Running away on the road
Defense notches first shutout since 2006
Collin Whitchurch/Sports Editor
Issue date: 9/14/09 Section: Sports
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Junior running back Mon Williams ran for 113 yards on 15 carries, including touchdown runs of 54 and 30 yards. Quarterback Jake Christensen went 14-19 for 145 yards and two touchdowns before sitting out a majority of the fourth quarter.
While the offense provided ample points for the Panthers, the defense held firm for the second consecutive game, allowing 95 yards of offense to the Sycamores and posting its first shutout since Oct. 7, 2006, against Southeast Missouri.
The Panthers got on the board early and built up a 14-0 lead after the first quarter. Christensen threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Chavar Watkins on Eastern's first possession of the game. On the second play of the Sycamores' next possession, junior cornerback C.J. James intercepted freshman quarterback Travis Johnson and returned it 26 yards for the touchdown.
"It was a three-step read," James said.
"Watching film this week, the quarterback stares the whole time. So he gave it away."
Williams started to take off during the second quarter. After a missed field goal by the Sycamores, Williams went 54 yards, spinning around after getting hit five yards downfield before breaking free for the touchdown.
"I got spun around and I was kind of dizzy because I got hit in the side of the head," said Williams, who averaged 7.5 yards per carry for the game. "It turned into a big play."
His 30-yard scamper came after the Panthers took over on a sack and forced fumble by sophomore linebacker Cory Leman that was recovered by sophomore linebacker Gordy Kickels.
The defense forced three turnovers on the day and recorded three sacks, boosting its season total to seven after recording just 17 sacks the entire 2008 season.
"In both of the first games, I think we played really well up front," defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said.
"That's where it starts. If we control the line of scrimmage, we're going to win games."
The Panthers open Ohio Valley Conference action next Saturday at 6 p.m. when they travel to Cape Girardeau, Mo. to face Southeast Missouri.
Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or cfwhitchurch@eiu.edu.
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