Box Score
RUSSELLVILLE, ARK. – Arkansas Tech’s defense had allowed almost 30 points per game entering its contest with Harding on Saturday, but limited the Bisons to only a field goal as the Wonder Boys downed Harding 26-3 on Senior Day at Cyclone Stadium.
The loss snapped Harding’s five-game winning streak and ended its hopes of earning its first NCAA II playoff berth. The Bisons (6-3, 5-2) were ranked No. 9 in the South Region. Arkansas Tech completed its season with a 7-3 overall mark and a 5-3 record in the GSC. Harding plays its final game next Saturday against Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia, Ark.
A pair of rushing touchdowns by senior R.J. Vanhook combined with two Travis Cockerham field goals provided all the offensive scoring production for Arkansas Tech. Vanhook scored from 15 yards out with 38 seconds remaining in the first quarter and on a 4-yard run early in the fourth quarter. Cockerham booted a 29-yarder in the second quarter and a 24-yarder in the third.
The Bisons’ lone score came on a 33-yard Ben Davis field goal with 2:02 left in the third that cut the Wonder Boy lead to 13-3. Vanhook’s second touchdown followed to open the fourth, and Quincy Skinner’s 55-yard interception return with 11:19 left in the game ended the scoring.
Harding quarterback David Knighton set a career-high with 21 completions for 207 yards, but did not have a touchdown pass for the first time this season and was sacked five times. Senior Cam Rowan came on the fourth quarter to complete 6-of-11 passes for 42 yards.
The Bisons set a school record by completing passes to 11 different receivers. Sophomore Julian Firman led the team with a career-high six receptions for 44 yards. Senior cornerback-turned-receiver Robert Towns made four catches for 36 yards.
Arkansas Tech quarterback Justin Ray rushed 15 times for 91 yards and completed 13-of-22 passes for 104 yards.
Harding junior linebacker Carlilse Johnson led the Bisons with eight tackles. Arkansas Tech’s defense recorded 12 tackles for loss, including six sacks.
