Week 1 Game Notes - Tech vs. SAU

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys football team will open the 2018 season this Thursday night, as the Wonder Boys head to Magnolia for a matchup against Southern Arkansas. A 6 p.m. kickoff from Wilkins Stadium is scheduled. 

Sixth-year head coach Raymond Monica will bring a new-look squad to the field this year, with new faces at quarterback and punter. Sophomore Cale Fulsom is projected to be the Wonder Boys' week one starter after serving as a backup to Ty Reasnor last season. The departures of a pair of all-conference performers on special teams - Clayton Watson at punter and Eric Perez at kicker - create opportunities for a cast of newcomers who look to continue the Wonder Boys' solid performances at those positions. Junior Tyler Dunlop is starting the season as Tech's punter, while Jesus Zizumbo and Carson French are expected to take on placekicking duties. 

The Wonder Boys will face off against a Southern Arkansas team that returns three-time all-GAC pick Barrett Renner at quarterback and 2017 GAC Defensive Player of the Year DaVondrick Lison at defensive end. SAU went 7-4 last season, dropping its season opener 28-21 to Arkansas Tech in Russellville. 

One big storyline for the Wonder Boys this week, and indeed this season, will be the records chase of tailback Bryan Allen. With 2,711 career yards he ranks fifth all-time at Arkansas Tech and is within striking distance of all-time record holder Larry Brown (1968-71), who racked up 3,603 career yards over the course of his career. Allen also is poised to move up the record listing in all-purpose yards. While the record of 4,754 yards set by Tracey Stiger (2005-08) may be out of reach, Allen could move from seventh to fifth this week with just 41 yards. 

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