RiverHawks, Patton Boot Savage Storm

DURANT, Okla. --- Drew Patton booted a 20-yard field goal on the game’s final play to lift Northeastern State to a thrilling 26-24 victory over Southeastern Oklahoma at Paul Laird Field in the Lone Star Conference opener for both schools.

The RiverHawks improved to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in league play, while SE fell to 1-4 and 0-1.

Patton’s game-winner capped a 15-play drive that covered 86 yards over the last 2:22. The big plays in the drive were two receptions from Trey McVay and a catch from tight end Logan Cawyer.

The RiverHawks took  23-21 advantage with 5:50 to go when McVay caught his second touchdown of the night, a six-yarder from Kenny Davis. However, the PAT was mishandled, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.  McVay also hauled in a 64-yarder in the first half to knot the game at 7-all at halftime.

In a game perhaps better summed up as “a lesson in futility,” Northeastern State persevered. The RiverHawks had four possessions in the red zone in the first half without any points, then lost a fumble on third-and-goal from the SE one-yard line in the third quarter.

Davis and the offense tallied a season-high 408 yards, 161 on the ground and 245 through the air. Southeastern amassed 418 yards, 207 on the ground and 211 by pass.

Prince McKinney just missed eclipsing the century mark rushing. The Broken Arrow senior had 20 carries for 98 yards and a TD.

Northeastern State will step out of LSC North action next week to host nationally-ranked West Texas A&M at noon at Doc Wadley Stadium.