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HomeSportsAustin Peay State University Football loses at Eastern Illinois, 52-21

Austin Peay State University Football loses at Eastern Illinois, 52-21

Austin Peay State University Sports Information

APSU FootballCharleston, IL – The Austin Peay State University (APSU) football team outscored Eastern Illinois from the final moments of the first half through the end of the game, but could not overcome a fast start from the Panthers, falling 52-21, Saturday, at O’Brien Field.

Austin Peay State University Football fell behind early in 52-21 loss Saturday to Eastern Illinois at O'Brien Field. (APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay State University Football fell behind early in 52-21 loss Saturday to Eastern Illinois at O’Brien Field. (APSU Sports Information)

The Governors (4-6, 2-5 OVC) outscored the Panthers (3-7, 3-4 OVC), 21-17, from the waning moments of the first half through the game’s final whistle, but faced a tough test, trailing 35-0.

The Govs got on the board just before halftime, as Jeremiah Oatsvall found Gorel Soumare for a 6-yard score. It was the first touchdown of Soumare’s career.

The drive was set up by a tremendous return from Kentel Williams, who took it 40 yards to set up the offense at midfield. The Panthers led 35-7 going into halftime.

2018 APSU Football - DJ MontgomeryOatsvall hit DJ Montgomery for a 41-yard pass on the opening drive of the second half, allowing Montgomery to set a career high in receiving yards. He finished the day with seven receptions for 165 yards and an incredible 21-yard touchdown grab where he snatched the ball off a defender’s back in the end zone in the third quarter. That play brought the score to 38-14, after EIU had kicked a field goal on the previous drive.

Prince Momodu scored his fourth touchdown of the season after punching it in from a yard out in the final minute of the game. He led the Govs with 50 yards rushing on eight carries. Ahmaad Tanner added 49 yards on 12 carries, eclipsing the 1,000-yard rushing mark for his career in the process.

2018 APSU Football - Jeremiah OatsvallOatsvall finished the game 11-of-29 for 188 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

Jaison Williams showed up big for the defense, recording 2.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss. He moved up to third all-time at APSU in career sacks with 17.0, and is tied for fifth in career tackles for loss with 32.0.

Gunnar Scholato again led the team in tackles, posting 12 total stops, including 2.0 for loss and a sack. It is his sixth double-digit tackle game of the season and the 15th of his career.

Tyler Reid had a strong performance as well, notching a career-high seven tackles, including 2.0 for loss.

The Panthers got on the board first, as Isaiah Johnson punched it in from 10 yards out on their second offensive possession. The Panthers pinned the Govs at their own 1-yard line and forced a three-and-out to set themselves up with prime field position.

EIU would extend its lead to 14-0 in the waning minutes of the first quarter as Johnson hit pay dirt for the second time, sprinting in from the 20-yard line.

Panther quarterback Johnathan Brantley had a huge second quarter, running in for two scores of 11 yards, and then finding Alexander Hollins for a 38-yard touchdown.

The Austin Peay State University Govs return to Clarksville to conclude the 2018 season in the Heritage Bank Battle of the Border against Murray State, Saturday, November 17th, 2018 at Fortera Stadium for Military Appreciation Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00pm.

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