ShunDerrick Powell scores 3 TDs to power Central Arkansas past Austin Peay 45-17 in UAC opener

CONWAY, Ark. -- — Trejan Bridges returned an Austin Peay punt 59 yards for a touchdown, Darius Hale broke for a 51-yard touchdown run and ShunDerrick Powell scored a pair of fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns including a 63-yard dash to power Central Arkansas to a 45-17 win over the Governors in the United Athletic Conference opener Saturday.

Jaden Barnes scored on a 36-yard run to pull Austin Peay even at 10-10 two minutes into the second quarter but the Bears answered with four straight touchdowns.

Hale broke free for his long touchdown run to start the Central Arkansas run and Will McElvain hit Powell from 12 yards out to give the Bears a 24-10 halftime lead. Hale opened the fourth quarter with a 4-yard run and Powell scored from the 11 to make it 38-10. Austin Smith snapped the Central Arkansas run with a 36-yard toss to Jaden Barnes with 1:57 left, but Powell raced 63 yards for the final score.

McElvain completed 13 of 18 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown with an interception to lead the Bears (2-1, 1-0). Powell carried 22 times for 173 yards and Hale had 14 carries for 145.

Smith was 15 of 26 for 159 yards and a touchdown and an interception.

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