The Lions football team lost their road game against the University of Central Arkansas this past Saturday. This loss drops the Lions record to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in conference. The Lions trailed the entire game, but kept the score close for most of the game.
“We didn’t convert some touchdowns; we had to kick some field goals in the red zone,” said Head Coach Ron Roberts. “We didn’t convert very well on the third down either and didn’t throw the ball very well.”
In the first quarter, UCA gained the lead on their first possession for an 81-yard drive by Bears senior running back Blake Veasley. The Lions were unable to get in the end zone in the first quarter, making the score at the end of the quarter 0-7.
In the second quarter, the Lions were able to get points on the scoreboard after a 74-yard run by freshman running back Julius Maracalin, putting the Lions in scoring range. Lions freshman kicker Jonathan Tatum kicked the field goal to cut the lead, making the score 3-7 with 8:08 left in the first half.
A 16-yard punt by Lion freshman punter Harrison Heim gave UCA a good field position to start their drive at the Lions’ own 40-yard line. After running four plays, one that was a run by Bears junior wide receiver Jatavious Wilson for 24 yards, UCA was in scoring range. Bears freshman quarterback Kirk Baugh was subbed in and ran for a 10-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 3-14 with 2:37 left in the half.
The Lions took a nibble into the lead on the opening drive of the second half. The Lions put on a nine play 48-yard drive that included a 25-yard pass from junior quarterback D’Shaie Landor to senior wide receiver Byron Johnson. The drive ended with a 38-yard field goal by Tatum to make the score 14-6 with 12:06 left in the third quarter.
After forcing UCA to punt, Lions senior running back Kody Sutton ran for 68 yards on the first play of the drive. This drive ended with a 40-yard field goal by Tatum to once again nibble into the score to make it 9-14 with 5:58 left in the third.
In the fourth quarter, UCA started a critical drive that came down to third down and three. Bears sophomore running back Dominique Thomas ran 45 yards to get in the end zone, making the score 9-21 with 14:18 left in the game.
The Lions, however, did not give up as they recovered a fumbled punt near midfield. Freshman quarterback Donovan Isom threw a 47-yard pass to senior wide receiver Chris Briggs that put the Lions in scoring range. Maracalin spun off the defenders to get in the end zone and making the score 16-21.
The Lions had a chance to win the game on a drive that started on their own 11-yard line with 2:48 left in the game. However, Isom overthrew a pass to junior wide receiver William French and was intercepted by senior defensive back Bobby Watkins of the Bears.
The Lions did get the ball back, but they had no time outs and did not get any first downs before the end of the game.
The Lions went into this game without two key members of their offense. Senior running back Xavier Roberson and senior wide receiver Jeff Smiley are both injured and out for the season.
“It [injuries] slowed us down on offense, but I think it did give our younger guys some opportunities and will hopefully not be half as bad next year and years to come,” said Roberts.
This loss may have ended the Lions’ chances at winning the Southland Conference championship a third year in a row; however, Roberts remains optimistic.
“We have three more games, and we have a chance to win all three,” said Roberts. “It’s an opportunity to play the Southland Conference and win and some of those games will be at home.”
The Lions next game will be a Hall of Fame game at Strawberry Stadium against the University of the Incarnate Word on Saturday, November 7 at 6:00 p.m. At halftime, the fans will recognize the 2015 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. For more information on the Lions football team, visit lionsports.net.