PINE BLUFF, AR.— Five different Golden Lions reached the end zone as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff piled up more than 500 yards of total offense and held off a late Central State rally for a thrilling 41-35 victory Saturday night inside Simmons Bank Field.
The victory improved UAPB to 2-2 on the season, while Central State fell to 1-3.
The Golden Lions put together an explosive offensive performance, finishing with 502 total yards, including a dominant 315 yards on the ground, while averaging 8.7 yards per play. UAPB built a commanding 34-7 lead in the third quarter and later stretched the advantage to 41-19 before Central State made a late push.
"We rushed for over 300 yards tonight, and when you're running the ball that well, it creates opportunities for the guys on the outside," UAPB head coach Alonzo Hampton said. "There's a role for a lot of people on this team. We just have to solidify those roles, correct some things and continue to get better."
Za'Marion Webber led the Golden Lions' rushing attack with 77 yards and a touchdown, averaging 9.6 yards per carry. Jack Schierholz provided another spark with 69 yards and a touchdown on just two carries, while Jaylen Jennings added 63 yards and a score.
Through the air, Demetric Whitlock Jr. hauled in four receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. Garrison Davis completed 11-of-16 passes as the Golden Lions finished with 187 passing yards.
UAPB was equally disruptive on the defensive side of the ball, completely shutting down Central State's rushing attack. The Golden Lions held the Marauders to just seven rushing yards while recording 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Tylan Cole was a force in the backfield, finishing with four tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and two sacks. Danarius Hilliard added three tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss and a sack, while Du'Wayne Paulhill led the Golden Lions with nine tackles.
The Golden Lions also forced a turnover and turned the takeaway into seven points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UAPB wasted little time setting the tone in its home opener, striking first with 6:56 remaining in the opening quarter to take a 7-0 lead. The Golden Lions added a field goal to extend the advantage to 10-0.
After Central State cut the deficit to 10-7, UAPB responded with a touchdown with 4:52 remaining in the second quarter before adding another field goal to take a 20-7 lead into halftime.
The Golden Lions came out firing in the second half.
UAPB scored two unanswered touchdowns to open the third quarter, stretching its advantage to 34-7.
Central State responded with 12 points to make it 34-19, but the Golden Lions answered once again, finding the end zone with 14:05 remaining in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 41-19.
The Marauders made a furious late push, scoring 16 unanswered points to pull within six, but UAPB held on down the stretch to secure the 41-35 victory.
With four games now in the books, Hampton said the upcoming bye week gives the Golden Lions an opportunity to regroup before returning to action.
"The bye week is coming at a great time," Hampton said. "We've battled for four weeks, and now we get a chance to reset."
GAME NOTES
» UAPB improved to 2-2 on the season.
» Five different Golden Lions reached the end zone.
» UAPB finished with 502 yards of total offense.
» The Golden Lions outrushed Central State 315-7.
» UAPB averaged 8.7 yards per play.
» The Golden Lions scored first and never trailed.
» UAPB built its largest lead at 34-7.
» The Golden Lions recorded 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.
» Du'Wayne Paulhill led UAPB with nine tackles.
» Tylan Cole recorded 3.0 tackles for loss and two sacks.
» Garrison Davis completed 11-of-16 passes (68.8 percent).
» UAPB scored 14 unanswered points to open the second half.
