Tech vs. HSU Game Notes

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys football team (2-2) will return to action this Saturday, October 1, playing host to No. 7 Henderson State (4-0) in a Family Day showdown at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field. 

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

The Reddies have been a powerhouse team since the formation of the Great American Conference, winning 44 games since the league started play in the 2011 season and winning three conference titles in the league's five-year history. 

Tech will be fighting two trends on Saturday - Henderson State's 24-game road winning streak, tied with Minnesota State for the longest in Division II, and the Reddies' winning streak in Russellville. While the two teams are relatively even in the Division II era - Tech has won 10 of the last 18 meetings - the Reddies' strong performance in recent years has helped to bring the series into equilibrium. Tech will be looking for its first win over Henderson State in Russellville since the 2006 season, when the Wonder Boys took a 7-6 win.

Saturday's games figures to have a different tempo than the 2006 contest. Both teams are averaging 30 or more points per game while posting steady defensive numbers - HSU's defense is ranked second in the GAC, while Tech's is ranked third. The Wonder Boys defense has done some of its best work on third downs, holding opponents to a league-low 24.1 percent conversion rate. 

Offensively, Arkansas Tech will turn to Jabyes Cross under center after the injury to Ty Reasnor against Southern Arkansas. Cross will step away from his multiple-threat role (also serving as a receiver and a kick returner) to focus on his signal-caller duties. Cross has competed 45 percent of his passes in limited duty this season, throwing for 114 yards and one score, but provides a running threat as well, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.

That threat will nicely complement the rushing threat the Wonder Boys bring to the field. Bryan Allen, Braden Stringer, Justin Bailey, and Kristian Thompson have all had their share of success running the football this season as the Wonder Boys average four yards per carry. 

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