PINE BLUFF, AR.- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team battled Prairie View A&M until the final seconds Saturday afternoon, but a 43-yard field goal by Ethan Eddins as time expired lifted the Panthers to a 13-10 victory over the Golden Lions at Simmons Bank Field.
The heartbreaking loss came on Senior Day, as UAPB honored its senior student-athletes and staff members before a crowd of 7,172.
With the loss, UAPB fell to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play, while Prairie View A&M improved to 6-5 overall and 5-2 in conference action.
Despite the outcome, the Golden Lions delivered a strong defensive performance, holding the Panthers to 306 yards of total offense and keeping the game within reach until the final play.
UAPB Defensive Leaders
The Golden Lions' defense was led by Chase Smith, who recorded a team-high 10 tackles and one pass breakup. Derick Simon Jr. and Raylen Spratt followed with nine tackles apiece, with Simon adding 1.5 tackles for loss and Spratt contributing one tackle for loss and a pass breakup.
Danarius Hilliard continued his strong defensive play, finishing with eight tackles, one tackle for loss and half a sack. Du'Wayne Paulhill Jr. added eight tackles and one tackle for loss, while Derron Moore registered eight tackles and one tackle for loss.
Na'il Johnson also contributed eight tackles and one tackle for loss, while Tylan Cole finished with five tackles and one tackle for loss.
Collectively, the Golden Lions totaled 78 tackles, nine tackles for loss and one sack, consistently challenging the Panthers' offensive attack.
Offensive Highlights
Offensively, Jalen Williams led UAPB's rushing attack with 51 yards on 10 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, including a 13-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Jack Schierholz added 40 rushing yards while completing 10 of 22 passes for 140 yards.
Senior wide receiver Jordan Jackson provided a spark in the passing game, hauling in two receptions for a team-high 78 yards, including a 56-yard reception.
Demetric Whitlock Jr. added three catches for 26 yards, while D'Avery Robinson contributed two receptions for 12 yards.
UAPB finished with 247 yards of total offense, including 140 passing yards and 107 rushing yards.
How It Happened
After a scoreless first quarter, UAPB struck first when Williams powered into the end zone on a 13-yard touchdown run with 13:28 remaining in the second quarter. Trey Glymph converted the extra point to give the Golden Lions a 7-0 advantage.
Prairie View A&M responded late in the first half when quarterback Tevin Carter scored on a five-yard touchdown run with 1:50 remaining before halftime, tying the contest at 7-7.
The Panthers took their first lead late in the third quarter when Eddins connected on a 31-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining, putting Prairie View A&M ahead 10-7.
UAPB answered early in the fourth quarter as Glymph drilled a 38-yard field goal with 13:00 remaining, evening the score at 10-10 and setting up a dramatic finish.
Both teams continued to battle defensively throughout the final quarter. However, Prairie View A&M put together a 12-play, 45-yard drive in the closing minutes, setting up Eddins' game-winning 43-yard field goal as time expired.
