The UT Martin Skyhawks’ defense shined in a big conference win against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs 17-6 at home.
Both teams’ offenses took quite some time to find their footing in the matchup. Neither team could get onto the scoreboard in the first quarter, being forced to punt repeatedly.
In the second quarter, the Bulldogs started with the ball but failed to convert a third and two, punting the football on fourth down. The Skyhawks were forced to punt on fourth and 15 after a drive with some costly penalties.
The Bulldogs failed to convert their following drive, punting on fourth and five. The Skyhawks then were forced to punt again after a costly personal foul made it third and 21.
The Bulldogs’ offense couldn’t manage to gain a yard on their next drive. Following this, the Skyhawks had their best drive of the half. Redshirt freshman Tate Surber threw a 13-yard pass to graduate wide receiver Makhia Sherrard for a touchdown. The extra point by Sophomore kicker Brandon Sims made it 7-0 Skyhawks.
The Skyhawks’ defense picked up an interception on the following drive from redshirt junior linebacker Reginald Allen Jr. The next play, redshirt junior defensive back Jamarion Ravenell got an interception for the Bulldogs to head into halftime.
After the first half, both teams defenses remained steady. After punts by both teams, the Bulldogs attempted a 54-yard field goal, but it was no good.
The Skyhawks padded their lead on the next drive with a successful 37-yard field goal by Sims. On the kickoff, however, junior wide receiver Joshua George returned the ball 86 yards for a Gardner-Webb touchdown. The extra point attempt was blocked by redshirt junior defensive lineman Andre Morris Jr, making the score 10-6 Skyhawks.
In the final minutes of the third, the Skyhawks had another interception with a pick from redshirt junior cornerback Jamal Mayers. However, the Skyhawks could not take advantage of the opportunity and had to punt on fourth and four.
The Skyhawks held onto their lead into the fourth quarter. Despite an interception by redshirt junior linebacker Talon Fisher, the Bulldogs were forced to turn the ball over on downs.
On the following drive, Surber had a huge 58-yard rush to put the Skyhawks in the redzone. Freshman running back Jaydon Peete managed to punch it in two yards for the Skyhawk touchdown. The extra point by Sims made the score 17-6.
The Bulldogs showed life in their final drive of the game, almost breaking into the redzone, until an interception by redshirt junior cornerback Ant Fisher, with three minutes left, sealed the game for the Skyhawks.
Defense was a huge part of the Skyhawks’ game. Redshirt sophomore safety Zamaryion Farmer-Mccray led the defense with six total tackles. Junior outside linebacker Malik Brown had the lone sack for three yards.
Skyhawks Head Coach Jason Simpson was proud of his team’s defense.
“We didn’t give up a point on defense. The one touchdown they had was on kick return,” said Simpson. “Proud of the kids, proud of the program; give the kids credit, give the coaches credit. That was some sticky coverage out there today. Competition will continue to get better, and a new opportunity will be challenged.”
Surber threw for 92 yards and rushed for 73 with one touchdown. Peete ran for 73 yards with one touchdown as well.
This matchup was the first home game for the Skyhawks since Sept. 5, a welcome relief for the team.
“It’s been 42 days since we’ve been in that locker room, so it’s been hard. But my biggest satisfaction is seeing joy on their faces,” said Simpson.
The Skyhawks will head back on the road to face the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 3:00 p.m. at Hansen Field in Macomb, Illinois.
