Box Score
SEARCY – Harding’s defense forced five turnovers and the offense converted them into 20 points as the Bisons defeated ninth-ranked Arkansas Tech 27-10, Saturday on Homecoming at First Security Stadium. It was Harding’s second win over a top 10 team this season. The Bisons also upset then-#1 ranked Valdosta State 16-13 on Sept. 17.
The victory boosted Harding’s record to 5-5 overall and 3-5 in Gulf South Conference play. It was the Bisons’ 14th victory in their last 15 Homecoming games.
Arkansas Tech did not score an offensive touchdown and fell to 7-2 overall and 6-2 in the GSC. The Wonder Boys likely fell out of NCAA II playoff contention but are still alive for a share of the GSC title.
Arkansas Tech jumped out to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Mark Ewersmann kicked a 29-yard field goal and Zach Noel returned an interception 42 yards for a score with 3:30 left in the period.
Then Harding cornerback Robert Towns took over the game. Towns made the first of his school-record tying three interceptions with 12:02 left in the second quarter. Six plays and 45 yards later, sophomore quarterback David Knighton cut the Tech advantage to 10-7 with a 1-yard sneak.
Towns, who has six interceptions on the season, struck again 3:57 left in the first half. He picked off his second pass at the Arkansas Tech 46. Harding’s ensuing drive stalled at the 11, but junior kicker Ben Davis booted a 28-yard field goal to tie the game 10-10 at the half.
Towns record-tying third interception came early in the third quarter. With 11:49 left, Towns stepped in front of a Justin Ray pass at the Harding 26-yard line. The Bisons drove 71 yards on 11 plays with senior tailback Dondtray Thomas powering in from six yards out to give the Bisons the lead for good.
Towns was the sixth Harding player with three interceptions in a game. Current Harding Academy head coach Tommy Shoemaker was the last Bison to accomplish the feat, catching three enemy passes against Central Arkansas in 1989.
Senior Adam Lybrand scored Harding’s third rushing touchdown of the game at the 14:19 mark of the fourth quarter. Davis added a 27-yard field goal with 6:18 left that followed Tech’s fourth turnover, this one a fumble.
Arkansas Tech averaged 145.2 rushing yards per game entering Saturday’s contest, but the Bisons held the Wonder Boys to only 81 rushing yards on 30 carries, a 2.7-yard average. Tech’s leading rusher, R.J. Vanhook, had only 40 yards on 13 carries.
Harding outgained Arkansas Tech 336-285, a recorded a season-high 208 rushing yards. Thomas led the team with 83 yards on 14 carries. Kyle Wess added 70 yards on 16 carries.
In addition to his three interceptions, Towns recorded six tackles and a pass breakup. Senior linebacker Izzy Fieilo and senior rover Torrance Daniels each had a team-high eight tackles. Arkansas Tech’s Mike Houston led all defenders with 17 stops.
Harding will complete its 2005 season next Saturday against Ouachita Baptist. With a victory, the Bisons will record back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1993-94.
