CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Freshman running back Kentel Williams totaled a record-breaking 399 all-purpose yards, including a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown, but his effort wasn’t enough as the Austin Peay State University football team fell 67-30 against Eastern Kentucky, Saturday, in the home finale at Fortera Stadium.
Williams finished the night with 176 yards on the ground, 42 receiving and 181 on kick returns to set the APSU new single-game all-purpose school record.
Austin Peay’s 30 points are the most against Eastern Kentucky in the all-time series history.
Turning Point
Despite falling behind 25-0 to begin the contest, Austin Peay trimmed the deficit to 16 points following Nick Gauna’s 52-yard field goal. However, on the ensuing kickoff, Jared Sanders took it to the house – a 90-yard score to push EKU’s lead back to 23 points.
Inside the Box Score
Williams breaks the school record for most all-purpose yards in a single game, passing Terrence Holt’s 338 yards against Murray in 2010.
In addition, for rushing performance, Williams posted the most rushing yards in a game since Otis Gerron’s 196 yards at Mercer in 2014.
Following Williams’ kickoff return touchdown, the Govs now have two in 2016. It’s the first time Austin Peay has had two in a single-season since Holt had two in 2007 – from 85 and 75 yards out.
As a team, it’s the most kick return yards in a single-game since 2011.
In the fourth quarter, Nick Gauna connected on a 52-yard field goal, tying Steph Stansell for the longest in program history.
Running back Kendall Morris moved up to 24th all-time in rushing yards.
In his return game, safety James Bond made a team-high 11 tackles, seven of which were solo.
Safety Chris Hopkins recorded 10 tackles, including two break-ups.
Linebacker Gunnar Scholato had eight tackles and two quarterback hits.