ARKADELPHIA – The Ouachita football team earned its fourth straight victory of the season in dominant fashion on Saturday at home, knocking off No. 25 Southern Arkansas by a final score of 42-14.
The Muleriders (6-2) came out clicking on offense, marching the opening possession down the field in seven plays capped by a one-yard touchdown run from quarterback Hezekiah Harris at the 12:09 mark to take the early lead.
That was all the Tiger defense would give up in the game. Ouachita (5-3) kept SAU's offense in check from there and did not allow the Muleriders into the redzone the rest of the contest. The only other SAU score came on a blocked punt recovered in the endzone late in the fourth quarter with the game heavily favoring the Tigers.
Offensively, the Tigers balanced their attack with 265 rushing yards and 218 passing yards. The Tigers were 8-for-13 on third downs and 5-for-5 in redzone scoring – all touchdowns.
Freshman quarterback
Tre Nichols finished the game 12-for-17 passing for 218 yards and two touchdowns. He added 73 rushing yards on 10 carries, including one touchdown.
Running back
Chris Henley, Jr. ended up with 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, including two short touchdown runs. Six other Tigers had rushing attempts in the win, including backup quarterback
Jordan Walker with a two-yard score.
Receivers
Carter McElhany and
AJ Jones were Nichols' favorite targets in the win. McElhany finished with five receptions for 52 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown catch. Jones totaled four receptions for 99 yards.
Bo Baker only had one reception in the game, but it went for six on a 40-yard grab early in the first quarter.
Linebacker
Justin Crutchmer paced the defense with 11 tackles.
Kahlil Smith added eight.
Cortavion McMillan had seven.
Steven Weston and
Brock Baker both had six.
Joey Ortego chipped in with a sack, a blocked kick, and pass breakup.
The Tigers have now won nine in a row over the Muleriders.
Ouachita is back in action next Saturday, November 1 at home against Northwestern Oklahoma State. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Cliff Harris Stadium.
