Arkansas Tech University rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Southern Nazarene University 24-10 in Great American Conference football at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field in Russellville on Saturday night.
Bryan Allen had 219 all-purpose yards and Tanner Gaines contributed two rushing touchdowns to help the Wonder Boys (2-2) improve to 6-0 all-time against the Crimson Storm (1-3).
Southern Nazarene built a 10-0 halftime advantage on a 1-yard touchdown run by Gage Porter and a 30-yard field goal by Carlos Anguiano.
Gaines began the comeback with a 2-yard touchdown run at the 2:02 mark of the third quarter. His scoring play was set up by a 25-yard run by Allen.
Allen gave the Wonder Boys their first lead of the night on a 6-yard touchdown run with 12:20 to go in the fourth quarter. Jesus Zizumbo added his second extra point of the night and Tech held a 14-10 advantage.
The Wonder Boys put it away with a 6-yard touchdown run by Gaines and a 45-yard field goal by Carson French over the final seven minutes.
Arkansas Tech finished with 377 yards of total offense, compared to 107 total yards for Southern Nazarene.
The Crimson Storm contributed to its demise by committing three second-half turnovers. The Wonder Boys were gracious recipients, converting those miscues into 14 points.
Allen carried 32 times for 175 yards and became the fourth Arkansas Tech running back to reach 3,000 career rushing yards. He needs 564 rushing yards to become Tech’s all-time career leader.
KJ Reid made 13 tackles and Cua’ Rose finished with 11 tackles for ATU.
The Wonder Boys will visit Ouachita Baptist University for a GAC contest on Saturday, Sept. 29. Kickoff is set for noon. Live coverage will be provided by radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com.
