Sophomore back Trevar Deed
CLEVELAND – The Statesmen Nation took a deep breath Saturday at Parker Field-McCool Stadium, as the No. 16-ranked Statesmen of Delta State University (1-1) held off the Boll Weevils of the University of Arkansas-Monticello (2-1) for a 37-31 come-from-behind victory in front of 6,789 fans. The Statesmen rallied from a 31-30 deficit to claim the win and extend DSU’s winning streak to 12 games over the Weevils.
In the first quarter, UAM marched 75 yards downfield on their first possession capping off an eight play drive that lasted a little over four minutes. Quarterback Scoot Buisson connected with Charles Spann from 17 yards out to give the Boll Weevils a 7-0 lead. It was the first lead head coach Gwaine Mathews has had in his head coaching career against the Statesmen.
With less than two minutes remaining in the first quarter, Garrett DeWitt teamed up with a wide open Trevar Deed in the back of the end zone from seven yards to even the contest at 7-7.
Deed would rack up his second touchdown of the game 11 minutes into the second quarter, as DeWitt rolled out of the pocket to buy some time for Deed to get open from 15 yards out for a 14-7 Statesmen lead.
An interception from Dominic Spinks at the 34 yard line led to the Statesmen’s next score in the second quarter. Following three straight incomplete passes, sophomore kicker Tom Santos made it 17-7 with a 22-yard field goal with 2:04 left in the half.
UAM added three points late in the half with a 23-yard field goal by Nick Green to make it 17-10 at the break.
The Statesmen racked up 204 yards on offense, while the defense held the Boll Weevils to 171 yards.
DeWitt was solid in the first half going 13-of-22 for 142-yards and two scores, while Rafael Mitchell led the rushing game racking up 28-yards. Deed had four receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
Chad Schroeder made it a two-possession ball game with a two-yard run with 10 minutes left to play in the third quarter.
UAM answered back on their next possession with a with a seven-yard quarterback keeper by Buisson to make it 24-17.
The Boll Weevils continued to wear down the Statesmen defense and finally tied the ball game at 10:53 in the fourth quarter. On third and 14, Tim Harris made an 18-yard reception from deep in the end zone, to keep them in the ball game.
The momentum quickly shifted in favor of the Boll Weevils late in the fourth quarter. Blake Barnes’ pass was intercepted at his own 36-yard line by Jeremy Brown, who ran it all the way back for the go-ahead touchdown to give UAM a 31-24 lead.
Delta State, with their backs against the wall, charged downfield in a little over two minutes and quickly scored with a two-yard run by Deed, his third touchdown on the night. However, Santos missed the extra point after it banged off the right goal post to keep the Weevils in the lead 31-30.
The Statesmen defense was the difference in the final two minutes of the game, as they made a big stop on a fourth and one at their own 29-yard line stuffing Scott Buisson’s rush attempt.
Two plays later, DeWitt connected with Greg Betterson on a 65-yard touchdown reception to give the Statesmen a 37-31 lead and the win.
DSU amassed 430 yards of offense on 76 plays, while UAM tallied 341 yards on 84 plays. The Statesmen also tallied 220-yards in penalties on the night.
DeWitt finished 17-of-31 passing for 239 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Statesmen. Blake Barnes, who saw limited action, completed 5-of-10 for 73 yards and pair of interceptions. Betterson hauled in five receptions for 141 yards and a score, while Deed finished with four grabs and 75 yards with two scores. Deed also rushed for 51 yards and one touchdown.
Buisson was 22-of-42 for 208 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. The sophomore quarterback also rushed for 103-yards and a score on 24 carries.
Delta State returns to the field next Saturday at First Security Stadium, as the Statesmen travel to Harding University. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Searcy, Ark.