ADA, Okla. – The East Central University football team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday afternoon, falling 17-13 to Southern Nazarene at Koi Ishto Stadium. Despite leading for much of the game and holding a clear edge in key statistics, the Tigers couldn't overcome turnovers and missed opportunities.
 
The Tigers will look to bounce back in their upcoming GAC game at Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Saturday, Sept. 27, in Alva.
 
ECU got off to a fast start in front of the home crowd, taking an early 10-0 lead behind a 46-yard field goal from Alexander McGregor and a 2-yard touchdown run by JaQuarion Turner. ECU's defense forced back-to-back punts on SNU's opening drives, but a 59-yard touchdown run by the Crimson Storm late in the quarter cut into the lead, making it 10-7.
 
In the second quarter, the Tigers extended its lead to 13-7 after Alexander McGregor drilled a 52-yard field goal. ECU's defense came up big shortly after, with Seth Aguilera blocking an SNU field goal attempt to preserve the lead. Cade Searcy looked like he broke the game open with a massive 80-yard touchdown run, but it was erased by a penalty. A late fumble gave SNU a short field, and they converted it into a 32-yard field goal, trimming ECU's lead to 13-10 at the half.
 
The third quarter was a turning point as SNU seized momentum that shaped the rest of the game. Although East Central's defense stopped a 4th down to set up great field position, consecutive penalties erased two big completions, ending the drive scoreless. Southern Nazarene soon capitalized when ECU quarterback Sergio Kennedy was intercepted near midfield. Just a few plays later, a 31-yard quarterback run put SNU ahead 17-13 going into the fourth.
 
Late in the fourth quarter, ECU sparked a promising drive with solid runs by Cade Searcy and a crucial 28-yard completion to Conner Combs. But with under a minute left, Kennedy's scramble ended in a fumble that was recovered by SNU, ending the Tigers' final comeback attempt as time expired.
 
The Tigers controlled possession for over 36 minutes, outgaining Southern Nazarene 289-212 and earning 14 first downs to SNU's 6. However, costly fumbles and just one touchdown in three red-zone trips stalled their offense. Defensively, ECU limited SNU to four completions and one third-down conversion, but early turnovers and a second-half scoring drought ultimately decided the game.
 
ECU's defense was led by Molinsky Desire, who recorded 8 tackles and a quarterback hurry. Caden Pickens also made a big impact with 7 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss.
 
The ground game was powered by JaQuarion Turner, who rushed 11 times for 69 yards, including a long run of 35 yards and a touchdown. Cade Searcy also contributed significantly with 16 carries for 68 net yards.
 
In the passing game, Brooks Rigney led with 48 yards on 2 receptions, including a long catch of 31 yards. Kaden Jones added 35 yards on 2 catches, while Conner Combs contributed 32 yards, highlighted by a crucial fourth quarter 28-yard reception.
 
Quarterback Sergio Kennedy completed 16 of 26 passes for 158 yards, including a long throw of 31 yards.