Alva Review-Courier -

SEARCY, ARK. – The East Central University football team dropped a 44-13 decision at Harding in Great American Conference action at First Security Stadium.

The Tigers (2-8 GAC) saw two players record rushing TDs in the game, with freshman Ontario Douglas leading the team with 82 rushing yards and junior Tre'von Jackson adding 53 rushing yards.

Junior Rayjohn Austin-Ramsey went 11-of-26 for 158 yards, with his favorite receiver being junior Trinity Benson with 92 yards.

ECU's defense was led by junior Justin Hayden, with 17 total tackles, including 11 solo tackles. Senior Patric Edwards added five tackles, two tackles-for-loss and a sack.

The Bisons (7-3 GAC) started the scoring in the opening quarter, with a 45-yard rushing TD.

ECU tied things up at the start of the second quarter when Douglas finished off a 10-play; 90-yard drive with a one-yard rushing TD, with 13:01 left in the half.

However, that was all the scoring that the Tigers were able to get in the half, with Harding adding a TD and a field goal for a 17-7 lead at the half.

The Bisons added to the lead in the third quarter with a 49-yard rushing touchdown and a 23-7 advantage.

ECU then scored their final points of the game, with 6:57 left in the third quarter. Jackson earned a 43-yard rushing touchdown, but the passing extra-point try failed for a 23-13 score.

Harding kept pushing the momentum, scoring two more touchdowns in the third quarter for a 37-13 lead heading into the final 15 minutes of play.

The Bisons would get one more TD in the final stanza for the 44-13 victory.

The Tigers will now prepare for the final game of the 2017 season, Saturday, November 11 at archrival Southeastern Oklahoma State. The game is the annual Great American Classic, with the all-time series sitting at 48-46-6 in favor of the Savage Storm.