Box Score Delta State 34, Arkansas-Monticello 20 Box Score

CLEVELAND – Delta State defeated Arkansas-Monticello Thursday night 34-20 at Parker Field at McCool Stadium. The No.2/No.3 ranked Statesmen (6-1) handled the short week of preparation and put up 526 total yards of offense on the Boll Weevils (3-3).
 
Dominique Davenport had two interceptions, including a 33-yard interception return for a touchdown to lead the Statesmen to their fifth straight victory and fourth among the Great American Conference schools this season.
 
Robert Hogan and Joe Marshall also had big games on defense for the Statesmen. Hogan had two sacks and five tackles. Marshall led the team with 7 tackles, including two for a loss, along with a sack.
 
The Statesmen got on the scoreboard on their first drive when Micah Davis rushed in from one yard out to cap off a 15 play, 64-yard drive.
 
Similar to last week, it was the visitors who controlled the majority of the first quarter. The Boll Weevils answered with a quick drive to tie the game on a Nakita Myles touchdown run. On the first play of the second quarter, Arkansas-Monticello took the lead with a Willie Lander touchdown catch from Damon Wicker.
 
The Statesmen answered as Davis found tight end Jacob Sesma for a 2-yard touchdown pass to cap off a 12 play, 80-yard drive with just under 9:53 remaining in the second quarter.
 
Brant Botill punched in from three yards out on Delta State's next drive to give the Statesmen a lead they never relinquished. Botill finished with 42 yards on 18 carries.
 
Davenport picked up his first of two interceptions and returned it for a touchdown to give the Statesmen a 14-point lead heading into the half. Davenport also finished with four tackles.
 
The second half became a game of mistakes as the teams combined for two interceptions, three fumbles and two missed field goals.
 
The offenses broke through late as Davis connected with Lavon Downs for a 39-yard score to secure the victory for the Statesmen. Davis finished 26 for 32 with 366-yards passing, two touchdowns and an interception. He also led the team with 68 yards rushing and a score.
 
The Boll Weevils added a late touchdown as Wicker connected with DJ Stephens on a touchdown pass with 30 seconds left to bring the deficit to 14.
 
The Statesmen begin Gulf South Conference play next Thursday night as Delta State will travel to Florence, Ala. to take on No.1 North Alabama. The game will be the second straight GSC-TV-Live game of the week for the Statesmen. Kickoff is schedule for 7 p.m.