MAGNOLIA, Ark. – East Central University football closed out October on the road Saturday afternoon, taking on Southern Arkansas University in the Muleriders' Senior Day contest at Wilkins Stadium at Rip Powell Field. The Tigers were unable to overcome a strong Southern Arkansas performance, falling 45-17 in Magnolia, Arkansas.
ECU moves to 6-3 overall and 6-3 in Great American Conference play with two regular-season games remaining. The Tigers return home next Saturday, Nov. 7, to host Henderson State University at Koi Ishto Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2 pm.
The Muleriders struck first with an early touchdown, but the Tigers quickly answered as
Quincy Thompson broke free for a 24-yard rushing touchdown to even the score at 7-7. Southern Arkansas added a field goal to take a 10-7 lead before ECU responded with a 43-yard field goal from
Gabriel Ogura early in the second quarter to tie the game once again.
Southern Arkansas regained the lead with a touchdown pass before adding another score on a 60-yard rushing touchdown to build a 24-10 advantage. The Tigers responded in a big way just before halftime as
Tyler Akers returned the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown, bringing ECU within seven at 24-17 heading into the break.
The Muleriders extended their lead in the third quarter with a rushing touchdown before adding two more scores in the fourth to secure the 45-17 decision.
Southern Arkansas controlled the offensive side of the game, outgaining ECU 425-164 in total offense. The Muleriders totaled 271 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, averaging 7.3 yards per carry compared to ECU's 96 rushing yards and 3.3 average. SAU also held advantages in first downs (19-10) and time of possession (32:40-27:20), while converting three of four fourth-down opportunities. The Muleriders scored on all four of their red-zone trips to help secure the victory.
Defensively,
Caden Pickens led the Tigers with 16 total tackles, including one tackle for loss and a sack for two yards.
Logan Taylor and
Tyler Masters each added six tackles, while Masters also recorded a tackle for loss.
Kaleb Hamilton,
Wesley Morris and
Elijah Alexander each contributed a tackle for loss as ECU worked to slow down the Muleriders' offensive attack.
