After a crushing loss in Week 1, the SNU Crimson Storm didn’t waste any time bouncing back and rallying on the road to beat the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys 38-31. The Crimson Storm had lost to the Wonder Boys the previous year 48-35, but they were able to go into Russellville and get redemption from last year’s loss, securing the win.
The Wonder Boys had trouble containing Gage Porter in the rushing game, where he ran for 216 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Crimson Storm in rushing yards for the game. Porter, with his success on the ground, also threw for 175 yards and one touchdown to wide receiver Jarrell Farr. The Crimson Storm had 524 total yards of offense in comparison to the Wonder Boys who ended the game with 27 yards of total offense.
The Crimson Storm’s defense had many players contribute to the success of the game, with four different players leading the defense with five tackles. Defensive linemen Nick Blanchard and David Omosigho, banded together to force the lone sack on the Arkansas Tech quarterback. Cornerback Ethan Minor also contributed defensively, delivering a crucial interception in the second quarter to give a much-needed spark to SNU.
Even after starting the game behind 14-0, the Crimson Storm didn’t let any deficit hold them down, and they battled back on every cylinder. Along with fighting through thirteen penalties for 94 lost yards, they continued to persevere. They forced turnovers with the sack and interception, and Porter converted huge plays to lead the Crimson Storm to victory.
The Crimson Storm continued this success as they went into Alva and pulled off a 42-29 victory against the NWOSU Rangers. Gage Porter led the pack offensively, yet again, rushing for 177 yards with two touchdowns and throwing for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Jarrell Farr came up clutch for the Crimson Storm, rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown, along with leading the Crimson Storm in receiving yards, with 66 yards and one touchdown. Another huge part of the SNU offense was wide receiver Donald May, who ran for 40 yards and a touchdown, while also snagging a receiving touchdown. The SNU defense was led by linebacker Carter Brock, who collected 11 total tackles, followed by defensive back Jalen Mays, who had 6 total tackles.
Despite going down 27-7 in the second quarter, the Rangers were able to fight back to get the game close in the third quarter, holding SNU scoreless as they trailed only 27-23. However, SNU fought back to extend their lead to 34-23 going into the fourth quarter. The SNU defense held NWOSU scoreless for much of the fourth quarter. However, the NWOSU defense was doing the same against Porter and the SNU offense as the score stayed the same until late in the fourth. The Rangers were able to connect for the first score of the fourth bringing the score to 34-29. The SNU defense came through late and held the NWOSU offense scoreless for the remainder of the game, and thanks to a Jarrell Farr 70-yard rush to the endzone, the game was put out of reach as the Crimson Storm went on to win 42-29.
SNU will be back in Bethany this Saturday as they take on the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs at home on September 23rd at 2:00 PM.
Photo by SNU Creative