GAC WEEK 11 SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 9, 2024
BATTLE OF THE RAVINE
[9/12] Ouachita Baptist vs Henderson State 1:00 P.M
Carpenter-Haygood Stadium at GeoSurfaces Field – Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Series History: Henderson State leads 12-3
Last Meeting: HSU, 56-0 (November 4, 2023)
Ouachita Baptist Notes
TIGER TRACKS
97TH BATTLE OF THE RAVINE
One of the most unique rivalries in all of college sports is set for its 97th edition this Saturday when Ouachita literally walks across Highway 67 to take on Henderson State at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium. HSU snapped a six-game losing streak in the series last year by beating the Tigers 31-27. Ouachita holds the all-time series lead at 46-44-6. See the complete breakdown of the rivalry on page two.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
A win for the Tigers on Saturday would give Ouachita its fifth season in program history of at least 10 wins, at least a share of the 2024 Great American Conference championship, a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs, and bragging rights for at least a year in Arkadelphia. The Tigers head into the final weekend of the regular season tied with Harding for first place in the GAC. Ouachita is seeking its seventh GAC title. The Tigers are No. 5 in the latest Super Region 3 rankings. The region consists of teams from the GAC, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The top seven teams from the region will make the playoffs. The No. 1 seed gets a first-round bye. Seeds 2-4 will host the first-round matchups. The rest of SR3’s top 10 this week includes No. 1 Ferris State, No. 2 Grand Valley State, No. 3 Pittsburg State, No. 4 Central Oklahoma, No. 6 Harding, No. 7 Indianapolis, No. 8 Fort Hays State, No. 9 Central Missouri, and No. 10 Saginaw Valley State. The Tigers are seeking their sixth D2 playoffs appearance.
NO. 9 IN AFCA COACHES POLL
There were no major upsets in week 10 of the 2024 season, which keeps Ouachita at the same spots in this week’s national rankings. The American Football Coaches Association Top 25 has the Tigers at No. 9. D2Football.com has Ouachita at No. 12. The Tigers have now been nationally-ranked by the AFCA in 74 of the last 75 polls, reaching as high as No. 3 on two different occasions – late in the 2022 season and in week nine of the this season before falling to SNU. Ouachita is one of three teams in the GAC receiving national recognition this week. Harding is No. 4 in the AFCA poll and No. 5 by D2Football.com. Southern Arkansas is receiving votes this week in the AFCA poll.
TIGERS FEATURED IN NCAA.COM POWER RANKINGS
NCAA.com D2 columnist Wayne Cavadi publishes weekly power rankings that highlight the top 10 teams in the nation. The Tigers have been up and down in Cavadi’s rankings throughout the season, this week falling into the first five out list: “The Tigers piled up 55 points and posted their second shutout of the season. They face a must-win against Henderson State in the Battle of the Ravine in a tightly contested Super Region 3.” SEEKING 5TH 10-WIN SEASON Ouachita’s 55-0 win over Oklahoma Baptist last Saturday gave the Tigers win number nine of the 2024 season, marking the 10th time in program history with at least nine wins in a season. A win over Henderson State on Saturday would give the program its fifth season of at least 10 wins. The other 10+ win seasons include 2014 (10-1), 2018 (12-1), 2019 (11-1), and 2022 (11-1).
OUACHITA STAT NOTABLES
• Ouachita is one of 18 teams in D2 with one or fewer losses heading into the final week of the regular season. • Ouachita is one of the best teams in the nation in special teams, ranking 2nd in the GAC and 10th in D2 in kickoff return defense (15.1 yards allowed per return), 1st in the GAC and 9th in D2 in kickoff returns (26.2 yards per return), 1st in the GAC and 2nd in D2 in net punting (42.1 yards per punt), 2nd in the GAC and 2nd in D2 in punt return defense (-1.2 yards per return), and 1st in the GAC and 7th in D2 in punt returns (17 yards per return). • Individually on special teams: Carter McElhany is 2nd in the GAC and 21st in D2 with an average of 28.1 yards per kickoff return; Connor Flannigan leads the GAC and ranks 5th in D2 with an average of 19.1 yards per punt return; and Tom Weston leads the GAC and ranks 13th in D2 with an average of 43.4 yards per punt. Weston is 2nd in the GAC with 21 punts downed inside the opponent 20-yard line. • Ouachita leads the GAC and ranks 7th in D2 in red zone defense, holding opponents to a 62.5 percent success rate inside the 20. On offense, the Tigers also lead the GAC and rank 2nd in the nation in the redzone, getting points at a success rate of 91.9 percent. Ouachita has scored at least a field goal on 34 of 37 trips into the redzone this season. • Ouachita’s shutout over OKB last Saturday resulted in a jump to No. 3 in the nation in scoring defense. The Tigers are one of five teams in D2 to hold opponents to single digit scoring with an average of 8.6 points allowed per game. • Ouachita leads the GAC and ranks 3rd in D2 in tackles for loss with an average of 9.6 per game. • Ouachita running back Kendel Givens is top 15 in the nation in four different categories: third in rushing TDs (13), 10th in total TDs (14), 10th in total points (84), and 14th in points per game (8.4).
SCOUTING THE REDDIES
For the first time since 2005, HSU will be led by a different head coach than Scott Maxfield in the Battle of the Ravine. HSU’s all-time winningest coach retired this past summer, which prompted the school to promote Greg Holsworth to the head job. Holsworth is no stranger to BOTR, having been on staff for the past seven seasons as defensive coordinator. Holsworth has led the Reddies to an 8-2 record this season, the only losses coming to Harding (66-0) and Southern Arkansas (42-19). The Reddies are top five in the GAC in most stat categories. Offensively, quarterback Andrew Edwards has won three GAC player of the week awards this season and comes into Saturday’s game leading the GAC in eight different stat categories. Running back Jeremiah Davis is second in the league in rush yards per game. Defensively, HSU has shut down opponent passing attacks, ranking second in the league and eighth nationally with just 137.5 passing yards allowed per game. The HSU defense is led by Gary Lewis, who leads the GAC and ranks 8th in D2 in tackles for loss.
LAST TIME OUT VS. HSU
Ouachita just could not keep the HSU offense on the sideline, which led to a 31-27 win for the Reddies to snap a six-game losing streak to the Tigers in last year’s BOTR at Cliff Harris Stadium. The Reddies ended the game with 39:35 in the time of possession category, more than 19 minutes more than the Tigers. HSU used a high-percentage of third down conversions to keep its offensive unit on the field at 13-for-18. HSU pulled away in the third quarter with 11 minutes of possession and a 14-0 edge in scoring to lead 28-13 heading into the final quarter. It was more of the same in the fourth with the Reddies holding possession for 11 minutes. The Tigers rallied in the final five minutes, getting a rushing touchdown with 1:38 remaining. A two-point conversion pass made it a 10-point game at 31-21. On the ensuing kickoff, Ouachita successfully converted an onside kick and then marched 50 yards in five plays capped with another score. A missed extra point made it 31-27 with 44 seconds remaining. Another onside kick attempt followed with HSU recovering this time and then running out the clock for the win. The HSU put the Reddies in the D2 playoffs and knocked Ouachita out.
Henderson State Notes
STORYLINES: SETTING THE SCENE
• Henderson State looks to secure nine wins for the fourth time in the last five seasons. The Reddies have won six straight games at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium, including all five of their home games in 2024. • No. 9 Ouachita Baptist enters Saturday’s contest looking to secure bragging rights and at least a share of the GAC title. The Tigers will aim to avoid dropping back-to-back Battle of the Ravine games for the first time 2013-14.
REDDIES REPORT: OFFENSE
• Andrew Edwards completed 17 of his 22 pass attempts for 302 yards and four touchdowns last week. It was his second game with 300 or more passing yards this year, and it was also his sixth consecutive game without an interception thrown. Entering Saturday’s contest, the Bentonville, Arkansas, native paces the Great American Conference in passing yards (2,280), passing touchdowns (26), completion percentage (66.4), and quarterback efficiency rating. • Timieone Jackson remains atop the GAC leaderboard with 48 receptions – 10 catches more than any other player in the league. The senior from Pfugerville, Texas, has 387 receiving yards and three touchdowns thus far in his final campaign with the Reddies. • Cayden Davis finds himself amongst the conference’s top 10 pass catchers after an 84-yard, two-touchdown performance against SWOSU. The redshirt junior’s receiving total now sits at 382 yards for the year. Davis is also one of five players tied for the conference lead with five receiving touchdowns (one of the other four being HSU’s Micah Greene). • Despite playing in only nine games up to this point in the season, Jeremiah Davis possesses one of the GAC’s top five rushing totals (697 yards). He is also second in the league in yards per game (77.4). • Senior Jalen Abraham totaled more than 100 yards of total offense on Senior Day, including 84 yards on the ground. His lone catch of the day resulted in a 31-yard touchdown. • HSU is third in the GAC with 397.4 yards of total offense per game in 2024.
REDDIES REPORT: DEFENSE
• Last Saturday, Jamarion Citizen led the way for the Reddie defense with a career-high nine tackles and a tackle for loss versus SWOSU. • Senior defensive back Cameron Thomas is second in the GAC with five interceptions. He recorded his latest pick during last week’s Senior Day game against the Bulldogs. • Gary Lewis currently leads the Great American Conference with 1.69 tackles for loss per game this season. He is also second in the league in total tackles for loss (13.5). • Jakobe Shell’s seven sacks are ranked second amongst all GAC players. • Henderson State’s defense is ranked eighth in NCAA Division II in both passing yardage allowed (137.5) and opposing third-down conversion rate (.275).
REDDIES REPORT: SPECIAL TEAMS
• Axel Robertson is the Great American Conference’s reigning GAC Special Teams Player of the Week. He earned the honor by averaging 43.2 yards per punt and making all fve of his PAT opportunities against Southwestern Oklahoma State. His punt average of 43.1 yards is currently ranked 15th in all of Division II. • Jody Easter remains the only GAC player to record multiple kick return touchdowns in 2024. Both of his two special teams scores have occurred at home.
THE OPPONENT: OUACHITA BAPTIST
• Ouachita running back Kendel Givens is currently second in the Great American Conference with 749 rushing yards on the year. The reigning All-American also paces the league in rushing touchdowns (13). • Quarterback Eli Livingston has proven to be an essential part of the Tigers’ passing and ground attacks. In his first season as a full-time starter, Livingston has thrown for 928 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and three picks. His 473 rushing yards are second only to Givens on the team. • Though he has only appeared in nine games this season, Connor Flannigan leads the team with 37 receptions that have gone for 413 yards and two touchdowns. • Carter McElhany holds a share of the GAC’s receiving touchdown lead with five scores in 2024. The sophomore is one of four players in the conference with a kick return for a touchdown this season. • OBU boasts one of Division II’s top 10 defenses in terms of yardage allowed per game (244.2). The Tigers have also allowed the third-fewest points of any defense in the nation (8.6 points per game). • Jax Miller leads Ouachita and is fourth in the conference with 81 tackles on the year. • Defensive linemen Rovell Carter and Mikey Gonzalez are fifth and seventh in the GAC with 12 and 10.5 tackles for loss, respectively. Gonzalez is also third in the league with six sacks, while Carter follows close behind in fourth with 5.5. • Ouachita has had nine different players record an interception through ten games. Josiah Johnson is the only player among that group with multiple picks (two). • Tom Weston’s punt average of 43.4 yards per attempt is currently one-tenth of a yard shy of the GAC lead. His average is also ranked 13th amongst all qualified punters in NCAA Division II. • Dax Jaggers is tied for third in the conference with eight field goals made in 2024. His 60-yard make versus ECU set a new school record and is the longest in the GAC this year.
THE LAST MEETING
• Andrew Edwards compiled 254 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-27 win at Ouachita. • Elijah George posted 79 receiving yards – a career best at the time – and a score to help lead the Reddies to victory. Tight end Cayden Davis also found the end zone through the air. • Tiger running back Kendel Givens put together 141 yards of total offense and a touchdown in an OBU loss. • HSU’s defense forced two turnovers. The first was a fumble forced by Gary Lewis that was recovered by Jakob Neel. Kirby Owens II also recorded an interception. • Ouachita had three different players with 11 or more tackles.
AROUND THE GAC
• No. 4 Harding looks to seal a share of the GAC title against Arkansas Tech. • Southern Arkansas aims to win a third straight Battle of the Timberlands versus UAM. • Southern Nazarene travels to Oklahoma Baptist in search of a third cons
[9/12] Ouachita Baptist vs Oklahoma Baptist 2:00 P.M.
Crain Family Stadium – Shawnee, Oklahoma
Series History: Ouachita Baptist leads 10-2-1
Last Meeting: OUA, 55-14 (November 4, 2023)
Ouachita Baptist Notes
TIGER TRACKS
BACK TO THE SOONER STATE
Ouachita is back in the state of Oklahoma for the third and final time of the regular season this Saturday to take on Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee. The Tigers are 8-1 after dropping last Thursday night’s home game to Southern Nazarene by a final score of 18-17. Oklahoma Baptist is 2-7 following a 24-20 road loss to Arkansas-Monticello. The state of Oklahoma has been friendly to the Tigers. Since the formation of the Great American Conference in 2011, Ouachita is 32-3 in games played in the Sooner State. The Tigers have not lost in Oklahoma since week two of the 2016 season, a 45-38 setback in Durant against Southeastern Okla.
THE POSTSEASON PICTURE
The NCAA released its first numerical regional rankings this week with Ouachita checking in at No. 5 in Super Region 3, which consists of teams from the GAC, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Ouachita likely needs to win both of its final two games of the 2024 regular season to earn a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs, which would be the sixth NCAA postseason appearance for the program. The Tigers have two tough tests ahead with a road game against Oklahoma Baptist this Saturday and a walk over to Henderson State on November 16 for the 97th Battle of the Ravine. The top seven teams from the region will make the playoffs. The No. 1 seed gets a first-round bye. Seeds 2-4 will host the first-round matchups. The rest of SR3’s top 10 this week includes No. 1 Ferris State, No. 2 Grand Valley State, No. 3 Pittsburg State, No. 4 Central Oklahoma, No. 6 Harding, No. 7 Emporia State, No. 8 Saginaw Valley State, No. 9 Indianapolis, and No. 10 Southern Arkansas.
NO. 9 IN AFCA COACHES POLL
It was expected to see the Tigers drop in the national rankings following last week’s loss to SNU, but Ouachita is still in the top 10 in the American Football Coaches Association Top 25 poll, falling six spots to No. 9 this week. D2Football.com dropped the Tigers seven spots to No. 12. Ouachita has now been nationally-ranked by the AFCA in 73 of the last 74 polls, reaching as high as No. 3 on two different occasions – late in the 2022 season and last week before falling to SNU. Ouachita is one of three teams in the GAC receiving national recognition this week. Harding moved up to No. 4 in the AFCA poll and up to No. 5 by D2Football.com. Southern Arkansas is receiving votes this week in the AFCA poll.
NO. 10 IN NCAA POWER RANKINGS
NCAA.com D2 columnist Wayne Cavadi publishes weekly power rankings that highlight the top 10 teams in the nation. The Tigers fell from No. 2 to a tie for No. 10 this week: “It’s a mighty fall for last week’s No. 2. Losing to a winless team hurts, and while it affects their Power 10 ranking, it ultimately hurts the Tigers’ regional ranking as they were the likely No. 1 heading into this weekend. The rest of the schedule is not easy with a hungry Henderson State awaiting.”
OUACHITA STAT NOTABLES
• Ouachita is one of the best teams in the nation in special teams, ranking 2nd in the GAC and 8th in D2 in kickoff return defense (14.8 yards allowed per return), 2nd in the GAC and 10th in D2 in kickoff returns (26.2 yards per return), 1st in the GAC and 2nd in D2 in net punting (42.7 yards per punt), 2nd in the GAC and 2nd in D2 in punt return defense (-1.75 yards per return), and 1st in the GAC and 7th in D2 in punt returns (17.9 yards per return). • Individually on special teams: Carter McElhany leads the GAC and ranks 22nd in D2 with an average of 28.1 yards per return; Connor Flannigan leads the GAC and ranks 19th in D2 with an average of 19.1 yards per punt return; and Tom Weston leads the GAC and ranks 8th in D2 with an average of 44.2 yards per punt. Weston leads the GAC with 20 punts downed inside the opponent 20-yard line. • Ouachita leads the GAC and ranks 13th in D2 in red zone defense, holding opponents to a 66.7 percent success rate inside the 20. On offense, the Tigers also lead the GAC and rank fifth in the nation in the redzone, getting points at a success rate of 91.4 percent. Ouachita has scored at least a field goal on 32 of 35 trips into the redzone this season. • Ouachita is one of five teams in the nation to hold opponents to an average of single digit points. The Tigers are second in the GAC and fourth nationally giving up just 9.6 points per game. • Ouachita leads the GAC and ranks 14th nationally in tackles for loss with an average of 9.7 per game. • Quarterback Eli Livingston leads the GAC and ranks 16th in D2 in rush yards per carry (6.1). • Running back Kendel Givens is one of the top scorers in the nation. He leads the GAC and ranks fifth in D2 in rushing touchdowns (12), ranks third in the GAC and 17th in the nation in total points (72). • Defensive end Mikey Gonzalez is third in the GAC and 33rd in the nation in sacks with six. He’s also one of the GAC’s best in tackles for loss with an average of 1.3 per game. • Linebacker Jax Miller is seventh in the GAC with an average of 8.1 tackles per game.
NINE IN A ROW OVER OKLAHOMA BAPTIST
Ouachita is 10-2-1 all-time against Oklahoma Baptist and has won nine in a row over the Bison. The series began with games in five straight seasons from 1936-40, but the two squads did not meet again until OKB joined the NCAA and the GAC in 2015. Ouachita is 8-0 in the series since, outscoring the Bison 369- 174 and reaching 50 points four times, including last year’s 55-14 victory at Cliff Harris Stadium.
SCOUTING THE BISON
Oklahoma Baptist let one slip away last Saturday in a 24-20 road loss to Arkansas-Monticello to drop the Bison to 2-7 this season. After shutting out the Weevils in the first half and holding a 17-10 lead going into the fourth quarter, OKB allowed UAM to rattle off a pair of touchdowns in the final 13 minutes, including what ended up being the game-winning score with 32 seconds remaining. The two wins for the Bison this year have both been at home, taking down East Central 20-10 and Southwestern Oklahoma State 35-17. Two other losses have been close calls, dropping their season-opener at Arkansas Tech 44-41 in overtime and falling by two at Northwestern Oklahoma State by a final score of 30-28. Saturday’s contest will be Ouachita’s only game to play on a natural grass surface this season. Field conditions could become a factor in Saturday’s game with rain in the forecast.
LAST TIME OUT VS. OKLAHOMA BAPTIST
Ouachita celebrated Senior Day with a 55-14 win over Oklahoma Baptist last year in week 10 at Cliff Harris Stadium. The win was highlighted by two takeaways on special teams, three interceptions on defense, and 340 rushing yards led by four touchdowns from junior running back Kendel Givens. Ouachita recovered fumbles on an OKB kickoff return and punt return, both leading to points. Givens finished with 22 carries for 199 yards. Dawson Miller, Josiah Johnson, and Mario Ganter, Jr. all had interceptions in the win. The Tiger offense outgained the Bison 499-311.
Oklahoma Baptist Notes
Relying on Moore
EJ Moore delivered his fourth career 100-yard rushing effort last week at Arkansas-Monticello. He carried a career-high 32 times and tallied 135 rushing yards and one touchdown. The 135 yards were Moore’s second-highest career output, bested only by a 153-yard performance last season at East Central. Here in 2024, the Leander, Texas native’s 502 rushing yards are 12th-most in the GAC. Plus, Moore now has 1,202 career yards, fifth-most in OBU history.
Marshall’s Highlight-Reel Grab
Early in the third quarter at UAM, redshirt senior Michael Marshall turned in a Randy Moss-like catch which went for a touchdown. On a deep ball from Camden McCrary down the middle, OBU’s 6-foot-2 receiver leaped above a Boll Weevil defensive back and ripped the ball away before back pedaling into the endzone. The 55-yard scoring strike was a career-long for Marshall. He also tallied 66 yards in the game, a season-high.
That Was a Long Drive
Did you notice that the Bison produced a pair of 90-plus-yard scoring drives last week at Monticello? Their first drive saw offensive coordinator Daniel Eaton dial up a 16-play, 96-yard drive that ended with a Moore two-yard touchdown. Thirteen of those plays were rushes. Then early in the third, OBU went 97 yards in three plays capped off by Marshall’s scoring catch. In OBU’s D2 era, there have been 15, 90-yard scoring drives. Only one other game since 2015 has seen the Bison produce multiple drives that long in the same game. That came during the 2018 season when OBU had three drives of at least 90 yards, also against Arkansas-Monticello on Oct. 20.
An All-Around Effort
Junior Chase Whitebear had one of his best career games last week against the Boll Weevils. The Haslet, Texas native intercepted a pass, returned it a career-long 60 yards and added a pair of pass break-ups. Plus, Whitebear recorded a team-best six tackles. For the imposing, 6-foot-3 corner, it was the first time in his career he recorded a pick with multiple PBUs.
Receiving Threats
Only one program in the GAC has multiple receivers with at least four touchdowns. That’s Oklahoma Baptist. Charles Whitebear has caught five, which are tied for the league lead, while Darius Melton has pulled in four.
The Tigers’ Potent Attack
Ouachita possesses two of the best runners in the GAC. They are quarterback Eli Livingston and tailback Kendel Givens. Livingston ranks fifth in the league with 67.6 rushing yards per game. He has also scored four times and has the second-longest rush (79 yards) in the conference this fall. Givens is one of Ouachita’s all-time program greats. In his career, he has scored 69 touchdowns, rushed for 3,566 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. This season, the Little Rock native is fourth in the league with a 71.4 yards-per-game average as well as 12 rushing scores. That latter mark is tied for fifth in the nation.
Stacking Things Up
One of the biggest advantages Ouachita possesses is its defense. The Tigers allow 9.56 points per game, fourth-best in the country. Oklahoma Baptist sits at 12th in the GAC giving up 36.7 points. The Tigers are also slotted 12th in Division II in total defense at 251.9 yards per contest. Offensively, the Bison have the fifth-best passing offense in the GAC at 169.6 yards per game while Ouachita sits in seventh (159.1). On the rushing front, the Tigers’ 189.3 rushing yards per game is third while OBU’s 99.9 yards is 11th. Also of note, Ouachita’s special teams are very good. They lead the conference in net kickoff yardage (46.2) and net punting (42.7). That punting effort also includes 17 fair catches to opponents, most in the league.
Historically Speaking
Ouachita owns an 8-0 series lead over the Bison. Some of these games have been close, such as in 2022 when the Tigers won in Shawnee 42-32. There have been other times, four of the eight games to be exact, that Ouachita has scored at least 50. In fact, a season ago, the Tigers won 55-14 in Arkadelphia.
Arkansas-Monticello vs Southern Nazarene 2:00 P.M.
SNU Football Stadium – Bethany, Oklahoma
Series History: Arkansas-Monticello leads 8-2
Last Meeting: SNU, 41-14 (November 4, 2023)
INSIDE THE SERIES
Overall: 11th Meeting, UAM Leads 8-2 Current Streak: SNU (W1) Last Meeting: Nov. 4, 2023 (W, 27-13) Series Notes: The Crimson Storm will host the Weevils in Bethany with the hopes of collecting their second win of the season. After an unbelievable victory over No. 3 Ouachita Baptist, the Storm will look to continue that momentum into their contest with UAM. Arkansas-Monticello collected a last minute win over Oklahoma Baptist and will look to build on it in Bethany.
Arkansas-Monticello Notes
The University of Arkansas at Monticello football team travels to Bethany, Oklahoma this weekend to take on Southern Nazarene University for week ten of the 2024 season.
The Boll Weevils are currently sitting 4-5, following a home win over Oklahoma Baptist in week nine.
“This is a real big game for us,” said Head Coach Hud Jackson. “It’s always tough to play at Southern Nazarene. Their team is coming off a big win against Ouachita, and we need to get this win to be .500. We had a good week of practice, despite having to be inside because of the rain. Our players understand the importance of being prepared and ready to compete. Eat’em up!”
Below you will find important information regarding live coverage, tickets, game match-ups, and social media links to keep up with the game.
THE MATCHUP
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Football team is playing in Bethany for the 5th time in program history. The teams have only met 10 times in total since 2013, with their first meeting held in Monticello. The result was a 22-19 win for the Weevils.
LAST MEETING
Arkansas-Monticello lost to the Crimson Storm, 41-14 at home in 2023. This was the first loss for UAM against SNU since the 2016 season. The Boll Weevils tabbed 283 yards of total offense, recording one offensive touchdown in that contest. Caden Middleton led the air attack, connecting with 14-27 attempts for 157 yards. Glen Cage led the team on the ground, rushing for a net of 43 yards in the contest, with a long of 16 yards.
All-TIME SERIES
UAM leads in the all-time series, 8-2, with the last win for the Boll Weevils coming in 2022. Monticello is 3-1 on the road against Southern Nazarene, with the most recent road win being a score of 30-23 in 2021. The largest margin of victory for the Weevils came during the 2015 season with a 451-10 win. The Weevils average 31.9 points against SNU.
Southern Nazarene Notes
WHEN THESE TWO TEAMS LAST MET…
The Crimson Storm traveled to Monticello to battle it out with the Weevils. The SNU offense dominated with 582 total yards of offense. The first quarter was a defensive battle as neither squad was able to get on the board. The second quarter is when the SNU offense found its spark. Jarvis Davis made a 4-yard run into the endzone to get SNU on the board first. Gage Porter then doubled the score on a 3-yard run of his own to give the Storm a 14-0 lead. UAM responded after a 59-yard interception got them on the board cutting the SNU lead. The Storm used the final minutes of the first half as Gage Porter scored his second touchdown of the game. The Crimson Storm picked up right where they left off to begin the third quarter with an 80-yard drive as Porter found the endzone once again giving SNU a 27-7 lead. The Weevils responded with a 36-yard touchdown reception. The fourth quarter was all Crimson Sorm as Porter connected with Dalen Smtih for a touchdown to extend the lead. Davis then notched his second touchdown of the game with a 7-yard run in the final minutes of the contest. The Storm then returned home with a dominating 41-14 victory over the Weevils.
[4/5] Harding vs East Central 2:00 P.M.
Koi Ishto Stadium – Ada, Oklahoma
Series History: Harding leads 18-3
Last Meeting: HU, 48-7 (November 4, 2023)
Harding Notes
East Central Notes
No notes available.
Arkansas Tech vs Southeastern Oklahoma State 2:00 P.M.
Paul Laird Field – Durant, Oklahoma
Series History: Arkansas Tech leads 15-7-1
Last Meeting: ATU, 14-7 (November 4, 2023)
THE SERIES
This will be the 24th meeting all-time between Tech and Southeastern in a series that dates back to 1957. Overall, the series is led by Tech 15-7-1. Since becoming conference rivals as charter members of the Great American Conference in 2011, the Wonder Boys lead the series 8-4. In games played in Durant, Tech holds a slim 5-4 lead in the series.
Arkansas Tech Notes
KICKING OFF
With two weeks left in the season, the Wonder Boys will play their final two games on the road, starting first this Saturday at Southeastern Oklahoma. The following week, they will close out their season at nationally-ranked Harding. Already having played four road games, the Wonder Boys are 2-2 in those contests and will be in search of matching their win total from the past two seasons by winning their fifth game of the season. A win in each of their final two games would give the Wonder Boys a winning record.
TECH(NICALLY) SPEAKING
LAST GAME
The Wonder Boys are coming off home loss to No. 5-ranked Ouachita Baptist this past Saturday afternoon. Tech fell behind early in the game and was unable to get their offense established enough to mount a comeback.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Offensively after nine games, the Wonder Boys are averaging 21.7 points per game and 328.4 yards of total offense. Their ppg average ranks sixth in the GAC, while their total offense also ranks sixth. In the passing game, the Wonder Boys used a trio of quarterbacks with Ethan Forrester, Ethan Everson and Hunter Loyd making at least one start. Overall, Everson has played in eight of nine game and has made five starts. In his time on the field, Everson has thrown for 1,140 yards on 90-of-162 passing with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. As a team, their 208.4 passing yards per game rank third in the GAC. On the ground, the Wonder Boys have had 10 different ball carriers against this season. Deuce Wise has shouldered the largest load with 112 carries and leads the team in net yards with 495. Luke Gall is next on the team in rushing yards with 333. He is second in rushing touchdowns with four. Myles West has come on as of late in the backfield and is up over 200 yards and has two touchdowns. Jordan Edington, who handles most of the short-yardage downs, has recorded five rushing touchdowns to lead the team. The Wonder Boys’ 120.0 rushing yards per game ranks 10th in the GAC. In terms of receiving, Tech has had pass completions to 12 different targets. Joyrion Chase leads the team in receptions with 34, yards at 392 and has one receiving TD. Caleb Tanis is next with 388 yard on 26 receptions and is tied for the second-most touchdowns with tight end Dayton Keller and wideout Jordan Jackson with two. Jared Long is the team-leader in touchdown receptions with three.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Defensively through nine games, the Wonder Boys allow an average of 292.0 yards of total offense per game by their opponents and 26.3 points per game. The total defense ranks third in the GAC, while their scoring defense is seventh. Individually, Tech has three players that registered at least 45 tackles overall are led by Jyrin Steward and his 58 stops. Steward also lead the team in tackles for loss with 14.5 and has 2.0 sacks. Israel Whitmore is currently the team leader in sacks with 3.5. In terms of takeaways, the Wonder Boys have recovered three fumbles and come away with seven interceptions. Three of the picks have been hauled in by CJ Palmer. The Wonder Boys also have two pick-six interceptions this season with Diego Sanchez having a 62-yard one against Northwestern Oklahoma and Steward a 15-yard one against Southwestern Oklahoma. The fumble recoveries have been secured by Jordan Thompson, Tyler Mosley and Whitmore.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Christopher Baldazo has assumed the placekicking duties for the Wonder Boys and in nine games he is 11-for-12 in field goals with a long of 48 yards against Arkansas-Monticello. He is also 14-of-16 in extra point kicks. In the punting game, Logan Tymeson has been called upon to punt 45 times this season and is averaging 39.7 yards per punt. In the return game, CJ Palmer leads the team in kickoff return yards with 159 yards on 10 returns. De’Rion Crooms is second with 119 yards on four returns and has the longest of the season of 42 yards.
KNOW YO FOE
LAST GAME
Southeastern Oklahoma is coming off a 56-14 loss on the road this past weekend at No. 6-ranked Harding. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Savage Storm. THE COACH The Savage Storm are coached by a familiar face in Bo Atterberry. A 1998 alum of Southeastern, Atterberry returned to his alma mater for his second stint as head coach ahead of the 2023 season. Atterberry’s first stint saw him coach at SE from 2014-2018. In those initial five years, Atterberry’s record was 33-23. Overall, he is in his 13th year as a head coach and has a 84-61 career record.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Offensively, the Savage Storm feature a single-back spread offensive attack. Through nine games, Southeastern ranks fifth in the GAC in scoring average at 24.9 ppg and fourth in total offense with an average of 351.0 ypg. On the ground, the Savage Storm are averaging 173.1 yards per game to rank fourth in the GAC. Through the air, they rank fourth with an average of 177.9 yards per game. The leading rusher thus far has been DJ Brown with 663 yards gained on 141 carries. He also is second on the team in rushing TDs with three. Jonathan Cobb is the second-leading rusher with 263 yards on 70 carries and leads the team in rushing TDs with four. Under center, the Savage Storm have use Cergio Perez and Luke Hohnberger. Perez has played in eight games while Hohnberger has played in five. Both are completing right around 45% of their passes. Perez has thrown for the most yards and touchdowns of the two with 1,038 yards and six TDs. The leading pass catcher is Kobe Jennings with 512 yards receiving on 29 receptions. He also leads the team in receiving touchdowns with five. Two other pass-catchers are over 300 yards receiving with Victor Taylor having 326 yards and Gabe Corona with 320. Taylor is second on the team in TDs with three.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Defensively, the Savage Storm base out of the 4-3 scheme and currently rank fifth in scoring defense allowing 23.4 ppg. Their total defense is the sixth-ranked unit in the GAC as they are currently allowing 314.6 ypg of total offense by their opponents. Collectively, the Savage Storm have forced 15 turnovers with 10 interceptions and five fumble recoveries. Individually, the Savage Storm have a three tacklers with at least 50 stops and are led by Braedon Winters and his 67 tackles. Dylan Sebock leads the team in tackles for loss with 9.5 and sacks with 4.5. Michael Hookfin leads the team in interceptions with four and forced fumbles with three.
Southeastern Oklahoma State Notes
Noteworthy…
• The 2024 season marks 111th season of Southeastern football overall, 27th since joining NCAA Division II, and the 14th season as a member of the Great American Conference. • Saturday’s matchup with ATU is the 25th meeting between the two programs all time. The first meeting came during the 1924 season, a 7-0 loss for SE and the teams would not meet again until the 1957 season. ATU would win the first seven matchups int he series before the Storm would force a tie in 1963 and pick up its first win in 1966. It would be another 26 years between meetings, but the Storm would take two of three in the series between 1992 and 1994. The teams would next meet in 2011 with the establishment of the GAC and in that SE is 4-8 versus the Wonder Boys. • SE under head coach Bo Atterberry has been dominant in the state of Oklahoma where it has compiled a 31-4 record over Oklahoma opponents in the six-plus seasons and is currently on an eight-game winning streak versus in-state foes. • Southeastern junior linebacker Braeden Winters was named the D2Foot- ball.com Defensive Player of the Week following his 14 tackles, four TFL, and two sack performance in the week four win over Northwestern Okla- homa State. • SE heads into the 2024 season picked to finish fifth in the GAC Preseason Poll. The poll, voted on by the league’s coaches, saw the Savage Storm pick up 72 points in the voting, finishing eight points ahead of Arkansas Tech in sixth. Harding was the preseason top pick with 10 of the 12 possible first-place votes, followed by Ouachita Baptist in Second and Southern Arkansas in third place with one first-place nod apiece. Henderson State was fourth just ahead of the Storm, while Oklahoma Baptist checked in seventh, followed by Arkansas-Monticello and East Central in eighth and ninth, respectively. Southern Nazarene, Southwestern Oklahoma State, and Northwestern Oklahoma State would round out the poll in order. • SE returns a pair of All-GAC honorees, both in the backfield as DJ Brown was the team’s leading rusher and was a second team pick at running back, while Ryan Hirt was the number two rusher and was a selection for his special teams play. • The Storm return five players who started at least five games last season on offense, and six on the defensive side. • SE’s initial 2-deep features plenty of youth as 10 of the 22 listed offensive players are sophomores in standing or younger, including three starters. Defensively the number is also 10, with four in starting roles. Storm special teams has just one but returns all its starters from last season. • SE RB DJ Brown is one of a record 178 nominees for the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team which features players and coaches from across the country and at every four-year collegiate level. A junior from Leonard, Texas, he becomes the fourth Savage Storm player in the last eight seasons to earn a nomination to the team. He put together 641 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in his first season with the Storm and added 94 yards and two scores receiving on his way to a second team all-GAC honor. Off the field, he has been an academic All-GAC selection and will be the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee for the upcoming season.
Northwestern Oklahoma State vs Southern Arkansas 2:00 P.M.
Wilkins Stadium – Magnolia, Arkansas
Series History: Southern Arkansas leads 9-1
Last Meeting: SAU, 42-14 (November 4, 2023)
Northwestern Oklahoma State Notes
No notes available.
Southern Arkansas Notes
No notes available.
