Bison Lose Heartbreaker in Last Seconds

MAGNOLIA, Ark. - The Oklahoma Baptist football team put together a huge fourth quarter comeback, scoring 14 points in the final five minutes to surge ahead of Southern Arkansas 28-27. However, Austin Wilkerson booted a 48-yard field goal as time expired, just inching over the crossbar to give the Muleriders a 30-28 home win.

The Bison offense had 390 yards of total offense including 261 yards through the air. On the other side of the ball, Southern Arkansas had 534 yards of total offense including 350 yards in the air. The OBU defense was able to turn SAU over two times in the contest. 

The Bison defense got off to a much better start as opposed to a week ago, forcing the Muleriders into a 3-and-out. The OBU offense also got off to a hot start, going on a nine play, 70-yard drive which included a 20 yard completion from junior Preston Haire to senior Jacques Henderson to get into SAU territory. Sophomore Tyler Stuever punched it in from six yards out to put the Bison on top, 7-0.

The Bison defense forced another 3-and-out, but the offense drove to midfield before punting. The Muleriders responded with a seven play, 74-yard drive resulting in a Hayden Mallory touchdown pass to Micah Small to even the score at seven.

OBU started a drive that moved into the second quarter and saw Haire connect with junior Shae Garner on a 46 yard pitch and catch, driving deep into SAU territory. A few plays later, Stuever got his second touchdown of the game, this time from one yard out, to push OBU back ahead, 14-7.

SAU evened the game up quickly on the next drive, only taking three plays as Mallory connected with Jared Lancaster on a 64 yard score.

The OBU offense moved into SAU territory, but turned it over on downs. SAU went on a 12-play, 67-yard drive, but the defense came away with a goal line stand, forcing a 19-yard field goal to make the score 17-14. 

Neither team could add any more points in the half as the Muleriders took their lead into the break.

Despite long drives by both sides in the third quarter, a 26-yard field goal from Wilkerson was the lone points of the quarter to mke it 20-14 in favor of SAU.

The Muleriders started the fourth quarter with the ball and capped a 14-play, 92-yard drive that resulted in a two-yard plunge and a 27-14 lead for SAU.

With 7:05 to play and points needed, Haire orchestrated an eight play, 45-yard drive that resulted in a 23-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Joshua Cornell to cut the deficit to 27-21 with five minutes to play.

Southern Arkansas took the next drive and took a gamble on 4th-and-1 at the OBU 48. The Bison stuffed the run as a host of defenders stood strong to give OBU the ball back with 2:44 to play.

Haire took advantage as he struck again, finding his main target Cornell for a 24 yard score to suddenly give OBU a 28-27 lead with 1:34 to play.

Southern Arkansas looked to get in field goal range for the win but junior Myles Russell stepped in front of a Mallory pass and looked to have ice the game with 51 seconds to play.

However, holding onto all three timeouts, the Muleriders got one final shot after holding the Bison. They were able to drive into field goal range where Wilkerson hit a career-long kick just over the crossbar to give SAU the win.

It was a heartbreaker for the Bison, who nearly ended Southern Arkansas's 16-game home winning streak.

Haire went 28 of 47 for 261 yards and two scores. With his first touchdown pass to Cornell in the fourth quarter, Haire becomes the first quarterback in OBU history to throw for 50 career touchdown passes.

Garner had a pair of career-highs with 10 receptions and his first ever 100-yard game with 103 total yards receiving. Cornell added five catches for 65 yards while Henderson hauled in five catches for 54 yards.

Haire rushed for 47 yards on the ground while senior Isaiah Mallory had 13 rushes for 43 yards. Stuever went for 30 yards on 12 carries and a pair of scores. 

For the Muleriders, Mallory was 22 of 33 for 350 yards and two scored while Lancaster caught seven balls for 131 yards and a score.

Defensively for OBU, Trajan Lands and Lane Martin both led the way in tackles with 12 each including half a tackle for loss. Josh Arnold added 10 tackles while Felipe Alvear had eight. Tyler King forced a fumble while Russell had six tackles, a tackle for loss, a fumble recovery, and an interception.

For the Muleriders, DeMarcus Pegue led the way with nine tackles while Washington had eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three quarterback hurries.

OBU falls to 0-2 on the season and will look to get in the win column next weekend as they head to Durant to take on Southeastern Oklahoma State. Kick-off is set for 6 PM.