Box Score (HTML)
RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – Arkansas Tech held the University of Arkansas at Monticello football team to a net of 169 yards to defeat the Boll Weevils 18-13 Saturday evening at Thone Stadium.
The Weevils (1-4, 1-4 Great American Conference) were held to just two scores on a total of 14 drives. The first score came on a three-yard touchdown run from senior Rod Smith with 2:49 remaining in the second quarter to cap an eight-play, 71-yard drive that used just 1:54. The extra point UAM on top 7-6.
The second UAM score came on an eight-yard touchdown pass from junior Hunter Leppert to freshman Jalen Tolliver with 10:01 remaining in the fourth quarter to cap a 15-play, 63-yard drive that used 5:55. A failed two-point conversion attempt left Arkansas Tech on top by its final margin of 18-13.
UAM held Tech scoreless in the final 10 minutes, and had three chances to take a lead. The first drive ended at the UAM 29 yard line on punt after five plays. The Weevils blocked an ATU punt and recovered the ball at the Wonder Boy 29-yard line next, but a missed field goal turned the ball back over. UAM forced one more punt, this time taking over with 1:40 remaining, but the drive stalled ending in a quarterback sack to allow the Wonder Boys to take a knee to end the game.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Wonder Boys struck first on a one-yard touchdown by Kelton Smith to cap a quick three-yard drive that was set up by a 53-yard punt return from Tech's Michael Perry. ATU's Randy Velasquez missed the extra point attempt. Smith's three-yard score followed to give UAM its only lead of the contest.
Tech (3-2, 3-1 GAC) outscored UAM 12-0 in the third quarter on a 31-yard field goal by Velasquez, a safety off a bad snap on a UAM punt and Kelton Smith's second rushing touchdown of the game, this one from two yards out to put the Wonder Boys up 18-7.
Leppert's touchdown pass to Tolliver ended the game's scoring.
Leppert finished the contest 18-for-39 through the air for 142 yards. Senior Ivory Washington was Leppert's favorite target in the loss with eight receptions for 68 yards. Rod Smith was held to 53 yards on 22 carries. Defensively, senior Anthony Hughes led the way with nine total tackles. Senior Chris Roberts and junior Ofisa Kose followed with eight and seven tackles, respectively.
The Weevils are back in action next Saturday, October 11 for Homecoming against Harding. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Willis "Convoy" Leslie Cotton Boll Stadium.
