By TRAVIS HARMON-SMITH
Sports Editor
Northwestern’s penalties committed against Ouachita Baptist Saturday cost them their chance at Ranger Field as they fell 41-1- to the Tigers.
Early in the first quarter, Ranger quarterback Ty Hooper struggled to find his receivers as OBU’s defensive pressure increased. Hooper finally found a little room as he lined up in shotgun formation, finding Northwestern freshman receiver Taramick Courtney down the sideline for a 17-yard reception that gave the Rangers a first down.
Northwestern did not perform well in first down situations against OBU, as the Tigers applied more pressure from its defensive line corps. OBU’s defensive unit performed solidly throughout the first quarter, limiting Hooper’s passing opportunities. Northwestern’s offense went three and out during the first two possessions of the game.
OBU had great momentum at the start of the second quarter as they opened up with a 56-yard drive that gave the Tigers the lead. Northwestern’s offense was forced to punt on the next possession. OBU capitalized once again on another Northwestern miscue as OBU’s Etauj Allen took the punt return 60 yards for a touchdown, making it a 13-0 lead for the Tigers.
As the second quarter wound down, Northwestern was able to get on the board as Northwestern kicker Will Dawkins converted on a field goal to cut the score 13-3. During the last minutes of the second quarter, OBU responded with a touchdown, making the score 20-3. Moments after, the Ranger offense also responded with a touchdown and an extra point before going in at halftime down 20-10.
As the third quarter began, OBU scored on its first series, making the score 26-10. A couple of plays later, OBU’s Allen erupted with an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown, with the extra point try putting the score at 33-10 to end the third quarter.
OBU scored again during the fourth quarter, putting the final margin at 41-10.
Northwestern was led defensively by linebacker Alex Hemberger, who finished with 12 tackles, seven solo and five assisted. Ranger safety David Boatright also recorded nine tackles on the day.
Penalty yardage was devastating for the Northwestern, as the Rangers had 26 penalties for 289 yards.
Northwestern will return to Ranger Field Saturday for homecoming against in-state rival East Central University. Kick-off is 3 p.m.