Central Ark. (1-1) secured a decisive 41-17 victory over Ark.-Pine Bluff (0-2) at Estes Stadium, with Central Ark. amassing 614 total offensive yards. The stadium was at capacity, adding to the electric atmosphere as fans witnessed a dominant performance by Central Arkansas.
Central Arkansas opened the first quarter with a strategic drive, as Luther Richesson methodically led the offense downfield, completing a crucial 16-yard pass to Ty Durham and an 11-yard rush that moved the chains. Despite a promising series highlighted by Richesson’s 20-yard rush to the Golden Lions’ 13-yard line, a turnover halted their progress. After Arkansas-Pine Bluff capitalized on an interception return, Jalen Washington responded with a big 11-yard rush, followed by a 9-yard touchdown run, narrowing the score to 7-6 as the quarter concluded.
Central Arkansas opened the second quarter with a decisive drive, highlighted by Richesson’s short touchdown pass to Malachi Henry at the 9:57 mark, moving the score to 13-7. Richesson continued to orchestrate the offense efficiently, linking up with Durham for a 13-yard touchdown pass with 5:22 remaining, extending their lead to 20-7. The defense then withstood a late push from the Golden Lions, strategically using timeouts in the final minutes to manage the clock, eventually allowing only a field goal to maintain a 20-10 advantage heading into halftime.
The third quarter commenced with a commanding drive from Central Arkansas, initiated by Manny Smith’s 22-yard rush, setting the tone for a strategic offensive sequence. Landen Chambers capitalized on the momentum, completing the drive with a 1-yard touchdown at 10:22, further extended by Caleb Jones’ successful extra point. Despite a fumble by Washington, the offense maintained pressure, with Richesson and Durham orchestrating a 46-yard pass play, concluding the quarter with a decisive lead, 27-10.
The fourth quarter began with Central Arkansas capitalizing on great field position as Richesson plunged into the end zone from one yard out, extending their lead to 34-10 at 14:24. Shortly after, Richesson connected with Tyrell Pollard for a 33-yard touchdown pass, pushing the advantage to 41-10. The Golden Lions attempted to rally with a 42-yard touchdown pass but were held in check by strong defensive plays, including a sack by Duncan Parham, ensuring a decisive 41-17 victory for Central Arkansas.
Central Ark. Top Performers:
Landen Chambers
———————-
– 106 rushing yards on 14 attempts
– 1 rushing touchdown
– 41 receiving yards on 2 receptions
Luther Richesson
———————-
– 18 completions on 25 attempts for 283 passing yards
– 3 passing touchdowns
– 82 rushing yards on 11 attempts
Malachi Henry
———————-
– 82 receiving yards on 7 receptions
– 1 receiving touchdown
Gary Lewis
———————-
– 2 tackles
– 1 sack
Ny’Len Ramon Jones
———————-
– 7 tackles
Central Ark. moved to 1-1 overall following the victory. Ark.-Pine Bluff fell to 0-2 on the season.
To view this story, or to keep up with all of your UCA Bears coverage, click here.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI