MARTIN, Tenn.- Central Arkansas (1-0) defeated No. 22 UT Martin (0-1) with a final score of 36-24 on Thursday at Hardy M. Graham Stadium. The Bears secured the win with a strong offensive performance, accumulating 471 total yards and converting 10 of 15 third downs.
Central Arkansas opened the game on defense after winning the coin toss and deferring. The Bears defense quickly made an impact when
Bryson Adamoh intercepted a pass from UT Martin's Julian Calvez. The Bears then went 3 and out, but on their second possession the Bears scored a touchdown on a pass from
Donovyn Omolo to
Kealen Juniel for 8 yards at 5:42, narrowing the score to 7-6 after a blocked extra point attempt.
Despite the interception return for a touchdown by UT Martin's Trey Cotton earlier in the quarter, Central Arkansas managed to keep the game close with a strong offensive drive. The first quarter concluded with the Skyhawks leading 7-6.
Central Arkansas seized momentum in the second quarter with a strong offensive drive, highlighted by
Que Tillman's 3-yard touchdown run at 6:53, putting the Bears ahead 13-10. Despite UT Martin's response with a touchdown to reclaim the lead at 17-13, Central Arkansas maintained its composure. In the final minute, Omolo connected with
Arlie Lee for a 19-yard touchdown pass, regaining the lead 19-17. The extra point attempt was blocked again.
Central Arkansas took control early in the third period as Omolo connected with Lee for a 51-yard touchdown pass at 12:04, extending its lead.
Caleb Jones converted the extra point, bringing the score to 26-17. The Bears' defense held strong later in the period, as a 34-yard field goal attempt by UT Martin's Brandon Sims went wide.
In the fourth quarter, the Bears extended their lead with a drive that culminated in a 32-yard field goal by Jones at 12:52, moving the score to 29-17. Despite UT Martin reducing the gap to 29-24 with a touchdown, Central Arkansas responded decisively as
Jalen Washington's 27-yard touchdown rush at 3:38 pushed the lead to 36-24. The Bears solidified their control with a late interception by
Jacob Sekiyoba, ensuring a 36-24 victory as the game concluded.
Donovyn Omolo
- 20 completions on 27 attempts
- 243 passing yards
- 3 passing touchdowns
- 118 rushing yards
Arlie Lee
- 2 receptions for 70 yards
- 2 touchdowns
Kealen Juniel
- 1 reception for 8 yards
- 1 touchdown
Ashtyn Williams
- 16 tackles
Jacob Sekiyoba
- 4 tackles
- 1 interception
Looking ahead, the Bears will face the University of West Florida on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. in Conway, Arkansas in their home opener.
