CONWAY -- Central Arkansas senior linebacker Raphael Garner knows all games count the same, but he also knows some mean a little more, like the one today when longtime Southland Conference powerhouse Sam Houston State hosts the Bears at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Sam Houston had the upper hand during the first two seasons of Garner's collegiate career, but UCA's 41-30 victory over the Bearkats last season helped push the Bears to an outright Southland championship and their second consecutive appearance in the NCAA FCS Playoffs.
"For me personally, this is our biggest rivalry," Garner said. "I want to win every game, but every year, beating them is something special, like last year. Last year was amazing. There's just something about beating Sam Houston."
UCA (2-1, 1-0 Southland) entered its bye week following a 33-25 victory over Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond, La., on Sept. 15. Sam Houston State (1-2, 0-1) has struggled early. It began its Southland schedule with a 27-7 loss at Nicholls State on Sept. 22, but UCA Coach Nathan Brown is expecting a significant test.
"They're very well coached," Brown said. "I think our guys are prepared and ready to go, but anytime you go to Huntsville, Texas, you're going to play a perennial power. Sam Houston is going to be a challenge."
"There is something about this game," Garner said. "It is just the next game on the list, but there's something about it. It feels like it has more significance than other games."
Brown's accolades began with Sam Houston State receivers Nathan Stewart and Davion Davis. Stewart, a junior, leads the Bearkats with 20 catches for 307 yards. Davis, a senior, has caught 19 passes for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns.
"It starts with those two receivers they've got," Brown said. "Two All-American receivers who as are good as anyone at this level of football. Both of them will be NFL football players."
Garner, 6-2, 235, said he is fully aware of Sam Houston State's pass catchers.
"They have very good wide receivers," Garner said. "They have two really good ones. In my opinion, those two guys run their offense."
Garner, who is from Thomasville, Ala., is in his third season as a starter for UCA. Brown said it was clear early on that he would contribute.
"He's played a lot of snaps for us over the last three years," Brown said. "Going into this year, I knew he was going to have a big role. He's a big, strong, athletic kid who can really diagnose an offense really quick. He's very smart when it comes to what offenses are going to do, and then Raphael has the size and speed to do what he has to do. I knew early on that he was going to be a really, really good player."
Garner is tied for second among UCA defensive players with 13 solo and 18 total tackles this season. He leads the team with 4.5 tackles for loss, including 1 sack.
UCA defensive coordinator Max Thurmond said Garner's game is at a high level.
"When he does what we ask him to do, Raphael is very, very consistent," Thurmond said. "He's a consistent guy who can make plays. With his toughness and athleticism, he can make plays on the perimeter and in the box. He's a very talented guy."
Sports on 09/29/2018