Henderson State quarterback Garrett Manning passed for 167 yards and three touchdowns as the Reddies topped the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils 33-17 on Thursday night at Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium.

   The Reddies opened scoring on their first drive of the game. After forcing a three-and-out on UAM’s opening drive, the Reddies reeled off a six-play, 49-yard drive, capped with a ten-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Jason Factuar to take a 7-0 lead with 11:14 remaining in the opening quarter.

   UAM’s offense went three-and-out on the next drive, but the UAM defense was able to step up on the first play of the next HSU drive, as Lavar Wyatt (Jr., Newport, Ark.) intercepted a first-and-25 pass after an HSU penalty to give the Weevils the ball on their own 48-yard line. The UAM offense marched down field, tying the game as Elijah McDonald (So., Morton, Miss.) connected with Josh Green (Fr., Camden, Ark.) on a 16-yard touchdown strike to cap an eight-play, 52-yard drive and tie the game at 7-7 with 4:17 remaining in the first quarter.

   The Reddies struck back once again, pushing ahead 14-7 after a two-yard run by Bernard Palmer with 32 seconds remaining in the quarter.

   On the Weevils’ next drive, disaster struck as McDonald’s fumble was recovered by HSU’s Sam Carter, who returned the loose ball 50 yards for the score to give HSU a 21-7 lead.

   The Reddies once again forced the UAM offense into a three-and-out, and HSU marched downfield once again, taking a 27-7 lead on a 14-yard pass by Manning to Kevin Austin. Lavar Wyatt blocked the extra point attempt.

   The UAM offense was able to drive into HSU territory on their next drive, pulling to within 27-10 when Ryan Guardia (So., Hurly, Miss.) connected on a career-long 46-yard field goal.

   Leading 27-10 at the half, the Reddies pulled ahead 33-10 with 24 seconds left in the third quarter as Manning connected with Kevin Austin on a ten-yard strike, but once again the Reddies failed to make the extra point as Brian Giambastiani’s kick sailed wide right.

   On the opening drive of the fourth quarter, the UAM offense pushed downfield, and McDonald connected with Green on a six-yard touchdown strike to pull the Weevils to within 33-17, but the UAM offense was unable to get any closer as the Reddies hung on for the victory.

   McDonald completed 9-of-17 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, while Delvin Shipp (So., Wilmar, Ark.) led the UAM rushing effort, carrying 13 times for 69 yards.

   Wes Ables (Jr., Hampton, Ark.) led the UAM defensive effort with 13 tackles.

   The Weevils return to action next Saturday, as they travel to Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Alabama to face North Alabama. A 6 p.m. kickoff is scheduled.

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