McNeese State clinches tie for Southland title with 21-17 victory over Central Arkansas

McNeese State defeats Central Arkansas 21-17

LAKE CHARLES, La. — Bernardo Henry’s third-quarter touchdown run proved to be the winning score and McNeese State clinched a tie for the Southland Conference championship with a 21-17 victory over Central Arkansas on Saturday night.

The Cowboys (9-2, 6-1) and Stephen F. Austin (9-2, 6-1) tied for the title.

Henry’s 64-yard run gave McNeese State a 21-10 lead with 10:46 left in the third quarter.

Central Arkansas’ Brent Grimes scored on a 1-yard run with 13:17 remaining in the game to cut the advantage to 21-17, but McNeese held on for the victory.

The Bears (5-6, 2-5), behind Grimes’ 181 yards rushing and two touchdowns, outgained McNeese State 338-250, but Henry, Derrick Fourroux and Todd Pendland each scored touchdowns for the Cowboys.

Grimes also scored on a 3-yard run in the third quarter.

Henry finished with 75 yards on two carries and Fourroux added 50 yards rushing.