Northwestern State beats Arkansas-Monticello 31-24

NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — Daniel Taylor scored on his only carry of the game to help Northwestern State rally and beat Arkansas-Monticello 31-24 on Saturday.

Taylor, who is Northwestern State’s backup running back, took his lone carry 25-yards to give the Demons the lead for good with 5:41 left to play.

Starter Sidney Riley paced the Demon’s (1-1) rushing attack with 95 yards on 13 carries and his touchdown with 9:47 remaining in the first quarter gave the Demon’s a 14-0 lead.

Then Arkansas-Monticello (1-1) outscored the Demons’ 24-3 — Damon Wicker’s 22-yard TD early in the third capped off the burst — but it was not enough.

Both offenses struggled with the passing game.

Northwestern State’s Brad Henderson was sacked five times and threw for just 113 yards. Arkansas-Monticello’s Hunter Leppert threw three interceptions. His errant toss in the third was returned 52-yards for a touchdown and tied the game at 24.