LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – For the second straight season, the OUAZ football team set the program record for points in a game against Arkansas Baptist as the No. 24 Spirit took an 85-12 victory away from the Buffaloes. After scoring 83 points last season against ABC, the Spirit came out and took a 58-6 lead into halftime and scored 27 more in the game's final 24 minutes.
For the second straight week, OUAZ scored 30 or more points in the first quarter. The Spirit started off with a defensive score this time, as Arkansas Baptist QB Atavian Ray was called for an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone, resulting in a safety.
After getting the ball back on the free kick at the ABC 34, OUAZ wasted no time scoring again, needing just three plays for the first touchdown of the day. Following a first down thanks to a 23-yard rush, Luke Giron hit Colin McClure for a nine-yard pass for the score.
The rout was on from there, as each of the next seven OUAZ drives resulted in a TD. The only reason the No. 24 Spirit were not able to extend that to eight straight drives was because of the halftime whistle.
Luke Giron was efficient once again, needing only 13 pass attempts and 11 completions to rack up five passing touchdowns. The reigning Sooner Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year now has 21 TDs through the air in six game, and has thrown for at least two scores in every game this season.
Jh'dhan Lester needed just five carries to get 116 yards and two touchdowns, gaining the most of the Spirit's 356 rushing years. Jaylen Magee also had 82 yards and two scores, with Domonhic Jennings rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown as OUAZ continues to flex its talented running back room.
Da'Vicious Wilson took three of his four catches to the end zone, covering 82 yards with his effort on Saturday. Michael Young and Terry Warner III also had receiving touchdowns as the Spirit totaled 575 yards of offense.
The OUAZ defense was just as dominant, holding the Buffaloes to just 156 yards of offense on the day. Corey Floyd Jr. had both of the Spirit's sacks, and all of his tackles on Saturday were for loss.
Thirteen different Spirit players finished with at least 0.5 tackles for loss, and totaled 15 tackles for loss. OUAZ also had three turnovers, all fumbles, and were able to force a total of five fumbles in a swarming defensive effort.
The Spirit will have to hit the road again next week, taking on Louisiana Christian in another big Sooner showdown. Kickoff from Pineville is set for 11am CST/9am AZT.
