MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The East Central University football team faced its first road challenge of the 2024 season with a Great American Conference matchup against Southern Arkansas University. Although the Muleriders initially dominated, the Tigers mounted a comeback from an early deficit, but ultimately fell 28-20 in Magnolia.
 
The game kicked off with SAU taking control early, scoring two quick touchdowns in the first quarter. ECU struggled to find their rhythm, and while they had a golden opportunity to capitalize when Derrick Culpepper blocked a Mulerider punt and recovered it on the five-yard line, they failed to punch it in, shifting momentum in favor of SAU. The Tigers did manage to get on the scoreboard with a safety, but they trailed 14-2, facing a challenging uphill battle.
 
The second quarter saw the Muleriders extend their lead to a commanding score of 28-2 with two additional touchdowns. However, the Tigers showed signs of life with a field goal from Tommy Yousey and a clutch special teams play when Derrick Culpepper blocked his second Mulerider punt, which Parker Cunningham returned for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 28-12 at halftime.
 
SAU, despite their explosive start, faltered offensively in the second half. After failing to score in the third quarter, ECU seized the opportunity to mount a comeback. The Tigers had two long drives in the third quarter but ultimately yielded no points. However, they began to turn the momentum with a series of defensive stops and forcing SAU into costly mistakes.
 
The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter when Tavare Smith Jr. intercepted a pass, setting up ECU at the SAU 13-yard line. On the very next play, ECU quarterback Sergio Kennedy rushed for a touchdown, closing the deficit to 28-18. To cap it off, a successful two-point conversion by Jackson Allen brought the Tigers within striking distance at 28-20.
 
The Tigers' defense continued to apply pressure, forcing SAU to punt late in the fourth. ECU drove down the field, but their comeback came to a halt when Tommy Yousey's 43-yard field goal attempt veered left, leaving the score unchanged with 1:55 remaining.
 
Despite the loss, ECU's performance in the second half was a testament to their resilience and adaptability. The Tigers made significant adjustments after halftime, while SAU's offense stagnated. ECU's special team played a pivotal role, providing key momentum shifts and keeping the team in contention.
 
Quarterback Sergio Kennedy completed 17 of 36 passes for 157 yards and added a rushing touchdown, his third of the season.
 
On the ground, Myles Featherston rushed for 50 yards on nine carries, while Andrew Wimmer contributed 47 yards on 21 attempts.
 
In the air, K.J. Peoples led the Tigers with six receptions for 73 yards, including a long of 24 yards.
 
Defensively, Caden Pickens was the leading tackler for the Tigers with seven stops. Chase Faber, Darian Williams, and Seth Aguilera each recorded a tackle for loss, while Tavare Smith Jr. secured the team's only interception. Derrick Culpepper was a standout on special teams with two blocked punts.
 
The ECU football team will regroup and return to Ada next week for a showdown against Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6 pm inside Koi Ishto Stadium.