Late Rally Not Enough as ETBU Downs Choctaws, 34-21
MARSHALL, TX – Senior quarterback Tommy Reyer threw for a season-high 336 yards, but it was not enough as East Texas Baptist (3-4, 2-3 ASC) picked up a 34-21 win over Mississippi College (2-4, 1-3 ASC) on Saturday afternoon at Ornelas Field.
The Choctaws scored all of their points in the fourth quarter, led off by an 80-yard touchdown pass from Reyer to freshman Demarrion Buford-Hughes.
Junior wide receiver Stephen Smith hauled in a 24-yard scoring toss from Reyer, while senior running back Steven Knightscored his 18th career rushing touchdown to cut the lead to 34-21.
The Choctaws had their last scoring attempt come up short as Solahudeen Muhammad intercepted Reyer's pass with just :06 seconds remaining.
The Tiger offense dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for 39:18. The Choctaws were outgained, 502-337 in the game.
The MC defense held ETBU to a three-and-out on their first possession, but a muffed punt allowed the Tigers to go down for their first score on a two-yard pass from Sed Harris to Al Lewis
On the very next possession, Reyer's pass was intercepted by DeWayne Hamilton and run in from 27 yards out to push the ETBU lead to 14-0.
After and MC punt, the Choctaw defense looked to have ETBU quarterback Sed Harris bottled up, but the shifty signal-caller escaped and set up a 24-yard field goal by Brett Peddicord.
The Tigers put up 10 points in the second quarter to take a 24-0 lead into the halftime break. ETBU outgained the Choctaws in the first half, 282-63.
In the second half, ETBU tacked on a field goal and passing touchdown to take a 34-0 lead before the Choctaws scratched the scoreboard.
On the day, Reyer completed 19-40 passes for two scores and two interceptions.
The Choctaws will be back in action next Saturday for Homecoming as Howard Payne will come to town for a 3:00 p.m. start at Robinson-Hale Stadium.
