ADA, Okla. – SWOSU Football used sustained scoring drives, protected the ball and produced a timely fourth-quarter takeaway to defeat East Central 23-21 Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs consistently answered when challenged and played from in front throughout the second half. SWOSU finished with 25 first downs, scored on all three trips inside the red zone and controlled possession for more than 33 minutes. The Dawgs also played turnover-free football for the second consecutive game.
The win was SWOSU's third straight over East Central, which entered its Homecoming matchup with a 6-1 record, receiving votes in the AFCA Division II Poll and ranked No. 22 in the NCAA's NPI.
ECU scored first, but the Bulldogs responded with a 12-play, 83-yard drive that lasted more than six minutes.
Charles Mutter finished the march with a 2-yard touchdown run to tie the game late in the opening quarter.
After the Tigers regained the lead in the second quarter, SWOSU answered quickly through the air. Off play action,
Braxton Etheridge found
DeAndre Beasley in stride for a 63-yard touchdown, the biggest play of Beasley's 118-yard receiving day, to even the score at 14-14.
The Bulldogs then executed their two-minute offense to take the lead before halftime. Starting at their own 12-yard line with 2:01 remaining, they called 11 pass plays during a 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended with
Ethan McBee's 30-yard field goal with nine seconds left.
SWOSU protected the 17-14 advantage through a scoreless third quarter with the help of its defense and strong field position.
Christian Clarke placed four of his six punts inside the ECU 20-yard line, preventing the Tigers from building sustained momentum.
The offense followed with the game's defining possession. Beginning with 1:04 left in the third, the Bulldogs converted three third downs during a 14-play, 76-yard drive that drained 8:03 from the clock.
Red Martel completed the march with a 9-yard touchdown run, giving SWOSU a 23-14 lead midway through the fourth.
East Central mounted two late threats, but
Kelton Moore stopped the first with his team-leading second interception of the season at the SWOSU 2-yard line with 2:47 remaining. The Tigers scored on their next possession to pull within two, but the Bulldogs recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.
Etheridge completed 20-of-32 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, distributing his completions among 12 receivers. Mutter completed all three of his attempts and added a rushing score. Beasley led the receiving corps with six catches for 118 yards and a 63-yard touchdown. His five receiving touchdowns this season are tied for the GAC lead. Martel carried 11 times for 39 yards and the decisive score.
SWOSU totaled 357 yards, including 261 through the air, and committed just three penalties for 15 yards.
Javon Singleton led the defense with seven tackles, followed by
Madox Sekyere with six. Moore added five tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass breakup alongside his interception, while
Derreck Owens-Shells recorded a sack.
The Bulldogs return home Saturday, October 31 to host Arkansas-Monticello for Homecoming at Flex-Chem Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
