Matt Dean made a career-long 48-yard field goal to provide Delta State with the winning margin in a 27-25 non-conference victory over the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys at Parker Field at McCool Stadium in Cleveland, Miss., on Thursday night.
The Statesmen (1-1) jumped out to a 14-0 lead after one quarter and led until the 9:37 mark of the fourth quarter.
That was when Tech’s Robert Sagerian found Roger Jackson for a 16-yard touchdown pass that put the Wonder Boys (1-1) in front for the first time at 25-24. The ensuing two-point conversion try failed.
Aided by two personal foul penalties against Arkansas Tech, Delta State moved to the Wonder Boys’ 26-yard line. A delay of game penalty backed the Statesmen up five yards, but with the wind at his back Dean was true from 48 yards and DSU went back in front 27-25 with 6:11 remaining.
Two turnovers in the closing minutes sealed Arkansas Tech’s fate as the Wonder Boys remained winless against the Statesmen in Cleveland dating back to 2001.
Trevar Deed had 19 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown for Delta State.
Sagerian completed 15-of-29 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns for Arkansas Tech. Jackson was his top target with four receptions for 71 yards. Antonio Charles made 10 tackles for the Wonder Boys.
Tech was guilty of six turnovers in the loss, while Delta State overcame 20 penalties for 148 yards.
Arkansas Tech will be idle until Saturday, Sept. 18, when it will host Henderson State for its Gulf South Conference opener at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field in Russellville. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
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