TAHELQUAH, OK -- The Miners picked up a big win on the road tonight, defeating Northeastern State 27-24 on a clutch, last-second, 43-yard field goal by
Layne Ryals (Louisburg, KS/Louisburg).
S&T and NSU both turned the ball over in the opening quarter, with
Matthew Hutson (Liberty, MO/Liberty North) recovering a fumble on the opening drive for the Riverhawks and
Jake Farrell (Scottsdale, AZ/Notre Dame Prep) getting intercepted early. Neither team was able to capitalize on the errors though, leaving the first quarter scoreless for both squads.
A second interception by Farrell in the first few minutes of the second quarter provided good field position for the Riverhawks that they converted for six points three plays later, taking a 7-0 lead. The Miners put together a 6-minute drive to answer with a touchdown of their own, converting on a gutsy 4th & 1 attempt at their own 36-yard line to aid in their first points of the contest. S&T would get the ball back before halftime with 2:49 on the clock, allowing them to put together an 11-play, 68-yard drive that ultimately resulted in three more points off a 25-yard field goal.
The Riverhawks came out with a pair of quick scores to open the second half, connecting for a 71-yard receiving touchdown and snagging a pick-six to pull ahead 21-10. S&T would go three-and-out in their following drive but found new life with an interception by Seneca Bradley three plays later that set up a 19-yard rushing touchdown for
AJ Harris (Wentzville, MO/Lutheran-St. Charles), converting on a two point try to make it 21-18 in the first minute of the 4th.
The Riverhawks returner would fumble on the kickoff after Harris' touchdown (fumble forced by
Kaden Glass (San Antonio, TX/Pieper) and recovered by
Reid Meekins (Houston, TX/Cypress Falls)). The fumble recovery led to a touchdown pass from Farrell to
Tyler Gioia (Huntington Beach, CA/Edison) on the next play, giving S&T a 24-21 lead. NSU answered by marching down the field and tying the game with a 25-yard field goal.
After an empty drive for the Miners, NSU marched down the field again and got into position for a 29-yard field goal try.
Louis Traglia (Wichita, KS/Kapaun Mount Carmel) would prevent the Riverhawks from retaking the lead though, blocking the attempt and giving the Miners the ball at their own 20 with 2:58 left in the game. The Miners moved the ball well in the final minutes, going on a 54-yard drive in 12 plays to set up a 43-yard game-winning field goal by Ryals.
The Miner offense recorded 28 first downs to NSU's 14, moving the ball well throughout the contest on several methodical drives. The offense also converted on every 4th down try, going 4-for-4. The defense forced and recovered three fumbles on the night and totaled 10 tackles for loss.
What's Next
The Miners are on the road again next Saturday, facing Missouri Western at 6pm on September 13th.
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