There were no surprises in the first week of GAC action that Arkansas-based teams faced off.
Top-ranked and defending national champion Harding kicked things off on Thursday by essentially handling Arkansas-Monticello in the first quarter.
No. 16 Ouachita Baptist slipped past Southern Arkansas on the road with a strong defensive performance, while the Reddie defense of No. 17 Henderson State clamped down on Arkansas Tech.
This week’s headliner features a top 20 matchup to cap the Saturday slate as Harding welcomes Henderson State to First Security Stadium.
Week 2 Results
No. 1 Harding 63 Arkansas-Monticello 3
No. 16 Ouachita Baptist 25 Southern Arkansas 20
No. 17 Henderson State 27 Arkansas Tech 12
Dugger name GAC Defensive Player of the Week
Junior defensive back Ty Dugger was selected as the Great American Conference Defensive Player of the Week following a standout performance in Harding’s 63-3 win over Arkansas-Monticello. It is the first time in his career that the 2023 first team All-GAC selection has earned the honor.
Dugger nabbed 2 first quarter interceptions in the dominant triumph over UAM, including one that he returned 43 yards for a touchdown, and recorded 2 tackles.
Top Performers
DB Kolbi Crawford (Bentonville), Henderson State, R-JR
Crawford led the Reddies with 8 total tackles, including .5 for loss, broke up 2 passes, and returned an interception 43 yards for a score in HSU’s 27-12 win over Arkansas Tech.
ATH Braden Jay (Cabot), Harding, JR
Jay hauled in a 70-yard touchdown in Harding’s 63-3 win over Arkansas-Monticello.
DB Kenta Jones (Marion), Ouachita Baptist, Gra. SR
Jones logged 7 total tackles, including 7 solo and .5 for loss, in OBU’s 25-20 win over Southern Arkansas.
QB Cole Keylon (Harrison), Harding, JR
Keylon does not pass a lot, but he made the most of his throws in Harding’s 63-3 win over Arkansas-Monticello. He completed 3 of his 4 attempts for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns, including one for 70 yards.
DL Gary Lewis (Fordyce), Henderson State, R-JR
Lewis collected 7 total tackles, including 2.5 for loss with a sack, in Henderson’s 27-12 win over Arkansas Tech.
QB Eli Livingston (Batesville), Ouachita Baptist, SR
Livingston compiled 253 yards of offense (133 passing, 139 rushing) and 2 touchdowns in OBU’s 25-20 win over Southern Arkansas.
RB Andrew Miller (Harding Academy), Harding, SO
Miller led the Bisons with 78 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 6 carries in Harding’s 63-3 win over Arkansas-Monticello.
LB Jyrin Steward (El Dorado), Arkansas Tech, JR
Steward once again led the Wonderboys with 12 total tackles, including 6 solo and 4 for loss with a sack, and forced a fumble in ATU’s 27-12 loss to Henderson State.
K/P Logan Tymeson (Bentonville), Arkansas Tech, SO
Tymeson averaged 40.6 yards per punt with a long of 46 and 62.8 yards per kickoff in ATU’s 27-12 loss to Henderson State.
DL Catrell Wallace (Bryant), Henderson State, JR
Wallace logged 6 total tackles, including 1.5 for loss, in Henderson’s 27-12 win over Arkansas Tech.
Week 4 Schedule
Arkansas-Monticello (2-1) at No. 16 Ouachita Baptist (3-0) 6 p.m.
No. 17 Henderson State (3-0) at No. 1 Harding (3-0) 7 p.m.
Southern Arkansas (2-1) at Arkansas Tech (2-1) 6 p.m.
* Note – This weekly report is exclusive to Arkansas-based GAC schools and native Arkansas prep players.
Cover photo via Harding University Athletics
Kyle Sutherland is a journalist and podcast host (Arkansas Preps Weekly) for The Natural State Sports Network. His written work has been featured in outlets including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Best of Arkansas Sports and Hooten’s Arkansas Football. He is also the color commentator for 103.7 The Buzz’s high school football Game of the Week. Email Kyle at kyle@naturalstatesports.com.