In a lightning-delayed United Athletic Conference matchup at Eccles Coliseum on Saturday night, the University of Central Arkansas football team emerged victorious by a final score of 29-27 against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds.
The Bears (3-2, 2-0 UAC) showcased their resilience, overcoming 14 penalties, a one-hour lightning delay and a late two-point conversion attempt.
Senior quarterback Will McElvain led the way for UCA, delivering three touchdown passes on the night, two of which found junior running back Kylin James.
Junior kicker Jake Gaster contributed to the win with three field goals.
This win improved UCA’s overall record to 3-2 and also marked its second consecutive UAC victory.
Despite the Thunderbirds (1-4, 0-1 UAC) making a late fourth-quarter push after a UCA interception — closing the gap to 29-27 with 2:27 remaining — UCA sophomore cornerback James Jordan came through with a crucial pass breakup on the two-point conversion attempt, preserving the two-point lead.
The Thunderbirds had one last opportunity, but UCA sophomore linebacker Demetrias Charles sealed the game by breaking up a pass on fourth down.
UCA had a challenging first half, plagued by nine penalties that cost them 97 yards, but the Bears went into the locker room at halftime with a 20-7 lead.
The Bears’ offense started the game strong, scoring on their first possession of the game. Gaster nailed the 34-yard field goal with 11:31 left to play in the first quarter. McElvain threw an 18-yard touchdown strike to Kylin James with 1:18 left in the first quarter, extending the lead to 10-7.
The Thunderbirds closed the gap to 10-7 with an 8-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Justin Miller to senior wide receiver Timothy Patrick in the second quarter.
UCA’s offense responded with McElvain orchestrating a seven-play, 65-yard drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown pass to Owens, bringing the score to 17-7.
Gaster capped off the first half scoring with an additional 34-yard field goal with just over seven minutes left to play in the second quarter, making the score 20-7 going into halftime.
McElvain had an impressive first half, completing 19 of 28 passes for 230 yards. Junior running back ShunDerrick Powell added 71 rushing yards on 11 carries.
The Thunderbirds began the second half firing on all cylinders, taking advantage of a UCA turnover and cutting the margin to 20-13 after a 22-yard touchdown pass from Justin Miller.
The Bears responded with a 75-yard scoring drive, capped off by a 17-yard touchdown throw from McElvain to James. A missed point after touchdown left the Bears with a 26-14 lead.
Following a near one-hour lightning delay, the Bears secured an interception from junior safety TaMuarion Wilson right at midfield.
UCA capitalized with Jake Gaster’s third made field goal of the night, extending their lead to 29-14 with 10:28 left to play.
The Thunderbirds scored the game’s final two touchdowns due to solid field position from a short punt and secured another interception.
McElvain completed 29 of 48 passes for 349 yards, setting career highs in both categories.
James had a career-best performance with nine receptions for 97 yards and Powell rushed for 115 yards on 18 carries.
UCA’s defense continued to shine, limiting the Thunderbirds to just 232 yards of total offense on 67 plays, averaging 3.5 yards per play.
Sophomore linebacker Jake Golday led the Bears defense with seven tackles, while Wilson added six tackles — along with a tackle for loss and an interception.
UCA recorded nine tackles for loss and two sacks from junior defensive lineman Javeon Jones and junior defensive end David Walker.
The Bears return to Conway for a nonconference matchup against Southeast Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. The game will be held at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.