Football Rolls Early in Rout of Austin Peay
10/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Macon, Ga. – The Mercer University football team raced out to an early 28-0 lead and never looked back, posting a 49-21 victory over Austin Peay on Saturday evening at Mercer University Stadium.
The Bears (5-2) scored twice in the first four minutes of the game, before adding another two touchdowns in the first quarter to blow the game open early despite only holding the ball for three minutes and 30 seconds in the period. It is the second-straight strong start at home for Mercer, who improves to 8-0 against non-conference opponents since reinstating the program last season.
Alex Lakes scored his 10th touchdown on a 12-yard run for an early 7-0 lead, as the Bears went 75 yards in just five plays on its first possession of the game. Following a stop by Mercer's defense, freshman standout Chandler Curtis struck again, taking the punt back 61 yards for his FCS-leading fourth return touchdown of the season and a 14-0 lead for the Bears.
Mercer's ensuing possession was just as quick, as John Russ hit Tee Mitchell on a quick pass that went 80 yards for the game's third score. The Bears added another score with two minutes remaining in the opening quarter, as Avery Ward hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Russ for a 28-0 advantage.
Austin Peay broke up Mercer's shutout bid in the second quarter, as Malik Boynton found the end zone on a seven-yard pass from Mickey Macius to trim the deficit to 28-6 after a missed extra point.
The Bears wasted no time coming up with a response though, marching 65 yards in just six plays to add to their lead. Russ tossed his third touchdown pass of the game, as JT Palmer stretched out to haul in a 12-yard strike for a 35-6 advantage.
Mercer outgained APSU 278-138 in the first half, using a balanced attack with 156 yards through the air and 122 yards rushing. The Bears finished the game with 451 yards of total offense, racking up 21 first downs in the contest.
Austin Peay scored on its first possession of the second half, as Jared Beard hauled in a tipped pass for a 32-yard touchdown to help the Governors pull within 35-13. Neither team was able to add to the scoreboard for the rest of the third quarter, as each defense clamped down in the period.
However, back-to-back big runs helped Mercer push the lead to 42-13 early in the fourth, as Lakes followed Russ' 28-yard scamper with a bruising 17-yard run for his second touchdown of the game. The Bears added another score on its next drive, as Michael Haynes connected with Derek Owings for a five-yard touchdown to wrap up a 14-play, 70-yard drive.
Austin Peay got an 89-yard touchdown run from Otis Gerron in the final minutes, but it was too late as the Bears ran away with the victory.
Russ led the way for the Bears, completing 10-of-13 for 179 yards and three touchdowns through the air to go along with 42 yards on the ground. Lakes finished with 98 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while Curtis and Mitchell combined for 217 all-purpose yards.
Devin Davidson posted a game-high eight tackles to lead the Bears' defense, who were able to come up with stops on the first four possessions of the game to help key the rout. Alex Avant notched six tackles and an interception, while Kelly Brooks tallied a season-best two tackles for loss.
Mercer will be back in action next Saturday, October 18, when it hosts Western Carolina in a Southern Conference game at Mercer University Stadium. Kick-off is set for 4 p.m.
