CONWAY, Ark. — Central Ark. (3-6) was defeated by Eastern Ky. (4-5) with a final score of 34-13 at Estes Stadium.
The 1st quarter began with Central Arkansas receiving the kickoff, marking the start of their offensive efforts.
Austin Myers connected with
Tyrell Pollard for an 8-yard gain, setting the tone for a methodical drive down the field.
Landen Chambers contributed significantly with a series of rushes, including a crucial 2-yard gain for a first down. The drive culminated in a successful 38-yard field goal by
Caleb Jones, giving the Bears an early lead.
Eastern Kentucky responded with a touchdown drive, briefly overtaking the lead. However, Central Ark. regained momentum with a strategic drive featuring Chambers' powerful 16-yard rush. Notably, Chambers has now achieved six straight games with at least 100 yards rushing, marking his seventh overall this season. Myers then found
Malachi Henry for an 8-yard completion, and Chambers eventually scored on a 1-yard run. The Bears closed the quarter leading 10-7.
Eastern Ky. opened the second quarter with a scoring drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown run by Myles Burkett at 11:11, extending their lead. Central Ark. responded by orchestrating a drive that resulted in a 33-yard field goal by
Caleb Jones, narrowing the deficit to 21-13.
Despite EKU getting a late interception by Khatavian Franks, Central Ark.'s defense held firm as
Dillon Williams intercepted a pass at their own end zone, preventing further scoring. The half concluded with Eastern Ky. maintaining their 21-13 lead.
Central Ark. opened the third quarter with a promising drive that advanced to Eastern Ky.'s 11-yard line. However, momentum shifted when Myers' pass was intercepted by Derek Taylor, halting the drive at 8:41. The Bears continued to struggle offensively with another interception late in the quarter by Jeff Kinley at 3:45. Eastern Ky. capitalized on these turnovers, adding a field goal and a touchdown to extend their lead. The quarter ended with Eastern Ky. ahead, 31-13.
In the fourth quarter, Central Arkansas began with a defensive highlight as
Daylon Land tackled Brayden Latham for a five-yard loss, halting Eastern Kentucky's advance. The Bears took over but struggled offensively, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Eastern Kentucky extended its lead with a 44-yard field goal by Buzz Flabiano at 9:02. Central Arkansas attempted to respond but was limited by a sack on Myers for a two-yard loss by Gabe Stephens. The game concluded with Eastern Kentucky securing a 34-13 victory over the Bears.
Chambers carried the ball 25 times for 116 yards and a touchdown, leading the offensive charge. Myers completed 11 of 26 passes for 157 yards but was intercepted twice. On defense,
Marcus Washington and
Jakobe Shell both recorded six tackles, with Shell also contributing an interception.
Gary Lewis posted seven tackles to lead the defense.
Central Ark. stands at 3-6 overall and 2-3 in conference play. Eastern Ky. holds a 4-5 overall record with a 2-3 mark in conference games.
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will face Austin Peay on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. in Clarksville, Tennessee.
