CLARKSVILLE, TENN. – The Eastern football team jumped out to an early lead Saturday night, scoring twice in the first eight minutes, and held on after a mistake-ridden second half for a 30-20 victory over Austin Peay.

The Panthers were quick to take advantage of Austin Peay’s mistakes early on when junior cornerback C.J. James blocked a punt following a three-and-out on the Governors’ first possession, giving the Panthers the ball at the Austin Peay nine-yard line. Three plays later, Eastern fifth-year senior quarterback Jake Christensen hit junior tight end Danny Vehovic for a two-yard touchdown pass.

After another Austin Peay three-and-out, Christensen hit freshman wide receiver Kenny Whittaker for a four-yard touchdown pass and the Panthers found themselves with a 14-0 lead just 7:32 into the game.

The Panthers led 24-7 at halftime, but the second half was a whole different story, as the Governors’ defense held Christensen and Co. in check, clawing their way to within 10 points five minutes into the third quarter on junior running back Terrence Holt’s second touchdown of the game.

“We won the first half, but we lost the second half,” said James, who also had two tackles on the game. “That’s not something we’re fond of doing. Coach always says ‘Play 60 minutes,’ but we didn’t play 60 minutes and that was disappointing.”

Defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni saw it differently. While he was disappointed his unit allowed its highest point total of the season, he said he’ll take it.

“Nothing beats winning a football game,” he said. “I don’t care what the score is. How many points, yards (you allow), any of that stuff. We’ll take it any way we can get it.”

The Governors capitalized off Eastern penalties early in the second half to get back in the game. After holding the Panthers to three-and-out in the first series of the half, they drove 48 yards in 3 minutes, 18 seconds for Holt’s second touchdown, which put the Governors within 10.

Holt – a running back who is also known for his receiving and return skills – finished with 224 all-purpose yards. However, the Panthers did force fumbles on two of Holt’s runs.

“Chasing him around was unbelievable,” James said. “I watched him on film, and he’s a great player. He has great balance, great vision, he’s quick. Playing against him made us much better this week.”

After a hot start, Christensen hit a cold streak in the second half, including one period where he threw eight straight incompletions. He finished 21-of-36 for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Junior running back Mon Williams, coming off two consecutive 100-yard performances, was held in check most of the night, finishing with 18 carries for 45 yards, but had a touchdown in the first quarter.

Sophomore linebacker Cory Leman finished with a team-high nine tackles and a fumble recovery. Junior defensive end Nathan Galan and sophomore defensive end Perry Burge both recorded sacks, and senior defensive tackle Trevor Frericks recorded his first career interception, getting his hands on a pass from Austin Peay senior quarterback Gary Orr’s screen pass at the end of the first half.

With the win, the Panthers improve to 4-0 for the first time since 1996, including 2-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

They went 3-0 on their three-game road trip and return home next week to face two-time defending OVC Champion Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff for the Family Weekend game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at O’Brien Field.

Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or cfwhitchurch@eiu.edu.

Junior running back Chevon Walker runs the ball down the field during the game against Austin Peay on Saturday afternoon at Governors Stadium.(Eric Hiltner/The Daily Eastern News)

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