MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders fell to the (RV) Ouachita Baptist University Tigers by a final score of 52-21 on homecoming.
The Tigers got the scoring going in the first quarter with two touchdowns to take an early 14-0 lead as the SAU offense struggled to find their groove early. Ouachita tacked on a field goal to open the second quarter after a Mulerider turnover to set them up in plus territory after a long return.
Ryan Shackleton entered the game after the Blue and Gold stalled out on offense yet again and provided a big spark for the offense.
SAU cracked onto the scoreboard with 4:36 remaining before the half after
Torey Lambert took a rush up the gut for 33-yards and found the endzone, 7-17. The two teams traded defensive stops but the Tigers found the endzone again 54 seconds before halftime to take a 24-7 lead. The Muleriders did not go away quietly though as a couple deep passes completed by Shackleton set the offense up with a chance to score late. Shackleton completed his third long pass of the drive, this time finding Jamarion Washington for a 25-yard touchdown to pull within 10 right before the half, 14-24.
After receiving the opening kickoff after halftime, a fumble recovered by the defense led to early points for Ouachita. Despite driving in the second half, the turnover bug bit the Muleriders as the Tigers went on to score 21-points in the third quarter while the Mulerider offense struggled to find their groove after the opening drive turnover.
The Muleriders found the endzone with 8:32 remaining in the fourth quarter as Shackleton connected on his second touchdown pass of the day this time to
Katrevion Thomas for eight yards. Despite the late score, SAU trailed 21-52. The final touchdown for the Muleriders rounded out the scoring on both sides of the ball as the Tigers kneeled out the clock to end the game.
Quarterback
Ryan Shackleton provided a massive spark for the Muleriders today on offense going 23-for-29, 297 passing yards, and two passing touchdowns. His 297 yards in a game was the most by a Mulerider quarterback in a game this season and is also a season high for Shackleton.
Individual Performances
Ryan Shackleton: 23-for-29, 297 yards, 2 passing touchdowns
Arkez Gomez: 81 rushing yards
Torey Lambert: 78 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown
Isaac Norris: 80 receiving yards
Jamarion Washington: 77 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
Carter Wells: 8 total tackles, 1 forced fumble
Up Next
The Muleriders will round out their home schedule next Saturday, October 31st at 2:00 p.m. as they host the East Central University Tigers for senior day inside Wilkins Stadium.
