SEARCY --- The University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils (1-3, 1-1 GSC) were outgained 391-261 by the Harding Bisons (2-2, 1-1 GSC) as the Weevils dropped a 29-21 heartbreaker on Saturday at First Security Field in Searcy.

   Harding opened scoring in the first quarter with a 16-yard touchdown run by Ardell Briggs, capping a ten-play, 90-yard drive with 3:31 remaining in the opening quarter. The Bisons went on to extend their lead to 13-0 as quarterback David Knighton scampered 42 yards for a score just over three minutes into the second quarter.

   The Boll Weevils finally broke through late in the half, as a third-down Knighton pass was intercepted by Michael Fox (Jr., Pascagoula, Miss.) and returned the pick 39 yards to the Harding 18-yard line. The Weevils got onto the board three plays later as Elijah McDonald (So., Morton, Miss.) connected with Chris Humes (Sr., Vicksburg, Miss.) on a five-yard touchdown pass with four seconds remaining in the half, cutting the HU lead to 13-7.

   With 8:20 remaining in the third quarter, a high snap sailed over the head of punter Anthony Rodriguez (Sr., Franklin, La.), and through the back of the end zone giving the Bisons a safety and a 15-7 lead.

   Five seconds into the fourth quarter, the Bisons extended their lead to 22-7 on a five-yard pass from Knighton to Jonathan Paulson, capping an 11-play, 68-yard drive.

   On the next possession, the Weevil offense turned the ball over on downs, but the defense stepped up as Jordan Wisener (So., North Little Rock, Ark.) blocked a punt to give the Weevils the ball at the Harding eleven-yard line. Three plays later, the Weevils scored on a one-yard run by Matt Fryfogle (Sr., Lucedale, Miss.) to pull to within 22-14.

   The Bisons quickly retook the momentum as Patrick Nicks returned the following kickoff 94 yards to the UAM six-yard line, and on third down, Ardell Briggs punched through with a one-yard run to extend the HU lead to 29-14.

   The Weevils were able to pull to within 29-21 as McDonald connected with Jamie Dunn (So., Wilmot, Ark.) on a 46-yard strike with 5:10 remaining, but the Bisons were able to run down the clock and hold on for the victory.

   Despite not getting into the endzone, Harding’s Kyle Wess led all rushers with 200 yards on 23 carries. UAM was led by John L. Williams (Jr., Gainesville, Fla.), who carried 15 times for 37 yards.

   McDonald led all passers, completing 16-of-28 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, while Rodriguez hauled in eight passes for 59 yards.

   The Weevils return to action next Saturday, as they travel to Natchitoches, La. to face Division I Northwestern State University. A 6 p.m. kickoff is scheduled.