From staff reports
sports@joplinglobecom
TYLER, Texas — Six turnovers and an opening 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown sparked Tyler past Northeastern Oklahoma A&M; College 31-7 in a Southwest Junior College Football Conference final on Saturday at Rose Stadium.
The Golden Norsemen finished 2-5 in the SWJCFC and their overall 2-7 is the worst since an identical effort by the 1931 edition.
The Apaches, who like NEO missed the four-team postseason playoffs, wound up 5-4 overall and 4-3 in the conference.
Teric Williams’ return and conversion by Taylor Matlock gave the Apaches a 7-0 lead just 14 seconds into the game.
Tyler, on NEO’s ensuing possession, received the first of two interceptions by freshman cornerback Richard Lyles that put the ball at the Norse 47-yard line.
Tyler then rushed 10 times with Chris Davis scoring on a 1-yard plunge.
Tyler made it 21-0 in the second period on a 1-yard run by Ira Duckworth and the conversion by Matlock. The score capped an 11-play, 58-yard drive that was keyed by the 185-pound Duckworth’s 30 yards on nine carries.
Matlock kicked a 37-yard field goal with just 40 seconds left in the second quarter for a 24-0 halftime bulge.
Tyler tackle Jabari Williams scooped up a fumble and returned the ball 48 yards for the Apaches’ final touchdown at 8:06 in the third period.
NEO, which had been shut out in its previous game, scored early in the final quarter on a 9-yard by Cardell Clemons. Matt Berrey kicked the extra points.
Glenpool product Clemons, Pittsburg State transfer who carried 27 times for 77 yards, finished with 1,011 yards this season.
NEO was limited to 87 yards on 36 carries and finished with 100 passing on 11-for-24 accuracy. Tyler intercepted five passes.
The Apaches rushed for 233 yards and passed for 75 on 5-for-9 accuracy. Duckworth rushed for 107 yards on 30 carries and Davis added 75 on 13 carries.
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