Bears have a somewhat unusual start to season with win over HSU

The first points for the University of Central Arkansas football team came in a peculiar fashion.

Facing second and 1 from the Henderson State 6, the Bears appeared to be nearing paydirt when running back Brent Grimes took a handoff around the right side and reached the 1 before fumbling. Then, an offensive lineman of all positions scooped up the loose ball in the end zone for UCA's first score in 2008. It was also Brad Gordon's first career touchdown.

"Brad Gordon is one of the best football players I've ever coach," Bears coach Clint Conque said after Thursday's 38-14 win. "That play just showed Brad's athleticism and determination."

Gordon has been used in a fullback role in a heavy set formation in the past, but Thursday's feat was a first in his collegiate career.

UPS DELIVERS: The UPS slogan "What can brown do for you?" is very relevant to the UCA offense.

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A UPS truck driver delivered the gameball at the start of the game. Shortly thereafter, Bears quarterback Nathan Brown showed what he could do.

The senior orchestrated a 14-play, 83-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown. That, though, was just one of the bright spots for Brown.

What Brown did for UCA was complete 24 of 34 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns. That performance came on the heels of winning last season's Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors.

A ROCH-SOLID START: Reddies quarterback Roch (pronounced like "rock") Charpentier started the game strong. He was 4-for-4 passing on the first drive for 78 yards and completed his first seven passes all together. That was good enough for 96 yards.

A COUPLE OF FIRSTS: Junior wide receiver Matt Clinkscales was able to take advantage of several opportunities.

He had his first four receptions of his collegiate career, totaling 45 yards. One of those was his first touchdown as a Bear an 11-yard pass from Brown at the 3:26 mark in the fourth quarter.

"It was very exciting," Clinkscales said of the touchdown. "I had to kind of take a minute and think about it."

STRONG 'D': Senior cornerback Dathan Johnson, who missed last season after having to take a medical redshirt, was a strong factor in shutting down the Henderson State offense in the first half.

Johnson recorded two interceptions before intermission. The second pick led to a touchdown, which came by way of a 44-yard pass from Brown to James Lovett.

GIVE AND TAKE: The Bears caught a special teams break in the early goings of the third quarter.

After forcing the Reddies to punt, UCA players inadvertently touched a punt that led to an Henderson State fumble recovery. However, the Reddies fumbled on the next play, and Tim Holloway recovered the loose ball. Eddie Carmona eventually hit a 28-yard field goal after the ensuing possession.