Alva Review-Courier -

Russellville, Ark. – The Northwestern Rangers football team lost to Arkansas Tech by one touchdown 21-14 Saturday afternoon in Russellville, Arkansas. The Rangers are now 2-5 while ATU is 1-6.

The Wonder Boys scored first on a 12 play 80 yard drive with 6:25 left in the first quarter. Caleb Batie made a two yard run into the end zone, and Jesus Zizumbo’s kick was good to put ATU on the scoreboard for seven points.

Northwestern answered in the second quarter on a Trent Easley pass to Torrence Stevens for an 18 yard TD. Conner O’Neal kicked the extra point, and the score was tied 7-7 going into halftime.

The third quarter was a defensive battle with no points added to the board. It wasn’t until the 11:43 mark in the fourth quarter that ATU scored again. During a rushing play, the Rangers were tackled for a loss and the ball was fumbled. ATU recovered and Gio Williams carried the ball 55 yards to cross the goal line. Zizumbo’s kick was good, and ATU led 14-7.

With less than a minute left in the game, the Wonder Boys completed a six play, 44 yard drive to score on a four yard run by Tanner Gaines. The kick was good, and ATU led 21-7.

With little time left, NWOSU went into action, covering 54 yards in three plays. Kentrez Bell scored on a 25 yard pass play from Easley. O’Neal’s kick was good, and the score stood at 21-14 in favor of ATU when time ran out.

For the Rangers, Easley completed 23 of 39 pass attempts for a total of 314 yards, one interception and two touchdowns. He was sacked three times. The leading receiver was Gavin Garner with nine for 141 yards. Stevens followed with seven catches for 64 yards, Bell caught three for 60 yards. Raphael Edwards caught two for 43. Aharon Barnes and Jacob Peyton caught one each.

Peyton led the Rangers in rushing with 35 yards followed by Stevens with 16 and Calion Baker with 16. Easley ran for 14 and Garner for five. O’Neal attempted one field goal, but it was blocked.

As a team, Northwestern had 314 yards passing and 81 rushing for a total of 395 yards.

Arkansas Tech completed 11 of 19 pass attempts for 95 total yards. They rushed for 178 yards. ATU failed on three field goal attempts.

Next Saturday, Oct. 26, the Northwestern Rangers will be at home in Alva, hosting Harding University in a 4 p.m. homecoming game.