, got off the field on third downs, and won the turnover margin."
The Tigers got the game going in the first quarter, scoring on their second drive as reigning GAC Special Teams Player of the Week
Brandon Perez connected on a 45-yard field goal, putting the Tigers ahead 3-0. After both teams exchanged three-and-outs, ECU held onto their lead by the end of the quarter.
The ECU defense was strong in the second quarter, forcing ATU to turn the ball over on downs early on. In their next drive,
Gio Waller made a pivotal play, breaking up a pass that led to another punt from ATU. The Tigers seized the opportunity, launching a swift four-play, 74-yard drive capped off by a 38-yard touchdown pass from
Sergio Kennedy to
Deqavius Bowens, extending their lead to 10-0 by halftime.
After ATU punched in their first touchdown to narrow the deficit to 10-7 at the start of the second half, ECU maintained their composure, as
Brandon Perez responded with a 35-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 13-7 as the game headed into the final quarter.
The Tigers surged ahead in the fourth quarter, starting with an eight-yard rushing touchdown from
Cade Searcy. Following a three-and-out defensive stop, Perez added another field goal from 36 yards, extending the lead to a commanding 23-7 with six minutes remaining.
Although ATU managed to add a late touchdown, an unsuccessful onside kick sealed the game, ensuring ECU's crucial 23-13 victory.
Sergio Kennedy completed 11 of 27 passes for 96 yards with one touchdown, while also contributing 23 rushing yards.
ECU's offense excelled on the ground, with
Cade Searcy and
Myles Featherston combining for an impressive 234 of the team's 249 total rushing yard. Searcy led the charge with a season-high 11 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown, while Featherston added 15 attempts for 111 yards.
On defense,
Gio Waller,
Keebler Wagoner, and
Caden Pickens each recorded eight tackles, with Waller contributing two pass breakups, and Pickens adding one.
Tavare Smith Jr. added to the defensive effort with his third interception of the season.
Brandon Perez maintained his flawless performance, going 8-for-8 on field goals and 16-for-16 in extra points.
The ECU football team will return to Ada for their final two games of the season, starting with a matchup against No. 6 Harding University on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 pm.
