Miscues Doom RiverHawks

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Fifth-ranked Abilene Christian blocked three Northeastern State punts and tossed a shutout in the second half en route to a 43-13 win at Doc Wadley Stadium Saturday night.

The loss dropped the RiverHawks to 1-1 on the year, while ACU improved to 2-0.

Chris Jones blocked two punts, two of which were returned for a Wildcat scores by Nick Baiiley and Caleb Withrow, to highlight a 26-point first half output. Morgan Lineberry booted two field goals of 28-and 29-yards on ACU's first two possessions, and Kedrick Johnson returned a punt 80 yards during the first 30 minutes.

However, Northeastern State responded with 13 points in the second on Trey McVay's 26-yard pass from Kenny Davis. Kendell McKellum also hauled in a "Hail Mary" on the final play of the half to pull the RiverHawks to within 26-13 at intermission.

The final half belonged to Abilene Christian. Emery Dudensing caught a 3-yard pass from Mitchell Gale and Darrell Cantu-Harkless turned a 3rd down and 1 into an 83-yard TD scamper to put the game away in the third quarter.

Gale was 18-of-25 passing for 161 yards yards as ACU put up 332 yards in total offense.

Davis had 112 yards passing for the RiverHawks and the ground attack amassed only 92 yards.

Northeastern State will take on FCS (formerly NCAA I-AA) opponent North Dakota next Saturday afternoon in the annual Potato Bowl in Grand Forks, ND. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.