ALVA, Okla. — Henderson State held Northwestern Oklahoma State to 191 yards of total offense and got three touchdowns from quarterback
Jordan Walker as the Reddies defeated the Rangers 34-7 Saturday afternoon at Ranger Field.
The victory moved Henderson State to 6-0 overall, the first time the Reddies have won their first six games since 2021, while Northwestern Oklahoma State fell to 0-6 on the season.
The Reddie defense limited the Rangers to 100 rushing yards and 91 passing yards, recording six sacks and nine tackles for loss. Northwestern Oklahoma State converted just three of its 16 third-down opportunities and managed nine first downs against Henderson State's defense.
Amarion Pulliaum led the Reddies' pass rush with 2.5 sacks for seven yards and finished with four tackles.
Mulumba Wa-Kalonji recorded a team-high five tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack for six yards. The duo helped Henderson State hold Northwestern Oklahoma State scoreless through the first three quarters.
On offense, Walker accounted for 365 yards and three touchdowns, completing 19 of 27 passes for 264 yards and a score while rushing for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. His 74-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped the Reddies put the game out of reach after Northwestern Oklahoma State cut the deficit to 20-7.
Henderson State finished with 522 yards of total offense, including 258 rushing yards and 264 passing yards. The Reddies held a 22-9 advantage in first downs and controlled possession for 35 minutes, 49 seconds compared to 24:11 for the Rangers.
After forcing a turnover on downs on Northwestern Oklahoma State's opening possession, Henderson State drove 53 yards in six plays to take a 3-0 lead on
Ryan McDonnell's 30-yard field goal with 8:46 remaining in the first quarter.
The Reddies threatened to extend their lead on their next two possessions, but fumbles ended drives at the Northwestern Oklahoma State 10- and 35-yard lines.
Henderson State broke through with 3:12 remaining in the second quarter when
Bo Simpson capped a 10-play, 76-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Reddies converted five third downs on the possession, which consumed 5:32 and extended the lead to 10-0.
The HSU defense forced another punt on the ensuing possession, giving the offense the ball at its own 47-yard line with 1:47 remaining before halftime. Walker led a five-play, 53-yard drive that ended with a 24-yard touchdown pass to
Michael Jones, sending the Reddies into the locker room with a 17-0 advantage.
Henderson extended its lead to 20-0 midway through the third quarter on McDonnell's 40-yard field goal, which capped a nine-play, 54-yard drive. Northwestern Oklahoma State scored its lone touchdown on the opening play of the fourth quarter when Jayce Morgan broke free for a 15-yard touchdown run, cutting the Henderson State lead to 20-7.
The Reddies answered on their next possession. Walker broke loose for a 74-yard touchdown run with 13:33 remaining, restoring Henderson State's 20-point advantage.
The Reddie defense continued to pressure Northwestern Oklahoma State throughout the final quarter.
Jordan Batts intercepted a pass with 4:25 remaining, giving Henderson State possession at the Rangers' 40-yard line.
Walker capped the ensuing six-play drive with an 11-yard touchdown run with 1:12 remaining to complete the scoring.
Henderson State finished with six sacks for 24 yards in losses. Along with Pulliaum and Wa-Kalonji,
Harris Bethea recorded a sack for seven yards,
Corone Williams added a sack for three yards and
Jackson Byerley contributed half a sack.
Lloyd Wyatt finished with three tackles, including two tackles for loss totaling nine yards.
The Reddies held Northwestern Oklahoma State to 3.1 yards per play and forced eight punts. The Rangers completed 15 of 35 passes and failed to convert any of their seven third-down opportunities in the second half.
Maddox Davis led Henderson State's receiving corps with six catches for 95 yards, while Jones added three receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Derrius Burns caught two passes for 43 yards, and
Jerrale Powers finished with four receptions for 24 yards.
Chris Gannaway and Simpson added 56 rushing yards apiece, with Simpson scoring Henderson's first touchdown of the afternoon.
Trent Haygood contributed 40 yards on eight carries.
McDonnell connected on field goals of 30 and 40 yards and made all four extra-point attempts.
HSU returns to the road next week for a top-20 matchup against #2 Harding. Kickoff from First Security Stadium in Searcy is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
