The 2021 East Central Tigers football team represented East Central University (ECU) as a member of the Great American Conference (GAC) during the 2021 NCAA Division II football season. Led by Al Johnson in his fourth and final season as head coach, the Tigers finished compiled an overall record of 7–4 with an identical mark in conference play, tying for fifth place in the GAC. The team played home games at Koi Ishto Stadium in Ada, Oklahoma.
On March 17, 2022, Johnson was hired to be the running backs coach for the Wisconsin Badgers. East Central's offensive coordinator, Kris McCullough, was named the Tigers' interim head coach before being promoted to full-time head coach in the middle of the 2022 season.
Schedule
Preseason GAC coaches poll The GAC coaches preseason poll was released on August 3, 2021. The Tigers were predicted to finish sixth in the conference.
Game summaries At No. 22 Harding
Statistics ECUHAR First downs 9 16 Total yards 146 374 Rushing yards 48 333 Passing yards 98 41 Turnovers 5 2 Time of possession 22:54 37:35 Team Category Player StatisticsEast Central Passing Kenny Hrncir 11/25, 98 yards, 4 INT Rushing Ontario Douglas 13 rushes, 45 yards Receiving Jackson McFalane 2 receptions, 23 yardsHarding Passing Preston Paden 2/3, 41 yards Rushing Cole Chancey 17 rushes, 102 yards, 3 TD Receiving Roland Wallace 1 reception, 32 yards
Arkansas Tech
Statistics ATUECU First downs 16 21 Total yards 232 418 Rushing yards 164 289 Passing yards 68 129 Turnovers 1 1 Time of possession 26:39 33:21 Team Category Player StatisticsArkansas Tech Passing Jack Lindsey 12/25, 68 yards, INT Rushing Caleb Batie 17 rushes, 98 yards Receiving Tucker Kennedy 3 receptions, 22 yardsEast Central Passing Kenny Hrncir 11/23, 129 yards, INT Rushing Ontario Douglas 29 rushes, 170 yards, TD Receiving Chris Shaw 2 receptions, 50 yards
References