ARKADELPHIA – The referee's first ready-for-play whistle could still be heard echoing in the distance when the first points of the 2021 football season were scored.

That score was a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by freshman Xaylon Falls on the first Ouachita football play since November of 2019. The Tigers went on to defeat Oklahoma Baptist 38-31 for the program's 28th consecutive conference victory and the 13th consecutive season-opening win.

For that touchdown return, along with a 37-yard return later in the game, Falls was named the first Great American Conference special teams player of the week for the year.

Falls is a freshman from Camden, Arkansas out of Harmony Grove High School. He is also a running back for the Tigers. He had five carries for 20 yards in the win over Oklahoma Baptist.

Falls and the Tigers are back in action this Saturday, September 11 on the road against Southern Nazarene. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. in Bethany, Oklahoma. Broadcast and live stats links can be found at obutigers.com/coverage.