The UT Martin Skyhawks defeated the Western Illinois Leathernecks 32-31 and moved to 2-5 and 2-1 in the OVC-Big South, leaving them tied for fifth in the conference standings.
Big plays by senior quarterback Jase Bauer, junior wide receiver Phaizon Wilson and sophomore tight end Hyatt Timosciek lifted the Skyhawks to an improbable victory over the Leathernecks.
“There’s something to be said about knowing how to win,” said head coach Jason Simpson. “Having confidence and finding a way to win.”
Down 11 points to the Leathernecks, the Skyhawks marched down the field on the back of John Gentry on a 14-play, 75-yard drive to pull within five.
“We’re not a very explosive team so, to grind it out and get 104 yards, I appreciate it.” said Simpson.
The Skyhawk defense would then hold up its end of the deal, forcing a three-and-out and regaining possession for the offense on back-to-back defensive series.
With a big drive on the line, the Skyhawks would lose their signal caller on their first play of the drive, Bauer, to an ankle injury. Backup senior quarterback Julian Calvez would come in and go three-and-out as well.
Then, returning from the sideline, Bauer got back in the game. After escaping the pocket and working toward the sideline, Bauer threw it up to 6-foot-6-inches tall Timosciek, who went up over two Leatherneck defenders and came down with the ball. The Skyhawks carried this momentum to the next play with another big play by Wilson. Wilson took notes from Timosciek and went over two Leatherneck defenders of his own to get the Skyhawks within five yards.
Bauer would capitalize on the drive with another rushing touchdown.
“I do give Jase credit. He held it long enough to where ‘Ok, i’m gonna throw it up and see if my guy can come down with it,’” said Simpson. “He made a good throw (Phaizon) made a good play.”
A return to their winning ways, the Skyhawks were able to establish the run well with the one-two punch of running backs senior John Gentry and sophomore Tommy Ansley, who ran for 170 yards and a touchdown. Along with them, Bauer was equally effective on the ground with 24 yards and two touchdowns to put the game away.
Wilson stepped up in place of senior Bryce Bailey as the Leathernecks made an effort to remove him from the game. Bailey was double-teamed consistently throughout the night. Leaving room for Timosciek and Wilson to take advantage of.
Penalties plagued the Skyhawks throughout the night, continually giving the Leathernecks a good field position. The Skyhawks totaled 11 penalties for 101 yards on the night.
“That’s why you’re behind in that game,” said Simpson.
A huge reason for the Skyhawks’ comeback was the defense’s ability to step up in the big moments of the fourth quarter, especially the efforts of Skyhawk senior nose tackle Toby Camp. Camp was able to disrupt a pass on third down and, on the final drive of the game, made a critical tackle for loss to push the Leathernecks out of field goal range.
“Here’s the thing about Toby. He’s going to empty the tank,” said Simpson. “Whatever’s left there, he will empty it for his teammates.”
The Leathernecks would make one last push for the endzone and set up for a game winning kick from 48 yards out. As the clock bled away on the last play of the game, the Skyhawks broke through the line of the field goal unit and got hands on the ball. Field goal, no good. Skyhawks win.
Next week, the Skyhawks travel to Boiling Springs, NC, to take on the 4-2 Gardner Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 12:30 p.m.
