Bisons Top Weevils

---

Photo by Lee Hassler

Score! — The Boll Weevils celebrate following John L. Williams' first-half touchdown. Unfortunately they could not hold on following halftime.

   Led by a two-touchdown effort by Blake Smith, the Harding Bisons topped the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils 32-14 Oct. 13 at Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium in Monticello.

   The Weevils (1-7, 1-5 GSC) turned in their best defensive half of the year in the first half, holding the Bisons scoreless until the 7:06 mark in the second quarter, when the Bisons took a 3-0 lead on a 37-yard field goal by Ben Davis.

   UAM responded immediately, as John L. Williams capped a five play, 34-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run to give the Weevils a 7-3 lead on the very next series.

   As time wound down in the first half, David Knighton connected with Heath Adams on a 10-yard touchdown strike to put the Bisons on top. On the ensuing extra point, holder Cam Rowan mishandled the snap and ran the ball in for a two-point conversion, giving Harding a 11-7 halftime lead.

   The Weevils held Harding to 35 rushing yards in the first half.

   The Bisons struck quickly in the third quarter, capping their opening drive with a 15-yard touchdown run by Smith to extend their lead to 18-8. After forcing UAM to punt on their subsequent drive, Harding once again marched downfield, and Dondtray Thomas found the end zone this time after a 13-yard run, pushing Harding’s lead to 25-7.

   Harding held their 25-7 lead going into the fourth quarter, and after Smith picked up his second touchdown run on a four-yard carry, the Bisons led 32-7.

   The Weevils went three and out on their next drive, but forced a Harding fumble on their first play of the following drive. Anthony Rodriguez then connected with Walter Warfield on a 10-yard touchdown strike to pull the Weevils to within 32-14.

   Rodriguez was 10-of-15 for 101 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Williams led all UAM rushers with 28 carries for 107 yards and one touchdown. Warfield led the receivers with three catches for 38 yards and one touchdown.

   Defensively, Solomon Edwards notched 12 tackles behind eight solos, and picked up one interception.
     The Weevils return to action Oct. 22, hosting Arkansas Tech University for homecoming. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m., with tailgating beginning at noon and the Walk of Champions set for 2 p.m.

Voice adviser Ron Sitton contributed to this report.

Have a comment? Please e-mail us.