MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (2-3, 2-3 GAC) outlasted the Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers (0-5, 0-5 GAC) winning by a final score of 30-27 on a cool fall day inside Wilkins Stadium.
The Muleriders came out of the gate swinging after receiving the opening kickoff.
Drew Davis connected with
Isaac Norris for a 13-yard touchdown pass to break the ice and put the Muleriders up 7-0 early. The two teams exchanged defensive stops for most of the rest of the first quarter until
Arkez Gomez gave the Mulerider faithful a show as he went 96-yards for an electric touchdown run to put SAU up 14-0. The run is the longest touchdown run from scrimmage in Mulerider history. At the end of the first quarter, SAU led 14-0.
The second quarter opened with
Kyle Knox forcing a Rangers fumble that was picked up by
James Ladner as the Muleriders looked to keep momentum on their side. Despite the turnover, the Muleriders offense stalled out and NWOSU took advantage as they were able to crack the scoreboard with a touchdown. With 10:22 remaining, SAU led 14-7. The Blue and Gold didn't waste any time responding as
Katrevion Thomas took the ball up the middle for a 42-yard rushing touchdown pushing the contest back to a two-score lead for the Muleriders, 21-7. The ensuing offensive drive for the Rangers saw a little movement but back-to-back sacks from the defense stalled the Rangers offense as they turned the ball over on downs and gave SAU an opportunity to extend their lead yet again. The Muleriders took full advantage of the opportunity as
Drew Davis connected with
Kolby Thomas from 25-yards out for his second passing touchdown of the day as the Blue and Gold went up 28-7.
The Rangers then drove the ball and scored but the Muleriders came up big again as
Dailon Ellis blocked the extra point which was picked up by
David Johnson and returned 77-yards for a two-point conversion as SAU pushed their lead to 30-13 before the half.
NWOSU got the ball to open the second half and opened the scoring up again as they scored on their opening drive to bring the score to 30-20 with 11:24 remaining in the third quarter. After a three and out for the Muleriders offense on their first drive of the third quarter, the Rangers drove down the field and scored again pulling within three points, but SAU still led 30-27 with 7:44 remaining in the third quarter.
As the Muleriders offense stalled out in the second half, the defense picked up their intensity pitching a shut out in the fourth quarter which included two interceptions, one by
Carter Wells and one by
David Johnson to win the game for SAU as they outlasted the Rangers to get the win.
Top Performers
Arkez Gomez: 195 yards (career high), 1 touchdown, 96-yard rushing touchdown
Drew Davis: 13-for-20, 100 yards (career high), 2 passing touchdowns (career high)
Katrevion Thomas: 59 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown
Kolby Thomas: 36 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
Peyton Sellers: 13 total tackles, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks
Carter Wells: 1 interception, 9 total tackles
David Johnson: 1 interception, 4 total tackles, extra point block returned for two-point conversion
Walteze Champ: 6 total tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks
Up Next
The Muleriders will head to Weatherford, Oklahoma next weekend for a game against the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs on Saturday, October 10th at 2:00 PM.
