PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello football team used a strong defensive performance to claim a 27-3 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and gain its first win of the 2009 season.

 

The Golden Lions (0-1) had the only score of the first half, holding a 3-0 advantage going into the locker room, but the Boll Weevils (1-1) scored 27 unanswered points in the second half, including an interception return for a touchdown to seal the second straight victory over UAPB in as many years.

 

The point differential also marked the lowest point total given up by a UAM defense under the direction of current head coach Gwaine Mathews.

 

UAPB’s Carlos Reyes opened the scoring with a 21-yard field goal with 9:40 left in the first half, capping an eight-play, 52-yard drive that used 4:10.

 

With 13:26 left in the third quarter, UAM reached the scoreboard with a 39-yard touchdown reception by junior Jywin Ceaser from the pass of junior Scott Buisson in a four-play, 60-yard drive that used only 1:24.

 

Ceaser struck again with a six-yard touchdown catch at the 6:26 mark in the third quarter, this time from a different arm in senior quarterback Casey Cathcart. Freshman kicker Joe Lamoureux added the extra point to cap a three-play, 10-yard drive, using only 1:34.

 

After recovering a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, junior Joseph Lockwood caught a 23-yard pass for a touchdown from Buisson on the first play of the possession. Lamoureux’s extra-point attempt was blocked, giving UAM a 20-3 lead with 6:11 left in the third quarter.

 

The final score of the game came from the defense. Junior James Jackson intercepted a pass by UAPB quarterback Gvona Turner and returned it 35 yards for the touchdown. Lamoureux’s kick was good, giving UAM a final advantage of 27-3.

 

Buisson completed 17 of 26 passes for 232 yards with no interceptions and two touchdowns tosses, while Cathcart only threw one pass, his six-yard touchdown toss to Ceaser.

 

Junior tailback Johnny Polite led the Weevils on the ground with 10 carries for 22 yards. Buisson had 11 carries for 19 yards.

 

Ceaser led all receivers with 10 catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

 

The Boll Weevils take the short bus trip back to Monticello to begin preparation for the nationally ranked No. 11 Delta State Statesmen (0-1). The contest is scheduled for next Saturday, September 12 at Convoy Leslie Cotton Boll Stadium in Monticello at 6 p.m.

 

The game can be heard live on the radio in southeast Arkansas at KHBM-FM 93.7 and online at uamsports.com. The pre-game coach’s show begins at 5:30 p.m.