Conway, Ark. - Richard Sincere ran for touchdowns of nine and five yards to lead Sam Houston to a 20-13 victory over Central Arkansas Saturday afternoon.
The victory ended a three-game losing streak for Sam Houston, giving the Bearkats a 5-5 season mark and a 3-3 record in Southland Conference action.
UCA had an opportunity to send the contest into overtime, but were called for an illegal forward pass that fell incomplete on a fourth down play at the SHSU 24-yard line. Earlier in the fourth quarter, Bookie Snead intercepted an errant pass in the end zone to stop another Bear rally.
The Bearkats totaled 168 yards rushing and 114 passing with quarterback Brian Bell going 8 of 17 in the aire. Ridgeway Frank led the Kats on the ground with 15 carries for 70 yards. UCA rolled up 275 yards passing but were held to just 57 yards on the ground.
The victory was Sam Houston's first in Conway, Ark, and marked the second consecutive year for the Kats to defeat the Bears.
"This was a character win for us. We made just enough plays to win this game," SHSU head coach Willie Fritz said. "With a young team like this, to come on the road and get a win speaks volumes about the guys we have on this team. We really needed this win. They had won three straight and we had dropped three straight really tough ball games, so I am so proud of the guys for the way they played tonight."
Sam Houston scored on its first possession, driving 92 yards in seven plays after a UCA punt.
Bell completed passes of 21 yards to Seth Patterson, 23 yards to Cameron Brown and 25 yards to Torrance Williams before Sincere ran in from the nine to give SHSU a 7-0 lead with 8:13 left in the first quarter.
After the kickoff, the Bears drove 69 yards in 12 plays to set up a 31-yard field goal by Eddie Carmona to put UCA on the board with 3:26 in the period.
A 33-yard punt allowed Sam Houston to start a drive at its own 49-yard line late in the first quarter. Nine plays later, Sincere scored again from the five to put SHSU up 14-3 with 12:02 to play in the second quarter. Ridgeway Frank's 25-yard run set up the score.
Daxton Swanson's interception set up a 38-yard field goal by Miguel Antonio with 4:03 remaining before intermission, allowing Sam Houston to take a 17-3 lead into the locker roomer at halftime.
Brandon Closner opened the third quarter with a 40-yard kickoff return, setting up another field goal by Miquel Antonio. The sophomore's 20-yard kick gave Sam Houston a 20-3 lead with 11:04 to play in the third quarter.
Central Arkansas scored its first touchdown with 4:50 left in the game on a three-yard run by Terrence Bobo.
"I thought early in the game we did a good job of moving the ball and we got out to an early lead which I think was big," Fritz said. "In the second half, we had some opportunities to put the game away and we just couldn't do it. But we made a few plays at the end when the game was on the line and that is what matters.
"I think with the way things have gone for us the last three weeks with the way we have lost a few games, there was the opportunity to think, here we go again. But credit to out guys and we now have a chance to finish the season with a winning record."
Sam Houston closes out the 2010 football regular season by hosting Texas State at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. The annual "Bearkat-Bobcat Battle" will be "Kids' Day" at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. Youngsters 17 years of age and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Up to four youngsters may accompany each adult.
The Villas of Sycamore is sponsoring "Show Your Spirit Day" for the final game as well. Prizes include a 42-inch Sony LED big screen television, a Garmin NUVI 1300 GPS system and an 8GB IPOD Nano. Any currently enrolled Sam Houston student may participate.
To enter, stop by the Villas of Sycamore tent at the Bearkat Alley Tailgate at 1 p.m. for the Villas of Sycamore "Show Your Spirit" prelims. Each entrant will have the opportunity to show his or her Bearkat spirit for the judges. Three finalists will be chosen for the finals to be held during halftime of the football game. Contestants will be judged on dress, school spirit and dance moves.
Tickets for the Sam Houston vs. Texas State football game and other Bearkat home events are on sale online now at www.gobearkats.com/tickets . Fans also may purchase tickets at the Sam Houston office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ticket office telephone number is (936) 294-1729.
