Photo Credits: Destini Nguyen
Pictured: Jyrin Steward, #3, Linebacker
The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys took their first loss of the season against the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils. With a final score of 31-24, the Wonder Boy’s new overall win-to-loss ratio is 3-1.
ATU got caught up in a trap game, meaning they may have underestimated this week’s opponent due to their big win against Ouachita Baptist University from the previous week. This was apparent with their slow start causing them to be down 13-0 after the first quarter.
ATU was able to climb back up and bring the score to 13-10, holding it there until halftime. Both teams amped up their defenses, keeping the game at a stalemate throughout the third quarter.
The fourth quarter is where things really started to heat up for both teams. The Wonder Boys were able to take the lead momentarily, making the score 24-13. However, a slip in their defense allowed the Boll Weevils to tie up the score.
The highlight of the game happened late while UAM was approaching a game-winning goal. UAM caught the ball around the 25-yard line, but ended up fumbling it, allowing ATU to pick it up and run it back to around 41 yards.
UAM subsequently challenged the call on the field, and it went to video review. After a lengthy review by the officials, the call got overturned as an incomplete pass, meaning UAM kept their possession of the ball. UAM was able to score and go up 31-24.
ATU then tried to drive down the field after a great kickoff return but could only muster seven yards. With 28 seconds remaining, they lost possession of the ball, allowing UAM to kneel it out and get the win over the Wonder Boys.
The Wonder Boys will try to bounce back on Oct. 4 as they take on Southeastern Oklahoma State University at home for a second straight week. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
