Monday, October 27, 1997

Northeastern State overtakes Southwestern Oklahoma; other leaders win

By The Associated Press

Northeastern State halted Southwestern Oklahoma State's uncanny Lone Star Conference mastery, wresting away second place in the North Division along the way.

SWOSU fell to 2-5 overall, but both victories had been against league rivals while the team had lost all four of its non-conference games. Northeastern State (3-5, 3-1) cinched the 7-6 victory Saturday only when SWOSU kicker Kyle Bengs missed a late 29-yard attempt.

SWOSU, 2-1 in conference play, fell to third place.

In other games Saturday, North leader Central Oklahoma beat Ouachita Baptist 31-14, Abilene Christian defeated Tarleton 23-17, Eastern New Mexico edged Texas A&M-Commerce 10-9 and Harding beat East Central 41-21.

Additionally, both South leaders won: Angelo State beat Midwestern State 30-9 and Texas A&M-Kingsville routed West Texas A&M 0.

Ryan Logan's 217 rushing yards and four touchdowns paced Central Oklahoma (7-1, 3-0), while the defense collected five turnovers by Ouachita (3-5, 2-2).

Angelo State improved to 7-0 and 4-0 despite being outgained 264 yards to 252 by Midwestern State (2-5, 0-4). ASU capitalized on a blocked punt to ring up 20 points in the third period.

Texas A&M-Kingsville's top Division II defense held sway, holding West Texas A&M (4-4, 1-3) to just 97 total yards and just 1 rushing yard. TAMK (6-1, 4-0) scored a touchdown and a safety on two blocked punts.

Jose Rabe came of the bench for Abilene Christian (6-2, 3-1) to throw for 279 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the third quarter. Tarleton fell to 2-6 overall and 1-5 in Lone Star play.

Eastern New Mexico (5-3, 2-2) shook off a below-zero wind chill to overcome a nine-point deficit in the second half against Texas A&M-Commerce (3-5, 2-2).

Harding (4-4, 2-2) rushed 53 times for 336 yards and four touchdowns to keep East Central (0-7, 0-3) winless.