SHAWNEE – Despite recording two blocked punts and a blocked field goal, Oklahoma Baptist (3-4, 3-4 GAC) could not hold off East Central (6-1, 6-1 GAC), which scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter for a 17-10 victory Thursday at Crain Family Stadium.
The Bison struck early after freshman linebacker
Darrick Hurst Jr. blocked an ECU punt, giving OBU possession at the Tigers' 13-yard line. Three plays later,
Jason Ceniti connected with
Jacob Trimble for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
OBU controlled much of the first half and nearly added to its advantage on a 16-play drive that reached the ECU 2-yard line, but the Tigers stopped the Bison on fourth down. The defense continued to shine, keeping ECU from crossing midfield for most of the half and preserving the shutout when
Rahsaan Jones blocked a 53-yard field goal attempt just before halftime.
The Bison extended their lead to 10-0 midway through the third quarter on a 20-yard field goal by
Carter Lowry following an 11-play, 6:43 drive.
Later in the quarter, Hurst blocked his second punt of the game, becoming the first Bison player to block two punts in a single game. However, a fumble on the ensuing play gave the ball back to ECU and shifted momentum.
East Central capitalized in the fourth quarter. A pass interference penalty on fourth down extended the Tigers' opening drive of the period, leading to a three-yard touchdown run by Quincy Thompson that cut the deficit to 10-7.
A poor snap, and subsequent mishandling of the ball on OBU's next possession gave ECU another short field, and Gabriel Ogura tied the game with a 32-yard field goal. The Tigers then took advantage of an interception by Amin White, setting up a 26-yard touchdown run from Sergio Kennedy with 1:49 remaining for the game-winning score.
OBU will return to action on Oct. 24 when it travels to face Southeastern Oklahoma State at 2 p.m. CT.
