SOUTHLAND

Big second quarter fuels UCA’s blowout victory

Central Arkansas running back Keshawn Ledet scores on a 4-yard run during the second quarter of the Bears’ 58-27 victory over Abilene Christian on Saturday.
Central Arkansas running back Keshawn Ledet scores on a 4-yard run during the second quarter of the Bears’ 58-27 victory over Abilene Christian on Saturday.

The Central Arkansas Bears (4-1, 3-0 Southland Conference) scored 28 points in the second quarter to rout Abilene Christian 58-27 on Saturday at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene, Texas.

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Courtesy of Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas returner Jatavious Wilson caught four passes for 49 yards and 1 touchdown for the Bears, who are tied for first place in the Southland Conference with Sam Houston State.

Up 9-7, UCA quarterback Hayden Hildebrand kept the ball on the first play of the second quarter and ran for an 80-yard touchdown on third and 9 to grab a 16-7 lead.

After Abilene (0-5, 0-3) kicked a field goal, the Bears responded with an eight-play, 48-yard drive that Kelton Warren capped with a 1-yard touchdown run with 6:12 left in the half for a 23-10 lead.

Abilene managed another field goal, but Keshawn Ledet’s 4-yard touchdown run put the Bears ahead 30-13.

Abilene attempted to drive late in the second quarter, but Patrick McKenzie’s pass was intercepted by UCA’s George Odum and returned 18 yards for a touchdown and 37-13 halftime advantage.

Dwayne Smith’s 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 4:33 left in the third quarter highlighted a second half in which UCA outscored Abilene 21-14.

Nine different B ears shared in the team’s 53 carries for 341 yards. Ledet and Hildebrand led the team with 80 yards apiece.

Hildebrand also completed 15 of 23 passes for 173 yards and 1 touchdown.

The Bears defense held Abilene to 253 total yards and forced three interceptions.

McKenzie finished 14-of-31 passing for 155 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Trey James and De’Andre Brown each had rushing touchdowns for Abilene Christian.

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