MONTICELLO – The No. 10 Delta State Statesmen proved its national ranking by defeating the University of Arkansas at Monticello football team 42-3 Saturday night at Cotton Boll Stadium.

 

The Statesmen (1-1) used 636 yards of total offense to cruise to a wide-margin victory and also marking the 13^th straight win over the Boll Weevils, dating back to 1997.

 

UAM (1-2) racked up 305 total yards, but was held without a touchdown for the first time since the 53-0 loss to Delta State in 2006.

 

The Weevil’s lone score of the night came on a 40-yard field goal by the right foot of true freshman kicker Joe Lamoureux, capping an 11-play, 50-yard drive that used 4:06. The field goal came with 5:09 left in the first half to cut the DSU lead to 14-3.

 

Offensively, UAM was led by junior quarterback Scott Buisson, who racked up 261 yards of total offense. The Metairie, La. native completed 21 of 33 pass attempts for 171 yards and one interception. On the ground, Buisson had 16 carries for 90 yards.

 

Junior Jywin Ceaser was the go-to-guy for Buisson for the second straight game with nine catches for 79 yards.

 

Senior Quenton Arnett and junior Marcus VanBuren had interceptions in the contest. VanBuren’s pick was returned for 30 yards. Junior Carlton Johnson was the game’s leader in tackles with 15 (seven solo).

 

Delta State was led by quarterback Garrett DeWitt, who completed 24 of 33 pass attempts for 339 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had five carries for 22 yards.

 

DeWitt’s primary receiver in the game was Trevar Deed, who caught seven passes for 126 yards with one touchdown. Ray Chisolm had five catches for 61 yards and Rafael Mitchell had five catches for 44 yards.

 

The leading rusher for the Statesmen was Eric Jackson, who tallied seven carries for 62 yards. Backup quarterback Zak Mikel had five carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns. Deed and Todd Bradford also had touchdown runs in the game.

 

UAM stays in Monticello for its next contest and the first Gulf South Conference game of the season. The Boll Weevils host Henderson State next Saturday, September 19 at 6 p.m. at Cotton Boll Stadium and will observe “Parent and Family Appreciation Day.”