Monticello, Ark. - The Muleriders travel up to Monticello this weekend for the annual Battle of the Timberlands.
The Muleriders (8-2, 8-2 GAC) are coming off a 35-10 loss to #4-ranked Ouachita last weekend that saw the Muleriders drop out of the AFCA Top 25 rankings and drop one spot to seventh in the NCAA DII Regional Rankings. The Muleriders need a win in order to keep their chances of making the NCAA Championship playoffs alive.
The Boll Weevils (5-5, 5-5 GAC) are heading into this game looking for a reversal of fortune, having lost the last seven meetings against the Muleriders. The Boll Weevils entered last year's contest with the same record, and lost, and with that, finshed below .500.
Senior wide receiver
Karonce Higgins broke the school record for most career receptions last week, and currently sits only eight yards short of Nik Lewis' school record for most career receiving yards.
Senior defensive lineman
DaVondrick Lison tied the school record for most sacks in a career with 25.0 total. His next sack involvement will see Lison move into sole possession of the school record.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
SCHEDULE
The Arkansas-Monticello football team enters play this weekend with a 5-5 overall record and a 5-5 mark in the Great American Conference. After starting 1-4, UAM knocked off Arkansas Tech 34-16 to spark a four win in five games stretch to get back to .500. The Boll Weevils, coming off a 24-17 win over Henderson State, will be looking for their first winning season since 2008.
THE COACH
The Boll Weevils are coached by Hud Jackson, who is in his eighth season at Arkansas-Monticello. In his time on the UAM sidelines, Jackson has amassed a 28-58 record. On three separate occasions Jackson has led the Boll Weevils to 5-6 campaigns (2011, 2013, 2017). Prior to becoming the head coach at UAM, Jackson was an assistant head coach at the University of Central Arkansas for six years. In the 14 years prior to his time at UCA, Jackson had a successful coaching career in the high school ranks of Louisiana.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Offensively, the Boll Weevils are averaging 28.2 points per game and 396.5 yards of total offense per game as well with 249.9 of the yards coming through the air and the remaining 146.6 yards being gained on the ground. Their points per game average ranks fifth in the GAC while their total offense ranks fourth in the league.
Under center for the Boll Weevils is senior QB Cole Sears. On the year, Sears has completed 173-of-322 passes for 2,369 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 236.9 passing per game average ranks third in the GAC.
On the ground, the Boll Weevils are led by Imani Riley as he had rushed for 365 yards on 84 carries. Alex Day has also passed the 200 yard mark, with 233 yards on 37 carries. Sears' eight rushing scores leads the team.
In terms of receiving, the Boll Weevils top receiver is DeAndre Washington. On the year, Washington leads the team in yards (549), touchdowns (6) and receptions (60).
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Defensively, the Boll Weevils are allowing 29.9 points per game and 375.5 yards of total offense per game with 161.8 of the yards coming on the ground and the remaining 213.7 being gained through the air. Their scoring defense ranks in a tie for eighth in the GAC while their rushing defense is seventh and their passing defense is tenth. UAM's total defense ranks seventh.
THE SERIES
This will be the 94rd meeting all-time between the Muleriders and the Boll Weevils in a series that dates back to 1913. Since 1957, these two teams have met annually, making this week's game the 62st-consecutive game. In the all-time series, SAU holds a 57-35-1 lead and since 1970, the Muleriders have more than doubled-up UAM going 33-15. Additionally, over half of those wins for SAU have come since the 1997 season as the Muleriders are 18-3 over the Boll Weevils in that time.
