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Henderson State University Athletics

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Group photo of Reddies during Homecoming game win
27
Arkansas Tech ATU 3-5 , 3-5
28
Winner Henderson St. HSU 7-1 , 7-1
Arkansas Tech ATU
3-5 , 3-5
27
Final
28
Henderson St. HSU
7-1 , 7-1
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
ATU Arkansas Tech 0 14 13 0 27
HSU Henderson St. 14 7 7 0 28

Game Recap: Football |

Williams' Blocked Field Goal Helps Reddies Escape with Homecoming Win

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Austin Ledbetter accounted for three touchdowns, including a 4-yard rushing score that gave Henderson State the lead in the third quarter, and Corone Williams secured the game with a field goal block with 17 seconds remaining as the Reddies held off Arkansas Tech 28-27 Saturday afternoon at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium at GeoSurfaces Field.

Henderson State (7-1, 7-1 Great American Conference) totaled 430 yards of offense, including 325 through the air, to earn its seventh victory of the season. The Reddies overcame a six-point deficit in the third quarter and preserved their one-point advantage with a blocked field goal in the closing seconds.

Ledbetter completed 21 of 28 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns, both to DeAndra Burns Jr. The Henderson State receiver finished with six catches for 103 yards and two scores, while Maddox Davis contributed 89 yards of offense and a rushing touchdown.

The Reddies took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind a pair of touchdown drives covering 73 and 80 yards.

Ledbetter connected with Burns for a 38-yard touchdown on third-and-1 to open the scoring with 5:31 remaining in the first quarter. The five-play drive covered 73 yards and included a 24-yard reception by Davis.

Henderson State extended its advantage on its next possession, moving 80 yards in three plays. Davis capped the drive with a 29-yard touchdown run to give the Reddies a 14-0 lead with 1:20 left in the opening period.

Arkansas Tech (3-5, 3-5 GAC) answered with 14 points in the second quarter. Carter Hensley connected with Gavin Waits for a 27-yard touchdown before Sean Berry returned a fumble 49 yards for a score to tie the game with two minutes remaining in the half.

The Reddies responded with a nine-play, 75-yard drive in 1:46. Ledbetter found Burns for an 8-yard touchdown with 14 seconds remaining, sending Henderson State into halftime with a 21-14 advantage.

Arkansas Tech opened the second half with a 70-yard scoring drive, cutting the deficit to 21-20 on a 23-yard touchdown pass from Hensley to JD DeCausmaker. The Wonder Boys took their first lead of the afternoon after an interception set up a 12-yard touchdown pass from Lathan Boone to Trey Nelson with 5:08 remaining in the third quarter.

Trailing 27-21, Henderson State answered with a seven-play, 53-yard drive. Ledbetter scored from four yards out with 1:17 remaining in the third quarter, and Ryan McDonnell converted his fourth extra point to put the Reddies ahead 28-27.

The Henderson State defense kept Arkansas Tech off the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a game-saving special teams play.

Henderson State finished with a 430-327 advantage in total offense, including a 325-199 edge in passing yards. The Reddies averaged seven yards per play and recorded 24 first downs. Davis caught four passes for 60 yards to go with his 29-yard touchdown run. Michael Jones added five receptions for 56 yards, while Jerrale Powers caught four passes for 48 yards. Taylin Paskel contributed a 47-yard reception and 59 kickoff return yards. Chris Gannaway led the Henderson State rushing attack with 59 yards on 13 carries.

Defensively, Bryant Hammond II, Leo Morris, Markavious Justice and Ingram shared the team lead with six tackles apiece. Jackson Byerley and Ryan Schirato added five tackles each, while Austin James recorded a seven-yard sack.

The Reddies finished with six tackles for loss and five pass breakups. Cale McPeek joined Williams with a blocked punt, giving Henderson State two blocked kicks in the contest.
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