MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (1-3, 1-3 GAC) fell to the (RV) Henderson State University Reddies (4-0, 4-0 GAC) by a final score of 7-20 in Magnolia on family day. The loss marks the first time in the
Brad Smiley era that SAU has lost to Henderson as the Muleriders move to 4-1 under Smiley in the series.
Both teams' defenses went to work early in the first quarter as neither team was able to score, 0-0. The Reddies broke the ice at the start of the second quarter as they scored a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.
Cooper Sanders returned the ensuing kickoff 99-yards to the house for a touchdown, but it was called back due to a holding penalty on the Muleriders.
Demond Hicks recorded his first interception of his career late in the second quarter to spoil a potential scoring drive for HSU. Despite the interception the Muleriders offense stalled out and HSU took a 14-0 lead later in the second quarter to end the first half scoring.
With the Mulerider defense still fighting, HSU kicked a field goal to take a 17-0 lead to head into the fourth quarter. Another field goal from HSU to open the fourth quarter saw the Reddies take a 20-0 lead, while the SAU offense was gaining momentum but was still struggling to find the endzone.
The Muleriders were able to crack onto the scoreboard with 9:30 remaining in the fourth quarter thanks to a 26-yard scramble into the endzone from
Adam Parker. A defensive stop on the ensuing drive for the Muleriders saw them get the ball back with a chance to bring the contest to a one score game. The Blue and Gold's offense found their footing, driving down the field but stalled out as the Reddies came away with an interception to all but ice the game away. Henderson State ran the rest of the clock out and the game ended in a final score of 7-20 Reddies.
Individual Performances
Adam Parker: 10-for-21, 117 passing yards, 33 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdowns
Jacob Trussell: 3 catches, 54 receiving yards
Greg Williams: 16 total tackles (career high), 1.5 tackles for loss
Demond Hicks: 4 total tackles, 1 interception (first of career)
Up Next
SAU will return to action again in Magnolia next weekend as they will prepare for a game against Northwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday, October 3rd at 2:00 PM.
