ARKADELPHIA,
Ark. – Oklahoma Baptist struggled to slow (RV) Henderson State's explosive ground attack Saturday night as the Reddies rolled to a 66-9 Great American Conference victory at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium.
Henderson State piled up 606 yards of total offense, including 430 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, while improving to 2-0 overall and 2-0 in GAC play. Oklahoma Baptist fell to 1-1 overall and 1-1 in the conference.
The Bison moved the ball well on their opening possession, advancing to the Henderson 21-yard line, but a fumble halted the drive. The Reddies capitalized, marching 78 yards on 15 plays and taking the lead on an 18-yard touchdown run by Austin Ledbetter.
A 49-yard scoring run by Jordan Walker later in the quarter pushed the advantage to 14-0. That came after another Bison turnover, this time an interception at the HSU 14-yard line.
Turnovers plagued OBU throughout the first half. Henderson State turned a first-quarter interception, three lost fumbles and strong field position into a 40-0 halftime advantage. Ryan McDonnell added field goals from 29 and 40 yards, while Taylin Paskel hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass and Chris Gannaway broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run.
The Reddies added 26 more points in the second half, highlighted by Walker's 52-yard touchdown strike to Paskel and a pair of rushing scores from Myron Thrash Jr. OBU's first points came on a blocked extra point return by
Jeremiah Jennings early in the fourth.
Jason Ceniti sparked the Bison offense late, finishing 7-of-12 passing for 126 yards and a touchdown. He connected with
Xavier Davis on fourth down for a 10-yard score midway through the final period.
Jacob Trimble led OBU receivers with five catches for 108 yards, while
Brady Scott added 55 yards on two receptions.
OBU totaled 235 yards but committed six turnovers, including three interceptions and three lost fumbles. Henderson State's defense added four sacks and three interceptions in the dominant conference victory.
The Bison stay on the road for their next game. That comes Sept. 19 at Northwestern Oklahoma State.
