Henderson State University Athletics

SEARCY, Ark. — Maddox Davis hauled in 10 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown as No. 6 Henderson State suffered its first loss of the 2026 season Saturday afternoon, falling 46-16 to Harding at First Security Stadium in Searcy.

The Reddies (6-1) produced 221 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, with quarterback Jordan Walker completing 21 passes. Henderson State also converted both of its two-point attempts and held a lead in the first quarter against the Bisons.

Davis led all receivers with his 106-yard performance, while Chris Gannaway accounted for 74 yards of total offense and a touchdown. Walker finished with 221 passing yards and two scores.

After Harding opened the scoring with a 50-yard touchdown run, the Reddies fumbled the ensuing kickoff, giving the Bisons a short field. The defense held, however, forcing Harding to attempt a field goal, which was missed wide right.

Henderson State responded with a seven-play, 74-yard drive to take an 8-7 lead midway through the first quarter.

Walker connected with Michael Jones for nine yards before finding Davis for another nine-yard gain to move the chains. Gannaway followed with runs of seven and five yards to help move the Reddies into Harding territory. Walker capped the possession with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Gannaway, who turned a short completion into six points. Walker found Knox Pilgreen for the two-point conversion to give Henderson State the lead with 6:49 remaining in the opening quarter.

Harding answered with a touchdown on its next possession and added 19 points in the second quarter to take a 32-8 advantage into halftime.

HSU put together another scoring drive spanning the third and fourth quarters, covering 58 yards in five plays.

Walker connected with Davis on a four-yard touchdown pass with 13:17 remaining in the contest. The duo connected again on the two-point conversion to bring the Reddies' total to 16 points.

Davis finished with 10 catches on 12 targets, including a 24-yard reception. Gannaway added three receptions for 38 yards and rushed for 36 yards on six carries. Jerrale Powers contributed two catches for 25 yards, while DeAndra Burns, Jr. recorded two receptions for 21 yards. Jones added two catches for 15 yards.

Taylin Paskel provided a spark in the return game, totaling 153 return yards. Paskel returned seven kickoffs for 133 yards, including a long of 33, and added a 20-yard punt return. He finished with a
team-high 162 all-purpose yards.

Defensively, Ryan Schirato led Henderson State with 11 tackles, including six solo stops. Jeremiah Tubbs followed with eight tackles, while Kenny Mosley and Ryan Vollmer recorded seven apiece. Reuben Ingram and Mulumba Wa-Kalonji contributed six tackles each. Ingram forced a fumble, which Jackson Byerley recovered in the fourth quarter to give the Reddies possession at the Harding 28-yard line.

Henderson State finished with 279 yards of total offense, including 221 through the air. The Reddies recorded 17 first downs and scored on both of their two-point conversion attempts.

Henderson returns home for its next two games, beginning with next week's homecoming game. The Reddies host Arkansas Tech on Saturday, October 24th; kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.