The Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm were looking for redemption after starting the season 0-1 with a tough loss in Searcy to the Division 2 reigning champs, the Harding Bison. The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys came into Bethany after winning their season opener. Despite the Crimson Storm’s efforts, their home opener was spoiled by the Wonderboys, as they lost 26-6 at home.
The Crimson Storm finished the game with 144 passing yards and 73 rushing yards, totaling 217 yards of total offense. In comparison, the Wonderboys collected 344 passing yards, and only 14 rushing yards, totaling 358 total yards of offense. The Crimson Storm’s only points came in the 2nd quarter, with two field goals made by sophomore kicker/punter, Kameron Van Prooyen.
Their offense wasn’t able to get down the field as quarterback duo redshirt junior, Bryson Evans, and graduate student, Rasheed Noel, combined for 9 completions out of 18 attempts for 144 passing yards. Arkansas Tech was all over the passing game, going for 23 completions out of 33 attempts with three touchdowns. Running back Carlos Zepeda led the Crimson Storm on the ground with 7 attempts for 40 yards rushing.
Evans reflects on the night, giving a shoutout to the defense. He said, “They put the offense in a great position all night. As an offense, we need to execute better and continue to prepare to the best of our abilities.”
Despite the lack of offense from the Storm, there were highlight moments from the defense. The Crimson Storm was led in tackles by senior defensive back, Aaron Randle, with a team-high of seven total tackles. They were also led by senior defensive lineman, David Omosigho, who had six solo tackles, with two tackles for loss, and one sack. Redshirt junior linebacker, Emmanuel Obinna, and junior defensive back, Kobe Nichols, also added in highlight moments for the Crimson Storm, with Nichols returning a fumble recovery for 66 yards and Obinna with his own tackle for a loss of 15 yards.
Despite the loss, Omosigho keeps a positive mindset going into next week’s game against Northwestern Oklahoma State. “The loss to Arkansas Tech shows we still have room to grow, and I genuinely believe it’s only up from here.”
The Crimson Storm looks to get back in the win column next Saturday, September 21st, as they take on the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers. They will be back at home in Bethany and will kick off at 3:00 PM. Show up and show out for our boys!
Photo by Kimalee Cook