East Central University rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat Arkansas Tech University 28-26 in Great American Conference football at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field in Russellville on Saturday afternoon.
Tech’s Bryan Allen scored three rushing touchdowns in the second quarter to stake the Wonder Boys to a 21-7 halftime lead. ATU out-gained the Tigers 161-2 in total offensive yards during the second period.
The second half was a different story. Explosive plays by the ECU offense — including a 56-yard pass from Rayjohn Austin-Ramsey to Tre Harvey and a 71-yard touchdown run by Tyson Jones — helped the Tigers pull within 24-21 with 14:48 to go in the fourth quarter.
Trinity Benson’s second rushing touchdown of the day — a 2-yard scamper with 8:14 remaining — put the Tigers in front to stay.
Arkansas Tech (3-7) drove to the East Central 15-yard line on its final possession of the game, but three consecutive incomplete passes followed by a fourth-down quarterback sack by ECU’s Jamil Young sealed the Tigers’ victory.
ECU (3-7) took a safety on the final play of the game rather than risk a blocked punt.
Allen finished with 31 carries for 132 yards. He has 3,551 career rushing yards with one game remaining in the green and gold. If he rushes for 53 yards in the season finale, he will surpass Larry Brown (3,603 yards, 1968-71) and become the Wonder Boys’ all-time leader.
The 104th season of Arkansas Tech football will conclude on Saturday, Nov. 10, with a GAC contest against Harding University at First Security Stadium in Searcy. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
