Central Arkansas edges McNeese

SLU Public Information Photos by RANDY BERGERONNorthwestern State's Jamaal White hangs on to Southeastern running back Xavier Roberson as he scores in the second quarter Saturday at Strawberry Stadium in Hammond.

By The Associated Press

LAKE CHARLES — Eddie Camara kicked a 47-yard field goal with 23 seconds to play for Central Arkansas, capping a 10-point rally in the game’s final 1:10 as the Bears stunned McNeese State 27-26 on Saturday night.

Marcus Wiltz had a 29-yard rushing touchdown to push McNeese State’s lead to 26-17 with 3:28 to play in the game. That’s when things got interesting.

On the ensuing possession, the Bears (5-2, 3-1 Southland Conference) drove 72 yards in 2:18 and capped the march with a 19-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Wynrick Smothers and Dezmin Lewis to pull within 26-24.

Central Arkansas then successfully converted and onside kick, taking over for another offensive possession at the 38-yard line of McNeese State (4-2, 1-2) with just over a minute left.

The Bears rushed three straight times, setting up Camara’s game-winning kick.

Smothers finished with 254 passing yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.