Team defeated in overtime against WKU; lose 31-28

The football team (2-6, 1-3 SBC) made a late rally that led to overtime Saturday against Western Kentucky, but came up short and lost 31-28.

“We have to play perfect to win, and we didn’t play perfect,” head coach Todd Berry said.

After scoring first in the second quarter, ULM failed to get on the board until the last 2 minutes of regulation. The Warhawks recovered from a 20-7 deficit, taking the lead by one with less than a minute in regulation.

Quarterback Kolton Browning took center and held his ground in the pocket, completing passes that kept ULM alive late in the game.

“This one hurts really bad,” Browning said. “We have to do it for all four quarters.”

“We have to put ourselves in position to be more consistent on offense.”

Browning scored on a quarterback draw, which tied the game, and with the extra-point ULM took the lead at 21.

Berry said, “Guys have to step up and make plays.”

He said, “I wish we had that sense of urgency the whole game.”

But it was the leak that had been running all game that caused ULM to lose, the special teams.

On the ensuing kick off, WKU returned the ball inside Warhawk territory.

After a couple quick runs, the Hilltoppers punched in for six more, and decided to go for two-point conversion and got it.

Berry said, “It was bad all the way around and I take full responsibility for it.”

Senior defensive end Ken Dorsey beasted the Hilltoppers offensive line, as the defense fought to keep the Warhawks in the game.

Dorsey took 43 yards from WKU’s offensive production in tackles for loss.

Dorsey said, “Our offense is very explosive, so when they start clicking we believe we have the game won.”

He said, “To see us lose games like this leaves a bitter taste.”

Senior safety Darius Prelow intercepted a pass in the second quarter to help the defense gain momentum .

The interception increased his season total to a team-high of four.

Freshman Justin Manton lined up to kick two field goals for the Warhawks, and they both were denied by the Hilltoppers.

The two missed field goals would have made the difference in the game, and ULM could have won the game.

The team travels to Lafayette on Saturday to take on the Ragin’ Cajuns at 2:30 p.m.