Bobcats Lose to Red Wolves, Jones Plays Last Game as a Bobcat

By Russell Ramsey
Sports Reporter

The Bobcats lose a tough game 36-14 to the Arkansas State Red Wolves to close out their season at home. The Bobcats finished with a 2-10 record in Coach Withers’ first year with the program. This game was the last for seniors Tyler Jones, Damani Alexcee, Javonte O’Roy, Ryan Melton and others.

The rainy conditions throughout the first half impacted the entire game, preventing either offense from breaking out early. Jones started the game as quarterback but was replaced by sophomore Connor White. The first half ended 13-7 in favor of the Red Wolves following a touchdown pass by White with 1:39 left in the half.

The Bobcats opened the second half with a defensive stop, forcing the Red Wolves to punt. White and the offense lead a 73 three-yard touchdown drive capped off by a 34-yard touchdown run by Tyler Siudzinski. The momentum carried the Bobcats until an interception by White in the third quarter shifted it back to the Red Wolves. In the following offensive drive, White was injured on a sack, prompting Jones to make his return to the game.

The Bobcats continued to struggle with Jones under center, punting on their first drive out. The Red Wolves capitalized as Justice Hansen lead the offensive to the end zone, throwing a touchdown pass. The following drive, Jones threw a interception leading to another Hansen touchdown pass for the Red Wolves.

The momentum never fell back with the Bobcats, as the Red Wolves were able to chew clock and finish out the game.

White finished the game with 102 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception to go with 35 yards rushing. Siudzinski had his best game of his season, finishing with 85 yards and a touchdown.

Jones finished his career as a Bobcat with over 8,000 yards passing and 55 touchdowns to go with his 1,400 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns rushing. Jones also found his way into the Texas State record books, finishing with more passing yards and touchdowns than any other Bobcat in history.

The Bobcats finish with a 2-10 record without winning a Sun Belt Conference game in Coach Withers first year leading the program. The final game of the season did not go as planned, but some young Bobcats got some playing time. White made the most of his snaps, presumably giving him a slight edge in the offseason process of naming the next Bobcat quarterback.

Featured image by Madison Tyson