MAGNOLIA, Ark.- The Northwestern Oklahoma State football team's second half comeback falls short as they dropped a hard fought battle to Southern Arkansas 30-27 on Saturday afternoon in Magnolia.
The Rangers fell behind in the early going as Southern Arkansas put points on the board on their first possession of the game via a 5 play, 67 yard drive. Northwestern's defense tightened up after that as they forced the Muleriders into back to back punts. Southern Arkansas added another score towards the end of the first quarter to extend their lead to 14-0. The Rangers got into the endzone early in the second quarter with a Jacob T. Jones touchdown pass, cutting the Mulerider lead to 14-7. Southern Arkansas added another score on the ensuing drive to put them up by fourteen once again. After a Mulerider touchdown to make it 28-7, the Rangers answered with a Ezequiel Luna touchdown run. The point after attempt was blocked and returned for two points by Southern Arkansas, making the score 30-13 late in the second quarter.
Northwestern opened up the second half with a touchdown, as Jones threw his second touchdown pass of the game. The Rangers got the ball back after a strong defensive stand and took it down the field for a touchdown, coming in the form of a Jones touchdown pass this time thrown to Brody Williams cutting the Mulerider lead to three 30-27. The Ranger defense made a huge stand on fourth and goal to give the ball back to the offense with a minute remaining in the game, but Northwestern could not capitalize as their comeback attempt comes up just short.
The Rangers will be back in action next Saturday, as they host Henderson State for Homecoming at 3 p.m.
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