An interception by Southern Arkansas University’s Stacy Lawrence with 2:12 remaining in the fourth quarter allowed the Muleriders to hang on for a 28-21 Great American Conference football win over Arkansas Tech University at Wilkins Stadium in Magnolia on Saturday night.
Lawrence’s interception came three plays after a bad pitch on a Southern Arkansas option play resulted in the Muleriders’ fourth turnover of the night. Tech’s Bruce Livingston recovered the fumble at the SAU 7-yard line with 2:57 remaining.
After a running play for a loss of a yard and an incomplete pass, Jabyes Cross’ third-down pass into the end zone was picked off by Lawrence and the Muleriders (3-1) were able to run out the clock.
It marked the ninth consecutive win for the home team in the series between Tech and SAU.
Mulerider quarterback Barrett Renner completed 37-of-48 passes for 399 yards and three touchdowns.
The Wonder Boys (2-2) rolled up 260 rushing yards, led by Braden Stringer with 11 carries for 89 yards. Arkansas Tech was undone in part by 10 penalties for 115 yards, including eight penalties for 85 yards in the second half.
Kristen Trammell (12 tackles) and Seth Culp (10 tackles) led the Wonder Boys’ defense. D.J. Williams and Jordan Hill both recorded an interception for Arkansas Tech.
Tech will host nationally-ranked Henderson State University for a 6 p.m. GAC contest at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field in Russellville on Saturday, Oct. 1.
