Football | 3/13/2021 4:18:00 PM
Box Score GOODWELL, Okla. – Oklahoma Panhandle State University football pushed NAIA No. 16-ranked Ottawa University-Arizona to the brink, eventually suffering a 35-28 Homecoming Game setback at Anchor D Stadium. The loss dropped the Aggies to m1-6 overall and 1-2 in the Sooner Athletic Conference, while the Spirit improved to 1-1 and 1-1 in the SAC.
"I liked our intensity and effort," OPSU Head Coach
Bob Majeski said. "We played really hard. I was proud of our players and coaches. There was a lot of bright spots. But, there are plenty of things that we need to continue to work on."
While OUAZ held the upper hand in total offense (617-228), it was a stout OPSU defense that helped the hosts keep the pressure on the nationally-ranked Spirit. The Aggies turned in three defensive scores, two on a pair of pick-sixes by freshman defensive back
Marquez Johnson. Johnson pilfered passes of 75 and 55 yards that were returned for scores, each time breaking a deadlock and giving the Aggies a lead. Johnson also had a game-leading 14 tackles (seven solo) and a pass break-up.
Nathan Alvarado also had a 16 yard fumble return for a touchdown in the first quarter for the OPSU defensive unit. Alvarado also had two tackles.
Other top tacklers for Panhandle State included
Ja'Quavion Daniels (8),
Ryan DeHorney (8),
Kameron Dickerson (8),
Braden Price (7) and
Matt Hernandez (7). Daniels also had an interception to his credit.
OPSU's only non-defensive touchdown was the team's first tally of the afternoon. After an incomplete pass,
Jamalrian Jones carried for eight yards to the OPSU 20. On the very next attempt, Jones burst through the Spirit secondary on an 80-yard touchdown jaunt.
On the day, Jones carried 23 times for 153 yards (an average of 6.7 yards per carry).
After leading or being tied with Ottawa the majority of the game, the Spirit scored what would prove to be the game-winning score with 8:37 left to play in the game.
