LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Baptist College battled Oklahoma Panhandle State University throughout the afternoon Saturday, but a second-half surge by the Aggies proved too much for the Buffaloes in a 24-12 loss in Little Rock.
Arkansas Baptist showed promise early, using a strong rushing attack and a determined defensive effort to take a 6-0 lead in the second quarter. Kawann Johnson powered into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run with 10:16 remaining in the first half. The Buffaloes were unable to convert the extra point, but their defense kept Oklahoma Panhandle State off the scoreboard until a late field goal cut the halftime margin to 6-3.
The Buffaloes continued to compete after the break, but Oklahoma Panhandle State took its first lead with a third-quarter touchdown pass. Arkansas Baptist had an opportunity to respond with a lengthy drive, moving from its own 7-yard line to the Aggies' 36 before the possession ended on a turnover on downs.
Arkansas Baptist's defense continued to battle, but the Aggies found the end zone twice in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 23-6. Oklahoma Panhandle State capitalized on an interception and used its rushing attack to put the game out of reach.
The Buffaloes refused to go quietly. Quarterback Charles Coney led an 88-yard scoring drive late in the fourth quarter, capping the possession with a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:03 remaining. The two-point conversion failed, leaving Arkansas Baptist with the final 24-12 margin.
Johnson led the Buffaloes' rushing attack, finishing with 41 yards on five carries and a touchdown. Terrell Whethers added 62 yards on 11 carries, while Ingram Battles contributed 36 rushing yards and 31 receiving yards.
Through the air, Jayden Young completed 11 of 15 passes for 103 yards, while Coney finished with six completions for 62 yards. Soloman Daughtery was Young's leading target, recording six receptions for 64 yards.
Defensively, Antonio Taylor Jr. made his presence felt with seven total tackles and an interception. Vernon Grant also recorded seven tackles, while Sterling Barthelemy added six.
Arkansas Baptist finished with 322 total yards, including 157 on the ground and 165 through the air. The Buffaloes also converted three of five fourth-down attempts, demonstrating their willingness to keep drives alive and compete in difficult situations.
The loss drops Arkansas Baptist to 2-5 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Despite the setback, the Buffaloes showed determination on both sides of the ball and continued to compete until the final whistle.
