Lions Take Advantage Of Mulerider Kicking Game Miscues

Magnolia, Ark.—Texas A&M-Commerce took advantage of Southern Arkansas University kicking game miscues to come from behind and defeat the Muleriders 17-13 here Saturday night. It was the second narrow win for the Lions over a Gulf South Conference opponent. A&M-C opened their season with a 14-11 decision over Harding University last week. This was the opener for the ‘Riders.

SAU missed two chip-shot field goals early following big defensive plays that set up their offense deep in A&M-C territory. The first missed opportunity came after defensive back John Bradley recovered a fumble and returned it to the A&M-C 26. The ‘Riders reached the three before Justin Carr missed a 23-yard attempt. Early in the second period, SAU reached the A&M-C four before Carr missed a 20-yard attempt that kept the game scoreless.

SAU broke a scoreless tie late in the first half when quarterback Ted Williams kept for five yards and a touchdown and Saul DeLaCruz added the extra point for a 7-0 lead with 2:12 left in the half.

The Lions made a big play to get on the scoreboard. After an 82–yard run by Demetrius Rector, A&M-C’s first big gainer, set A&M-C with first and goal at the SAU one, the ‘Rider defense made a gallant goal line stand and forced the Lions to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Randy Weston with only four seconds left in the half to allow SAU to carry a 7-3 lead into the dressing room at halftime.

A&M-C took their first lead after Lion cornerback Torio Kelly intercepted a Williams pass and returned it 28 yards to the ‘Rider seven. Quarterback Justin Simons kept for the final four yards for the score and Weston added the PAT, 10-7, A&M-C, 8:39 left in the third period.

The Lions pushed their lead to 17-7 when Simons found wide receiver Cedric Bonner open for a 52-yard touchdown pass. Weston’s PAT came with 1:29 left in the third period.

The final score of the game came on a Williams pass to freshman wide receiver Edwin Skipper for 77 yards but DeLaCruz missed the PAT, leaving the ‘Riders trailing 17-13 with 5:13 remaining.