The 16th-ranked Ouachita Baptist Tigers delivered a dominant 49-14 victory over Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday, showcasing their prowess in all phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams.

The Tigers struck first with a methodical 13-play, 61-yard drive, capped by Kendel Givens’ one-yard touchdown run. Their defense quickly followed with a game-changing play as Chance Taylor sacked the UAM quarterback in the end zone, forcing a fumble that Mikey Gonzalez recovered for a touchdown. Special teams joined the scoring frenzy when Josiah Johnson blocked a punt, allowing Malique Reliford to recover it in the end zone, giving Ouachita a commanding 21-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The offense stayed hot in the second quarter. Connor Flannigan’s 16-yard sweep and Eli Livingston’s three-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 35-7 at halftime. Livingston, who threw for 156 yards and added 55 on the ground, connected with Flannigan again in the third quarter for a seven-yard touchdown, capping an impressive 88-yard drive.

Arkansas-Monticello managed two touchdowns, including a penalty-aided score late in the third quarter, but Ouachita’s dominance was never in question. Backup running back Nate TenBarge sealed the game with a 19-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

The Tigers’ defense, ranked first nationally in tackles for loss, lived up to its reputation, recording 12 on the day. Josiah Johnson led the way with nine tackles, while Taylor, Gonzalez, and Rovell Carter each contributed sacks. Ouachita outgained UAM 385-255, with a lopsided 211-29 advantage in rushing yards.

Ouachita now turns its attention to a road matchup against Southeastern Oklahoma State on October 5, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. in Durant.