www.arkansastechsports.com. The Wonder Boys won their season opener for the ninth time in the last 10 years by defeating Northwestern Oklahoma State University 38-10 in Alva, Okla., on Thursday, Sept. 5. Arkansas Tech committed zero turnovers and rolled up 431 yards of total offense in the victory. The Wonder Boys’ defense held the Rangers to 214 yards of total offense and did not allow a point in the second half. “We played a lot better in the second half that we did in the first,” said Monica. “The offense did a great job controlling the clock in the second half. Once you go back and look at the tape, you see some players who perform better than what you thought they were capable of and other players who need to improve. The big focus this week has been on improving as much as we can each day.” Like Arkansas Tech, Southwestern Oklahoma State will try for a 2-0 start to the 2013 season on Saturday. The Bulldogs knocked off 2012 NCAA Division II Playoffs participant Harding University 27-23 in their season opener on Sept. 5. SWOSU rallied from a 13-point, second-half deficit behind the efforts of senior quarterback Dustin Stenta. He passed for 240 yards and two touchdowns and also scored the game-winning touchdown on an 8-yard run with 1:13 remaining in the fourth quarter. Stenta is scheduled to make his 31st career start at quarterback for the Bulldogs on Saturday. He ranks No. 2 among the Southwestern Oklahoma State all-time career leaders in passing yards (6,753) and touchdown passes (39). “(Stenta) is such an experienced quarterback,” said Monica. “He does a great job spreading the ball around. He understands the ins and outs of their offense, and you can tell he is a great leader for their football team.” Arkansas Tech owns a 5-4 all-time football record against Southwestern Oklahoma State. The Wonder Boys gained the upper hand in the all-time series last season with a come-from-behind 45-37 victory over the Bulldogs at Fast Lane Field in Weatherford, Okla. Saturday’s game against Southwestern Oklahoma State will mark Arkansas Tech’s only home football game in the month of September. The Wonder Boys will play consecutive road games at Southern Nazarene University (Okla.), Nicholls State University (La.) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello the next three weeks before returning home on Oct. 12 for their Family Day game against Southern Arkansas University.]]>
