Eagles joust with Knights, get first win
Sept. 22, 2007
Montgomery – Ala. It was a day of exciting firsts for Faulkner as they took on the Knights of Kentucky Christian University this afternoon. None was more impressive however, than the Eagles first win of their inaugural season. The Eagles rattled the Knights’ armor and pulled out a 20-12 victory.
Another first came in the form of a blocked field goal attempt late in the first quarter. Linebacker Brian Fulgham charged the KCU placekicker preventing what could have resulted in a three-point lead for the Knights.
Faulkner was also able to put together multiple scoring drives resulting in 20 points for the offense, the highest score yet in the program’s history. The first touchdown was contributed by wide receiver Kenny Betts on a handoff, putting the Eagles up 6-0 after missing the point after. Betts also had two receptions for 17 yards on the day.
The Knights were able to score on a tipped pass that was taken in by a surprised receiver late in the third. After missing the extra point the game set tied 6-6.
The Knights assembled a 79-yard surge early in the fourth quarter and were looking to score. On a second-and-goal play from the 1-yard line KCU fumbled on a botched handoff and defensive end Martin Mealing recovered the ball for the Eagles.
With the score still tied late in the fourth quarter the Eagles’ defense pinned the Knights deep in their own territory forcing a punt from the 2-yard line. After a 6-yard return by Da’Drieko Hughes, Faulkner started their drive from the KCU 21-yard line. Three plays later running back Trent Richmond hammered in a 10-yard touchdown run for the Eagles. With just under five minutes remaining in the game the Eagles led 13-6.
On the very next play from scrimmage free safety Duron Robinson intercepted a pass at the Faulkner 35-yard line and returned it 65 yards for a score. Unfortunately, the touchdown was called back as a result of a Faulkner penalty and the Eagles took possession at the KCU 41-yard line. Running back JT Barker started the drive with a 19-yard gain and followed it with a 22-yard touchdown run on the next play. Barker would finish the game with 12 carries for 83 yards, an average of 6.9 yards per carry, and added a much-needed spark to the Eagles offense. Faulkner threw up 14 points in only 34 seconds and appeared to have the game in hand.
The Knights weren’t done however, and on their third play from scrimmage backup quarterback Scott Grizzle threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to receiver Antawn Ivey. KCU faked the point after, but failed to convert the two-point play.
Down eight points with four minutes remaining the Knights attempted an onside kick. The ball did not travel the requisite 10 yards and the Eagles took possession on the KCU 38-yard line. Trent Richmond then carried the ball three times gaining two first downs and becoming the first 100-yard rusher in Faulkner history. Richmond finished the day with 114 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown. The Eagles were able to run out the clock three plays later ending the game with a 20-12 win over the Knights.
Quarterback Frank Chinoski completed 9 of 20 passes for 105 yards becoming the first triple-digit passer in a single game for the Eagles. He also tacked on 30 yards rushing. The offense racked up 245 yards on the ground, more than doubling their season total entering the game. The defense reeled in three interceptions and had two sacks combining for a 27-yard loss. They also held the Knights to only 40 yards rushing on 30 attempts.
The Eagles will be back at Cramton Bowl next Saturday, Sept. 29, to host Cumberland University (Tenn.). Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. The Eagles will look to improve to 2-2 on the season as they face off against the Bulldogs.
Season Total Notes:
- Trent Richmond has 166 yards on the season with a 5.4 yard per carry average. He is currently the Eagles’ leading rusher.
- Maurice Whiting needs only a single yard to break into the 100-yard rushing column. He currently has 99 yards with a 3.1 yard per carry average.
- JT Barker has 92 total yards on the season and joins Richmond with a 5.4 yard per carry average.
- Frank Chinoski has 262 yards passing on the year.
- Da’Drieko Hughes has 108 yards receiving on the year making him the first receiver to break the 100-yard marker. He is also leading the team with eight catches.
- Maurice Whiting is the second leading receiver with five catches and 43 yards.
- Fred Poindexter has four interceptions on the year followed by Duron Robinson with three.
- Da-Drieko Hughes has 217 yards on kickoff returns with an average of 24.1 yards per return. He is also leading the team with 331 all-purpose yards.
- Sean Thom has 23 tackles on the year, three for loss. He currently leads the team in tackles.
- Duron Robinson and Jermell Bennett are tied for second with 14 tackles each.
- Bennett has 3.5 tackles for loss, two of which are sacks. He also has a forced fumble and a recovered fumble on the year.
- The Eagles’ defense has a whopping nine interceptions thus far on the year.