RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — After an emotional and decisive road win to open the 2015 season, the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys (1-0, 1-0 Great American Conference) return home to the friendly confines of Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field this Saturday, Sept. 12, hosting GAC newcomer Oklahoma Baptist (0-1, 0-1). Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.

In the season opener the Wonder Boys scored early and often, with the first points of the game coming as Tech paid tribute to late defensive lineman Zemaric Holt. The Wonder Boys took to the field with just 10 men, and took advantage of a busted play by Southern Nazarene, recovering the fumble in the end zone for the score.

Tech continued its onslaught fueled by a ground game that racked up 469 yards – the second-highest single-game total in program history.

Bryan Allen and Brayden Stringer both went over the century mark, as Stringer rushed for 136 yards and a score while Allen turned in a 138-yard effort with a touchdown of his own. Kristian Thompson narrowly missed being the third Tech back to go over 100 yards with a 17-carry, 94-yard effort while JaMarcus Walker also carried for 64 yards.

Signal-caller Arsenio Favor was also solid in his Tech debut, scoring two touchdowns on the ground and connecting with Jabyes Cross through the air for another score as part of a 9-for-18 passing effort.

Defensively, the Wonder Boys were led by GAC Defensive Player of the Week Nick Akins, who recovered the game-opening fumble for a score and added five tackles (four solo and one assisted), with two tackles for loss and one sack. The Tech defense combined to hold SNU to just 196 yards of total offense.

The Wonder Boys will face a new challenge posed by Oklahoma Baptist, a team that has not crossed paths with the Arkansas Tech in 85 years.

The Bison were picked to finish last in the preseason poll, but their performance against No. 21/19 Harding this past week may have some coaches in the league rethinking their votes. Harding jumped out to a 13-0 halftime lead, but Oklahoma Baptist would not go quietly, tying the game at 13-13 in the third quarter and holding Harding scoreless in the fourth quarter.

A missed extra point in overtime made the difference and sent Harding back to Searcy with a narrow win over the GAC newcomers, but made the point to the remainder of the league that the conference newcomers are poised to make an impact in the league this year.

OBU used a short but accurate pass game to advance the ball downfield at crucial times. While Harding outgained OBU 423-to-236 on the ground, the OBU defense forced some key turnovers in the second half to slow the Harding momentum.

The game will be broadcast live on 102.3 FM (KCJC) in Russellville, with live audio, video, and statistics available at www.arkansastechsports.com.