AZUSA, Calif. -- In all its rich history of legendary running back performances, Azusa Pacific never saw a player rush for over 200 yards in his first college start.
Until 2018.
Redshirt sophomore Zikel Reddick took his place in Azusa Pacific's history books after gashing West Texas A&M for 201 yards on 27 carries in his first career start to lead the Cougars to a 17-7 win over the Buffs in Saturday's season opener. Reddick was consistent throughout, surpassing the 100-yard mark on a 39-yard rumble during Azusa Pacific's opening possession of the second half before grinding out another 53 yards on 10 fourth-quarter carries late in the game.
Senior linebacker Aaron Berry led the defense with game-highs in tackles (14), tackles for loss (5.5), and sacks (2.0), and the Cougars produced three turnovers to help limit the Buffs to just a single score.
How It Happened: Azusa Pacific limited the Buffs to just 2.2 yards per carry while gaining 236 rushing yards on 42 carries for a 5.6-yard average for the game. Although Reddick led the way for the offense with 27 carries for 201 yards, Tyrone Williams Jr. and Weston Carr connected a team-high six times for Carr to collect 74 receiving yards while Williams completed 12-of-20 overall for 121 yards and the Cougars' initial 14-yard score to Brandon Jackson.
Turning Point: With newly-minted starting quarterback Tyrone Williams Jr. under center, the Cougars set the tone for the game with a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive which consumed more than seven minutes to start the game. Reddick rushed for 13 yards on a third-and-14 play that got Azusa Pacific into the red zone, and he punched the ball ahead four yards on fourth-and-1 to set up Williams' 14-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Jackson on the very next play.
Azusa Pacific Standouts: Reddick rushed for 201 yards and added a 10-yard reception, while Williams added 41 yards rushing on nine carries to go with his 121 passing yards. Transfer cornerback Lee Pitts registered two interceptions, and Willie Fair added another takeaway with a 16-yard fumble return.
West Texas A&M Standouts: The Buffs offense showed signs of promise with Duke Carter IV and Logan Vallo rushing for 88 yards combined while quarterback Mitch Hood completed 23-of-39 passes for 229 yards. James Clark (10 tackles) and Eric Collins (9 tackles) led the defense, while Tobias Harris recorded two interceptions for West Texas A&M.
What's Next: Azusa Pacific enters GNAC play next week, hosting Simon Fraser University at 6:30 p.m. before back-to-back road trips to Western Oregon and North Alabama.
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