The Wildcats clinched their second consecutive United Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday with a win over the University of Central Arkansas.
With several scenarios for the team to secure the automatic qualifier in the FCS playoffs, the Wildcats made it simple by dominating the Bears on their way to a 49-28 victory.
The Cats started slow, going down 14-3 early. However, a 29-point third quarter launched the team into the driver’s seat. One of four touchdowns in the third came from Tyson Williams, junior defensive back from Tulsa, Oklahoma, on a 71-yard punt return touchdown.
“He’s getting more comfortable back there,” Head Coach Keith Patterson said. “Early in the year, with a new returner back there, we didn’t want to put a lot on him.”
Patterson also said that since Williams has gotten more comfortable in the return game, he’s been able to fair catch less and start returning more punts.
“All of a sudden, we’re able to have a whole new dynamic,” Patterson said.
Stone Earle, senior quarterback from Fort Worth, rushed for three touchdowns while throwing for two. He ended the night with 316 all-purpose yards and five total touchdowns.
“We were just taking what they were giving us,” Earle said. “I just had to trust those guys to do their job, and they had to trust me to do mine.”
Earle completed 17 of his first 18 passes despite facing the 21-13 deficit at halftime.
Javon Gipson, senior wide receiver from Richmond, had a career night, catching 10 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. Itty Henry, junior tight end from Belton, also caught a touchdown, a 23-yard seam route from Earle. The Wildcats had eight different pass catchers record a reception.
“I told all our guys on the bus over here that they were about to have some career nights,” Earle said. “I’m just proud of that group for keeping their heads up these last couple of weeks.”
Dorian Plumley, senior safety from El Reno, Oklahoma, intercepted two passes, marking the second time this season he’s had two in a game.
“It’s a blessing,” Plumley said. “I had to take a moment on the sideline to thank God for everything I’ve been through and for everything this team’s been through.”
The Wildcats will host Lamar University, an at-large bid recipient, on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Wildcat Stadium in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. Dating back to 2022, the Wildcats hold a 10-13 record against the Cardinals but have won each of the last three matchups.
