Jalen Whitlow threw two touchdown passes and rushed for one against Tennessee Tech, to lead Eastern to a 24-3 halftime lead in Cookeville, Tenn., at Tucker Stadium.

The Panthers were already leading 17-3, with less than five minutes left in the second quarter, when Whitlow threw his second touchdown pass. Facing a third and goal from the three-yard line, Whitlow threw a fade pass to Adam Drake in the corner of the end zone.

The Charleston native was able to make the catch and keep his feet in the end zone, giving Eastern a 24-3 lead, with 2:58 remaining before halftime.

Eastern executed on its first possession, both on the ground and through the air. Whitlow managed a 14-play, 83-yard drive that saw contributions from running backs Taylor Duncan, Shepard Little and receivers Anthony Taylor, Joe Powell and Drake.

Whitlow began the scoring drive with a 27-yard pass to Drake. After Duncan picked up a first and goal at the Tennessee Tech two-yard line, the Golden Eagles’ defense stopped the Panthers, pushing them back one yard.

Eastern coach Kim Dameroon called a timeout and decided to go for it on fourth down. Whitlow then threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Powell that gave Eastern a 7-0 lead.

The Panthers’ defense did not force any turnovers in the first half, but did make Tennessee Tech settle for a 25-yard field goal, after having a first and goal at the Panthers’ eight-yard line.

Whitlow also scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper in the second quarter and Nick Bruno made a 22-yard field goal. The Panthers’ quarterback finished the first half 14-of-17 for 164 yards and two touchdown passes.

Dameron said Eastern would be more balanced against the Golden Eagles and so far the Panthers have been, picking up eight first downs running the ball and eight first downs passing. Eastern has 152 rushing yards, led by Duncan, who has rushed for 66 yards on nine carries in the first half.

Tennessee Tech will start the second half with the ball on offense.

Aldo Soto can be reached at 581-2812 or asoto2@eiu.edu.