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   After the loss to Harding University, coach Gwaine Mathews and the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils have had extra time to prepare for this week’s homecoming matchup against Arkansas Tech.  

   And while in past weeks Mathews has been most pleased with his offense, his defense’s effort against Harding was much improved.   

    "In the first half, we held (Harding) to under 50 yards rushing," Mathews said. "It was probably the best we’ve played on defense all year. I think a big reason our defense played well was the move of Solomon Edwards from cornerback to safety. He had a big game and made some key stops for us."   

    This week’s opponent poses an entirely different challenge for the Weevils.

    The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys enter Saturday’s contest with a record of 6-1, with a 5-1 Gulf South Conference mark. The Wonder Boys are in the midst of a five-way tie for first place in the Gulf South Conference along with North Alabama, Valdosta State, Central Arkansas and West Georgia.

   The Wonder Boys have lived dangerously all season. Despite opening the season 5-0, the Wonder Boys’ largest margin of victory in their first five games was 10 points (a 42-32 win over Henderson State in their GSC opener). Tech was dealt their first setback of the season in Cleveland, Miss., two weeks ago, as Delta State dealt the Wonder Boys a 34-17 setback. The Wonder Boys came from behind last week to top Ouachita Baptist 49-35. 

    Saturday’s game, the 65th meeting between the two schools in a rivalry dating back to 1920, features two teams on opposite ends of the GSC spectrum this season. The Wonder Boys, currently ranked 13th in the AFCA Division II poll are looking to win their last three games against UAM, Harding and Central Arkansas and secure a postseason bid for the second consecutive year.   

    Offensively, the Wonder Boys are led by quarterback Jason Campbell, who has thrown for 1,751 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. R.J. Vanhook leads the ground attack, averaging 52.7 yards per game. The Wonder Boys’ strength may play into the Boll Weevils’ strength, as the Weevil pass defense has been significantly more effective than the rush defense over the season.  

    "Coach (Steve) Mullins has a great philosophy," Mathews said. "Arkansas Tech has a great system top to bottom. They score enough points to win, but defensively they give up quite a bit. Scheme-wise, they don’t try to trick you on offense. I think it’ll be a good game."

   Kickoff from Monticello is set for 3 p.m., with tailgating festivities starting at noon and the Walk of Champions set for 1 p.m.

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