Davenport University came back from a 7-0 deficit to defeat Arkansas State 15-12 in a non-conference clash between two teams set to be in the Mid-South next spring.

In a tight, defensive game, it took 20 minutes for anyone to get on the scoreboard. Arkansas State scored first through Pedro Alvarez, with Dylan Boast converting. The Red Wolves continued to press and held that lead until just before halftime, when Davenport flyhalf Noah Zomberg slotted a penalty kick to make it 7-3.

Photos by Steven Zomberg. Davenport in red and white.

“At halftime, we talked about making ur tackles,” said Davenport Head Coach Harry King. “We were putting good pressure on them and forcing them into mistakes, but we were not making the contact I would have liked.”

In addition, King urged his players to be more careful with the ball and work the phases.

The advice worked well and after some concerted pressure from the Panthers, center Michael Houston went over for the try in the corner. 

That made it 8-7 for Davenport, but ASU replied right after when Tabo Maree went over to make it 12-8 for ASU. But Davenport has one more say in the matter. The Panthers had several scoring chances through the second half, missing a couple of penalty kicks and opting to work the lineout and mail or tap and go on other penalties. Both teams had possible tries called back.

So with six minutes to go, Davenport pushed into Arkansas State territory and flanker Dominique Bailey, who had a superb game, powered over to make it 13-12. Zomberg converted for the final 15-12 score.

For Davenport, Bailey was a force, but many players had special moments. Fullback Hayden Gort showed good decision-making, while freshman scrumhalf Ben Terrell continued to develop and make good plays. 

“We made some poor decisions, but we also played a good game,” said King. “We had a good lineout-and-maul going so the guys decided to take the lineout on penalties we probably should have kicked.”

In the end it was an impressive performance by Davenport against a very good Arkansas State team. It sets up their Mid-South rivalry nicely.

Davenport 15

Tries: Houston, Bailey

Convs: Zomberg

Pens: Zomberg

Arkansas State 12

Tries: Alvarez, Maree

Convs: Boast