By: Dave Parks, Intern
MONROE- The University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks fought hard to catch the Georgia Southern Eagles after their fast start, but fell short by the score 51-31. The Warhawks are now 1-3 on the year.
The Warhawks’ first drive ended with a punt, which the Eagles blocked and raced 26 yards for the first score of the game. Georgia Southern was able to add another ten points before ULM was able to add a field goal early in the second quarter, making the score to 17-3. ULM’s next score came on a Garrett Smith touchdown pass to Harly Scioneaux with 20 seconds left in the first half that sent the Warhawks into the locker room down 31-10.
ULM came out fired up in the second half and added a third quarter touchdown on another Smith touchdown pass, this time to Jared Mapps. The Warhawk defense stepped up early in the fourth quarter when Junior Williams picked off a pass and returned it 56 yards for the touchdown, cutting the Eagles’ lead to seven points. Georgia Southern was able to put it away soon after, but ULM did score again on Smith’s third touchdown pass of the game when D’Marius Gillespie caught it in the endzone.
Smith finished 21/36 for 232 yards and three touchdowns to lead the ULM. Kaylon Watson added 32 yards on the ground. Ajalen Holley had a huge game with 8 receptions for 166 yards. Mapps, Scioneaux, and Gillespie each had a touchdown reception.
The Warhawks will travel to Oklahoma to face the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes on October 10th for a 5 p.m. game that will air on ESPN3.
Photo courtesy of ULM Athletic Department