ALVA, Okla. – The (RV) Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (4-1, 4-1 GAC) defeated the Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers (0-5, 0-5 GAC) by a final score of 42-16 as the Muleriders wrapped up their two-game road stint in Alva, Oklahoma.
The Muleriders came out on offense and struggled in their first possession of the ballgame as they were forced to punt and give the Rangers' offense a chance to take an early lead. The NWOSU offense did just that as they drove down the field before stalling out and kicking a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead with 8:02 to go in the first quarter.
The rest of the first quarter was a defensive struggle as neither team was able to get anything going. The next score of the game then came as SAU retook the lead with Hezekiah Harris capping off a nine-play drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown. With 4:37 to go before halftime, the Muleriders led 7-3. The SAU defense stood tall forcing a punt, but it was muffed and recovered by the Rangers with the group taking over at the SAU 12-yard line with 51 seconds before intermission. NWOSU took full advantage of a short field scoring on one play to retake the lead, 10-7 NWOSU.
The Muleriders got the ball back with 45 seconds before halftime at the NWOSU 48-yard line. A couple of big plays then led to a 23-yard touchdown pass from Hezekiah Harris to Kendall Williams for SAU to retake the lead yet again 14-10 at the half.
The stout Blue and Gold defense saw the field first in the second half and set the tone early by forcing a punt and giving the ball right back to the offense. Adam Parker then capped off an eight-play drive with a rushing touchdown of his own as he took it in from two yards out to extend their lead to 21-10.
After extending their lead yet again, the Muleriders had all the momentum, as the defense stood tall yet again forcing a three and out and the offense put another seven points on the board as Katrevion Thomas took it in for a one-yard rushing touchdown, 28-10 SAU. The Rangers then scored again with 11:44 left in the fourth quarter to cut into the SAU lead, 28-16.
The Muleriders offense then struck quickly as Hezekiah Harris rushed for 16 yards then broke off a 59-yard rush for a touchdown to put the Muleriders up 35-16. The Blue and Gold then scored one more time for good measure to cap off the scoring in the game as the Muleriders collected the road win by a final score of 42-16.
The defense had their way with the Rangers offensive line by collecting six total sacks along with a career-high three sack performance from senior defensive end Casey Cobb. Tucker Brewster also recorded an interception in the game.
Most of the damage for the Muleriders was done on the ground rushing for 356 yards as a unit and five touchdowns on the ground. The five rushing touchdowns included two from Hezekiah Harris to mark his second consecutive game with two rushing touchdowns. Harris also had the only passing touchdown of the game while throwing for 86 yards.
Next Up:
The Muleriders return home next Saturday, October 11th as they prepare to play Southwestern Oklahoma State in Magnolia for Homecoming/Hall of Fame Weekend. Kickoff is set for 2:30 PM.
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