University of Central Arkansas running back Jalen Washington rushed for 202 yards and a touchdown Saturday night, powering the Bears to a 59-20 victory over Central Oklahoma at Estes Stadium in Conway.
Washington’s 12 carries averaged out to an explosive outing, especially after a slow start. His first three rushes gained 10 yards, but his breakout came on a 71-yard run that flipped momentum and set the Bears up deep in scoring territory early in the game. His total rushing yards rank seventh best in a single game in UCA history.
Coach Nathan Brown had been looking for a spark from his running backs since the season began. Through UCA’s first two games, quarterback Donovyn Omolo had accounted for nearly two-thirds of the team’s rushing yards, leaving Brown eager for a power runner to balance the offense. Washington, standing 5-foot-8 and 200 pounds, was often singled out during practice and planning sessions as the player ready to fill that role.
“Don’t let Jalen’s stature fool you,” Brown said. “He runs with a ton of power.” This performance appears to confirm what Brown and his staff believed all along.
The Bears, now 2-1 on the season, used Washington’s performance as a foundation to build a dominant outing against Central Oklahoma. UCA put up nearly 60 points at home, keeping a strong grip on the game from the start and not letting up.
While Omolo remained a key piece on offense, the balance Washington brought to the rushing attack was a big boost. In a conference often dominated by heavy running games, having a versatile back can open more opportunities for the passing game and keep defenses off-balance.
Saturday’s win comes after some tight contests earlier in the season and serves as a reminder that the Bears are still finding their best identity on offense. Washington’s breakout night might be the kind of momentum UCA needs moving forward in the season.
Central Arkansas will look to carry this energy into their next games as they continue conference play. For now, Jalen Washington’s “angry” running style made quite an impression on Estes Stadium and the Bears’ faithful.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
