In UTM’s first home stand of the season, the Skyhawk football team captured a statement 42-20 victory over the Northwestern State University (NSU) Demons.
After the traditional walk-on-the-field by this year’s freshman class, the Skyhawks stormed onto the field to defend their home turf for the first time since 2018.
The Demons struck first that evening, as wide receiver Quan Shorts caught a 14-yard pass from quarterback Elton Sheppler to give NSU the 6-point lead. Kicker Scotty Roblow followed suit with an extra point, creating a 7-0 lead for the Demons.
Redshirt freshman QB John Bachus III, who served as UTM’s backup last season, took over the reigns of the offense for the Skyhawk’s first possession.
With ground support from graduate running back Jaimiee Bowe and junior RB Peyton Logan, Bachus was able to find sophomore tight end Colton Dowell with a 39-yard pass to score a touchdown.
The Demons failed to score on the next drive, setting up a prime opportunity for UTM to pull ahead.
Bachus made good use of his second possession, using senior wide receivers Terry Williams and Jaylon Moore to rack up yardage and give Moore his first touchdown catch of the season.
Going into the second quarter, NSU tied the game back up at 14-14 following another Shelton-Shorts connection and subsequent field goal by Roblow.
The Skyhawks went three-and-out on the next possession. Eppler seized the opportunity and, in conjunction with runs from QB Kaleb Fletcher and RB Jared West, found TE Corey Smallwood with a 26-yard pass to put NSU up by a touchdown.
The following extra point attempt by Roblow failed, making the score 20-14 for NSU.
Bachus was plagued by interceptions and sacks for the rest of the quarter, and the Skyhawks ended the half with 14 points.
Redshirt sophomore safety Wanya Moton picked up UTM’s first interception of the season when he picked off Eppler at the UTM 29-yard line.
The Demons were held scoreless for the rest of the game.
The third quarter saw notable performances from Logan, who rushed for 25 yards on one drive and scored a touchdown, and Williams, who returned a punt for 55-yards and a touchdown to put UTM up 28-20 by the end of the quarter.
Redshirt junior kicker Ryan Courtright completed both of his extra point attempts as well.
Peyton and Moton both shined in the final quarter, with both scoring touchdowns. Peyton rushed 53 yards to the end zone while Moton picked off Fletcher and returned it to the house to put UTM up 42-20.
At the end of the day, Bachus completed eight of his 20 pass attempts for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Peyton rushed for 149 net yards and two touchdowns.
The Skyhawk receiving core combined for 130 yards and two touchdowns as well.
On the defensive side of the ball, UTM combined for 15 yards tackled-for-loss, two sacks and two interceptions.
The Skyhawks will travel down to Gainesville, Florida to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 7. The Gators are also coming off a win, where they defeated the University of Miami 24-20.
