Defenses around the Great American Conference have been searching for a way to slow down Henderson State University quarterback Andrew Edwards for four years. So far, no one has found a consistent and reliable solution.
Arkansas Tech University will get its final crack at solving the puzzle when the Wonder Boys (4-3) host the Reddies (5-2) for a GAC contest at Simmons Bank Field at Thone Stadium in Russellville on Saturday, Oct. 25.
It will be Homecoming at Arkansas Tech. The crowning of the ATU Homecoming queen and king will take place at 3:30 p.m. inside the stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Tickets are available at www.arkansastechsports.com/tickets.
A senior from Bentonville, Edwards has completed 65 percent of his career passes for 9,364 yards, 90 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions in 1,099 pass attempts. He was GAC freshman of the year in 2022 and All-GAC in 2023 and 2024. He is among the frontrunners for 2025 GAC offensive player of the year honors as he directs a Henderson State offense that ranks seventh in NCAA Division II in total offense (456.6 yards per game).
“He’s so efficient with the ball,” said Roy Thompson, ATU head football coach, when asked about Edwards. “He does a great job of being a point guard and delivering the ball to the players around him. One thing that kid does very well that he probably doesn’t get enough credit for, until he rips you on it, is that dude can run the football. He is an elite and strong runner. He does a great job of leading that team and making good decisions with the football.”
Arkansas Tech will try to shake off both a two-game losing streak and a long list of injuries that left the Wonder Boys depleted and defeated by Southern Arkansas University 42-7 last Saturday in El Dorado.
“Looking at the game from last Saturday, there were a lot of opportunities we had to make plays,” said Thompson. “We’ve taken this week to reflect on what we need to do to play better. It lets us know where we’re trying to go and how much work we have to do to get there. We missed some starters and difference makers last week, but we got a chance to play a lot of young guys in that game. Staying healthy at this point in the season is important to success. Our coaches have good plans on both sides of the ball. Our kids are going to be very well prepared to know what Henderson State wants to do. Now we’ve got to go out there, execute and play well.”
Live coverage of the ATU-HSU game will be provided by KCJC 102.3 FM, the EAB Media Group app and www.arkansastechsports.com.
Talk to you on the radio.
Tech Tidbits is a column written by Sam Strasner, ATU director of university relations and radio play-by-play voice for ATU football and basketball.
