Game-winning Field Goal sends the Skyhawks to victory in an AAC Thriller
VALLEY, Ala. (Oct. 29, 2022) - The Point University football team returned to action Saturday afternoon for their final home game in the 2022 season to face off against Kentucky Christian University in an Appalachian Athletic University matchup to win in dramatic fashion with a final score of 43-40.
The Skyhawks started the first quarter firing on all cylinders as they were able to force a three and out on defense. The Skyhawks' offense took the field looking to jump on the scoreboard, but the Knights forced an interception to get the ball back. In the next play, Aaron Anderson forced a fumble and recovered the ball to give Point's offense the ball back. Shiloh Addo-Nobles finished off the drive with a six-yard touchdown. Point's defense continued to force stops which helped the Skyhawks' offense create another scoring drive. Although Point was unable to score a touchdown, Giovanni Martinez converted on a 36-yard field goal to bring the score to 10-0. The Skyhawks' defense continued their strong will as Quan Neal intercepted his pass of the game to give Point another opportunity to score. This would be followed by a D'Ontae Eatmon three-yard touchdown run to push them ahead 17-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Kentucky Christian found life in the second quarter as they finally scored their first touchdown with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Max Ward to Vincent Taylor. On the next kickoff for the Knights, Paul Rodriguez squibbed it to Aaron Anderson. As Anderson ran up the middle, he blindsided KCU with a lateral to Emery Bryant for him to finish the rest of the play with a 73-yard kick return. Martinez would miss the kick for the Skyhawks to now lead 23-6. Kentucky Christian retaliated on offense with a Max Ward 75-yard bomb to Vincent Taylor for another touchdown. Rodriguez missed his second PAT field goal to now have the Knights trailing 23-13. The Knights continued to push for the momentum on their side as they forced a stop on defense to get the ball back with under two minutes left in the half. Max Ward threw for his third touchdown in the half to Deterius Gideon, and Paul Rodriguez made the field goal for the Knights to trail 23-19 going into the half.
The Knights' momentum did not stop as they went into the third quarter with a key stop on defense which forced a pick-six from Kentucky Christian to now take the lead 26-23. The Skyhawks' offense suffered a dry spell in the third quarter by not being able to convert on touchdowns and having kicks blocked. Giovanni Martinez did, however, convert on a 20-yard field goal to tie the game at 26 going into the fourth quarter.
The final period in Ram Stadium was the true definition of a rollercoaster for both teams. The Knights did not let up as they continued to find holes in Point's defense by scoring another touchdown to take the lead 33-26. Point's dry spell on offense came to an end as they set themselves up with a successful drive that was finished by D'Onatae Eatmon to help tie the game at 33. The Knights took the field again for their offensive drive and were met with tough stops from Point until Max Ward found Davonte Williams wide-open for a 64-yard touchdown to push KCU back in the lead 40-33. A big kick return from Cam Simmons helped set up the Skyhawks in great field position for a crucial drive to keep their hopes alive. A pass from Austin Adcock to Jacquez Bartley helped set up Point in scoring territory. D'Ontae Eatmon plunged through the Knights' defense for his third touchdown of the contest to help tie the game at 40. KCU took the field on offense and created a positive drive with their RPO action. On 4th and 8, Max Ward looked for the slant across the middle, but Quan Neal made his moment with his second interception of the game to help set up the Skyhawks with another scoring opportunity. Austin Adcock took the field for Point and completed multiple passes to move Point into field goal range. D'Ontae Eatmon looked to go for his fourth touchdown, but the Knights stopped him short on the goal line to force fourth and goal. After the timeout from Coach Zeiders, Giovanni Martinez ended the AAC thriller with a walk-off field goal for the Skyhawks to win 43-40.
In the box
The Skyhawks had 397 total yards on offense, and Kentucky Christian had 308. KCU did convert on more passing yards with 245 compared to the Skyhawks' 151. Point's ground game led the way with 246 rushing yards on 67 attempts.
Austin Adcock made his first collegiate start at Quarterback, going 16-for-26 with 151 passing yards, 18 rushing yards and 2 interceptions.
AJ Rathbun led the Skyhawks in the run game in his first collegiate start for 100 rushing yards on 27 attempts. D'Onatae Eatmon followed with 78 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 21 attempts. Shiloh Addo-Nobles contributed 55 yards and one touchdown on 10 attempts.
Emery Bryant led the Skyhawks in the air with three receptions for 42 yards. Javian Leeks followed with five catches for 32 yards.
Quan Neal led the Skyhawks' defense with five tackles (four solos) and two interceptions. Aaron Anderson followed with four tackles (three solos) with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, with San Juan Warner adding four tackles (three solos). Roman Jones also tallied four solo tackles.
Up next
The Skyhawks will return to action for a road AAC matchup against Reinhardt University in hopes of stealing a victory on the road. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM EST.