ADA, Okla. – The East Central University football team bounced back in a big way on Saturday, earning a 37-21 win over Arkansas Tech University in a Great American Conference clash at Koi Ishto Stadium.
 
The victory improves the Tigers to 4-2 in GAC play, while Arkansas Tech slips to 4-2 on the season.
 
ECU will be back at Koi Ishto Stadium next Saturday, Oct. 18, to host Oklahoma Baptist University for their Homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
 
"I'm proud of our entire program for pulling off a complete team win," said Head Coach John Litrenta. "It was great to see us bounce back and show resilience. Our guys stepped up and made plays when it mattered most. We still have things to clean up. If we want to win consistently, we can't beat ourselves. It's about tightening up the little things."
 
The Tigers struck quickly on their opening drive, needing just two plays to get on the scoreboard. Quarterback Sergio Kennedy connected with wide receiver Kaden Jones for a 61-yard touchdown pass less than two minutes into the game, giving ECU an early 7-0 lead.
 
In the second quarter, ECU continued to pile on the points. Kennedy struck again through the air, this time finding Xavier Gordon on a 42-yard touchdown to cap a 90-yard drive. After forcing another punt, the Tigers marched 85 yards downfield, ending with a 5-yard touchdown run by Quincy Thompson to extend the lead to 20-0.
 
Arkansas Tech managed to respond just before halftime with a 20-yard touchdown pass to cut into the deficit. But the Tigers answered right back, driving quickly in the final minute to set up a 32-yard field goal by Alexander McGregor as time expired, sending ECU into the break with a commanding 23-7 lead.
 
ECU opened the second half with another efficient drive. Cade Searcy finished it off with an 8-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 30-7. Although ATU responded with a 23-yard touchdown pass later in the third quarter, the Tigers kept their foot on the gas.
 
In the fourth quarter, ECU used a trick play to capitalize on a short field, with Searcy taking snaps at quarterback and finding Kennedy for a 9-yard touchdown pass, increasing the lead to 37-14. Arkansas Tech added a late touchdown, but the Tigers had the game well in hand.
 
ECU put up a season-high 536 total yards, nearly doubling ATU's 292. Their passing game was especially impressive, recording 379 yards and three touchdowns. The Tigers controlled the clock with nearly 38 minutes of possession and earned 27 first downs compared to ATU's 17.
 
Sergio Kennedy had a standout performance, completing 23 of 34 passes for a career-high 370 yards and two touchdowns, including a long 61-yard connection.
 
On the ground, Cade Searcy led the way with 89 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per rush. Quincy Thompson added an efficient 28 yards and a score on just six carries.
 
The Tigers spread the ball around through the air, with several receivers making big contributions. Kaden Jones led with 79 yards and a touchdown on just two catches, including a 61-yard score. Brooks Rigney hauled in four receptions for 65 yards, while Xavier Gordon added a 42-yard touchdown as part of his 55-yard day. Bryce Bodkin also chipped in with three catches for 45 yards.
 
ECU's defense had several standout efforts, with Du'Wayne Paulhill leading the way with seven total tackles and a tackle for loss. Keith Hargraves was disruptive up front, recording two sacks and two quarterback hurries. Keebler Wagoner made a key impact in coverage with an interception and a pass breakup, while Kaleb Hamilton added a sack for an 8-yard loss. The Tigers also got solid contributions from Caden Pickens and Michael Onwuzurike, who combined for 11 tackles.