Tragedy at UCO as The Bronchos Lose The President’s Cup

The University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos hosted the Northeastern State Riverhawks this past weekend for Homecoming and could not convert on the numerous chances they had, ultimately losing 28-21. 

This is the first time since 2013 that the Bronchos have conceded The President’s Cup to the school from Tahlequah. UCO, which is now 4-4 on the season, still owns a 54-28 win advantage in the all-time series.

UCO football head coach Adam Dorrel said that the team missed too many opportunities to get the job done. “We were not playing for each other, and it showed. When adversity hit us, we did not rally back together. We took those punches to the face and did not punch back, but I would still not trade this group of guys for anyone else. They will continue to grow as players just as I will continue to grow as a coach.’’

Central Oklahoma’s defense put up a fight the whole game. They were trailing 14-0 early in the second quarter as UCO’s offense could not find a way to score. Late in the second, however, Jet Huff drove down the field while chewing out time on the clock and passed the first touchdown for the Bronchos to senior tight end Dominique Dunn.

With the game tied up 21-21, UCO drove to NSU’s 12-yard line in the final minutes but threw an interception with 50 seconds left in the fourth and ended the comeback bid.

Offensively, Central Oklahoma outgained Northeastern State 510-376 in total yards. Huff led the way with a 316-yard passing effort on 23-39 attempts, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Bronchos also ran the ball effectively. Ashton Schumann caught 12 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown, while William Mason had another 100+ yard game off of 15 carries. 

Defensively, Conner Johnson was the tackle leader for UCO with eight tackles. David Williams, Reese Roller, and Chris Fitzpatrick each totaled six tackles. Daniel Ekwese contributed five tackles and an interception. 

With three games remaining, Central Oklahoma will shift its focus to a late-season push to top as they travel to Nebraska-Kearney this Saturday.

Editor Note: The Vista is aware of an altercation between NSU and UCO players after the game. More infromation will be avaliable as soon as The Vista editor-in-chief is made aware.