Henderson State University Athletics

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State erased a fourth-quarter deficit and held off Southwestern Oklahoma State 38-33 on Saturday at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium at GeoSurfaces Field.

The Reddies improved to 5-0 overall and 5-0 in conference play with the win. They trailed 27-24 entering the fourth quarter before scoring two touchdowns to take control.

Austin Ledbetter completed 15 of 24 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Mike Jones on an 87-yard touchdown on Henderson State's first offensive play of the game, giving the Reddies a 7-0 lead with 12:40 left in the first quarter.

Jones finished with five receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. Taylin Paskel added three receptions for 89 yards.

Southwestern Oklahoma State took its first lead of the game in the third quarter when Keith Rockwell broke loose for a 73-yard touchdown run, putting the Bulldogs ahead 27-24 with 1:26 left in the period.

Henderson State answered in the fourth quarter; Myron Thrash scored on a 1-yard run with 9:08 left, capping a 75-yard drive and putting the Reddies ahead 31-27. Henderson State then forced a turnover before extending its lead.

Markavious Justice intercepted Southwestern Oklahoma State quarterback Braxton Etheridge at the Henderson State 41-yard line with 8:01 remaining. The Reddies turned the takeaway into a touchdown, with Ledbetter finding Maddox Davis for a 5-yard score with 3:57 left to make it 38-27.

Southwestern Oklahoma State responded with a 75-yard touchdown drive, cutting the deficit to five points with 1:21 remaining. Henderson State recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt and ran out the clock.

Davis caught five passes for 37 yards and two touchdowns. He also added eight rushing yards.

Jordan Walker contributed a rushing touchdown and threw a touchdown pass to Davis in the third quarter. Henderson State finished with 455 yards of total offense, including 313 passing yards. However, for the first time this year, the Reddies were outgained by an opponent: Southwestern Oklahoma compiled 457 yards of total offense.

Chris Gannaway led the Reddies with 61 rushing yards on eight carries. Thrash added 39 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

Henderson State converted 10 of 17 third-down attempts and held the ball for 33:17. The Reddies also forced one turnover and committed one turnover.

Reuben Ingram and Brenton Brasfield led Henderson State with seven tackles each. Jackson Byerley added five tackles.

HSU is back in action next week, as the team heads to Alva, Oklahoma to take on Northwestern Oklahoma State. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.