Hales throws 5 TDs, Central Arkansas dominates HBU 66-35

Oct 7, 2018, 04:20 am

CONWAY, Ark. -- Luke Hales threw for career-best five touchdowns with Brandon Myers and Jakari Dillard pulling in two touchdown tosses apiece as Central Arkansas stormed out to an early lead to dominate Houston Baptist 66-35 in Southland Conference action on Saturday.

Central Arkansas (3-2, 2-1), the defending conference champs, fell to Sam Houston State 34-31 in overtime last week. The Bears took control early and stayed out front of Houston Baptist (1-4, 0-3), taking a 35-21 lead into the break.

Hales was 16-of-27 passing for a career-high 304 yards. Myers and Dillard caught just two passes each but all four went for touchdowns. Myers finished with 113 yards and Dillard totaled 96 yards receiving.

Hales hit Dillard on a 65-yard scoring strike on UCA's second play from scrimmage in the opening minutes. It took the Bears four plays into the next drive to score again, with Hales taking it in from the 2 for a 14-7 lead. They scored again the next time they got the ball with Hales hooking up with Dillard on a 31-yard touchdown throw.

Bailey Zappe led Houston Baptist, throwing for 346 yards and four scores.