The All State

Govs defensive back Kevis Buckley leaps to try and block the extra point kick. The Govs lost to Murray State on Saturday, 32-12. [Click to enlarge]

The APSU Governors football team slipped to 0-6 on Saturday, Oct. 4 as the Govs fell to the Murray State Racers, 32-12. The game, played at Governors Stadium, had its share of penalties and turnovers. The rivals combined to form 180 yards of penalties, most from aggressive play. Turnovers hurt both teams, but especially the Govs, who had plenty of chances to get back in the game.

The most exciting play of the night came on John Bell's field goal, which put the Govs ahead, 3-0. It was formed by a nice deep pass by quarterback T.C. Jennings on the first play of the game. The points were the first the Govs have scored during the first quarter since last season.

Offensively, both teams struggled to move the ball consistently. Jennings and Racer quarterback Jeff Ehrhardt both relied on screens and dump-offs to get downfield. Those plays were negated by all the penalties. Gov Terrence Holt had a great runback from the end zone all the way into Racers territory. After a penalty, the Govs had the ball at their own 20 yard line. Jennings then quickly found Jeff Lyle wide open over the middle for the score. That shortened the Racers' lead to 20-10. On one play, Trent Caffee replaced Jennings. Caffee drove down the field to the red zone. While inside the five, Caffee threw a Brett Farve-like shovel pass that was caught and driven to the two. Unfortunately, the Govs turned it over on downs. In the run game, it was Theo Townsend and Holt who provided most of the yardage. The Govs totaled 226 yards on offense.

On defense, each side showed potential. A interception came when Ehrhardt's ball was tipped by Kevis Buckley and grabbed by Daniel Becker. However, the Racers regained possession after they got a safety. The Govs got a safety of their own after Caffee's previous play inside the five. Each team, for the most part, prevented huge gains. Jason Vanatta led the Govs with 17 tackles and two interceptions.

With all the mistakes by the Govs, they still have much to improve. "There are more things to be concerned about than the mistakes," stated head coach Rick Christophel. "We have other things to work on."

Next, the Govs will take on the Tennessee State Tigers at LP Field, Saturday, Oct. 18. Last season, the Tigers won 33-32, in OT.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools