Momentum can be a powerful force in a football season, and right now Arkansas Tech University has some forward momentum on its side.
Following a road win last Saturday that head coach Raymond Monica described as his team’s best performance of the season, the Wonder Boys (3-3) will host the East Central University Tigers (1-5) for a 6 p.m. Great American Conference game at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field in Russellville on Saturday, Oct. 15.
Party at the Plaza, the pre-game tailgating celebration outside the stadium on Centennial Plaza, will begin at 4 p.m. Game tickets ($10 adults/$5 students and senior citizens) will be available at the stadium ticket office during Party at the Plaza. Those with a valid Arkansas Tech identification card will be admitted free of charge.
Tech’s 49-17 win at Ouachita Baptist University last Saturday was its first road win of the season. The Wonder Boys amassed 513 yards of total offense, including 265 passing yards by junior quarterback Jabyes Cross. The Riviera Beach, Fla., product has completed 79 percent (27-of-34) of his pass attempts over the last two games.
“I thought Jabyes played his best game of the season (at OBU),” said Monica. “He was able to throw the football very accurately, and he made plays with his feet. We came up big in the kicking game with a blocked field goal that we returned for a touchdown and a fake punt that led to seven points. Defensively, we did what we needed to do to stop (OBU) in the red zone. I was very proud of the football team for the way they went on the road to play and win that game.”
East Central will carry a three-game losing streak into Saturday’s game. The Tigers rank second in the GAC in passing offense (312 yards per game), a distinction made possible in part by the exploits of All-America wide receiver David Moore.
Moore is listed among the conference leaders in receptions (2nd, 5.5 per game) and receiving yards (2nd, 96.3 per game). His 33 career touchdown receptions are an ECU school record and most among all active players in NCAA Division II.
“I have to say (Moore) is the best offensive player in the GAC at this point in time,” said Monica. “He’s big and physical. He has good speed and hands…he is a complete player. No matter who he is playing against, he’s going to cause them problems.”
Arkansas Tech will host a Military Appreciation Night in conjunction with Saturday’s game.
As part of the celebration, there will be a reception with free food and drink for all veterans and their families from 4-6 p.m. Saturday in Hull Physical Education Building room 132. The Hull Building is located at 1306 N. El Paso Ave. in Russellville. All current military and veterans will receive free admission to the game.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage of Saturday’s contest.
