RiverHawks Topple Bronchos

TAHLEQUAH, Okla --- Northeastern State reclaimed the President's Cup Trophy on Saturday with a 39-28 victory over Central Oklahoma in Lone Star North Division action at rain-soaked Wadley Stadium.

The RiverHawks remained unbeaten in LSC North action at 4-0 and improved to 5-3 overall and 5-2 in the LSC. With two games to play, Northeastern State leads East Central by one game, while Eastern New Mexico and Texas A&M-Commerce are two games behind. ECU edged Southeastern Oklahoma on Saturday, while A&M-Commerce had its game with Southwestern Oklahoma postponed until Sunday afternoon due to inclement weather. ENMU lost an LSC crossover game to No. 4-ranked Abilene Christian.

Josh Lewis ran for 100 yards and a pair of TDs, while Trey McVay had six catches for 100 yards a two touchdowns to lead the RiverHawks' offense.

Central Oklahoma (2-6 overall, 2-5 in LSC and 1-3 in LSC North) staked an early 7-0 lead when Ethan Sharp engineered an 11-play, 85-yard drive on their opening series, capped by a six-yard scoring strike to Dolphin Davis.

However, the RiverHawks answered with back-to-back scoirng receptions from McVay for a 15-7 lead early in the second quarter.

Josh Birmingham, who rushed 24 times for 102 yards, brought the Bronchos to within 15-14 on a 3-yard run and UCO took a 21-15 lead just 1:46 later when Creadell Pennon scooped up a fumble and raced untouched 37 yards for a 21-15 lead.

Drew Patton kicked a 21-yard field goal and Lewis scored his first TD of the game with 1:52 left in the half and Northeastern State led 25-21 at the break.

Birmingham converted a fourth down-and-seven with a 33-yard scoring jaunt early in the third quarter to put Central Oklahoma ahead 28-25. But, the RiverHawks defense stiffened and held UCO scoreless the rest of the way and Davis and Lewis provided the offensive firepower in the fourth with a rushing touchdown each for the final outcome.

Northeastern State had 428 yards of total offense, 264 of those coming through the air as Davis connected on 17-of-31 passes without an interception. UCO had 331 total yards, 105 rushing and 226 passing.

The RiverHawks will travel to play East Central next Saturday at 2 p.m. in Ada, while UCO hosts Texas A&M-Commerce.