Football edged out 17-13 by VMI in home debut

Box Score | Box Score (PDF) | Archived Audio | Photo Gallery

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Morehead State made its 2016 football debut at Jayne Stadium on Saturday night, resulting in a 17-13 loss to the Keydets of VMI. However, it proved to be an historic night for more than one player in an Eagle uniform.

Senior quarterback Austin Gahafer completed 28-of-51 passes, good for 250 yards and a touchdown. His career benchmark of 9,095 yards of total offense moved him to No. 9 among the Pioneer Football League's all-time leaders. His 885 career completions propelled the Louisville native to third all-time in the conference.

Wide receiver Jake Raymond hauled in six catches for 25 yards, placing him fourth in PFL history in terms of receptions. The 5-foot-9 redshirt senior needs just 43 more receptions on the year to become the PFL's all-time leader.

After a scoreless first quarter, a lightning delay halted action for over an hour with 6:33 remaining in the first half. When play resumed, VMI took a 14-7 lead into halftime. Freshman tailback Trevor Jones scored on a 16-yard run with 3:02 left before halftime to pull the hosts to within a score.

Following a shortened halftime break, the Keydets kicked a 22-yard field goal for the only points of the third quarter. In the fourth, Gahafer connected with senior wide receiver Darius Pritchett for a 17-yard touchdown, but the Eagles mishandled the snap on the ensuing PAT and failed to close out the remaining four-point deficit.

"We were in the game the whole way," said head coach Rob Tenyer. "We've got to make plays when we have the opportunity to make plays."

Morehead State led VMI (1-1) in first downs (21), passing yards (250), total offense (368), and tackles (84). Redshirt sophomore running back Ryan Watkins gained a career-high 79 yards on the ground, while linebackers Ryan Bennett and Kameron Able recorded 12 tackles each—setting a new career high for Able.

"It was a tough one to swallow," Watkins said. "We had a lot of missed opportunities, and we just need to be better."

The Eagles (0-2) return to action next Saturday at 6 p.m. ET when Division II Lincoln (Pa.) visits Jayne Stadium.

"I expect our kids to respond the right way and come back hungry to play next week," said Tenyer. "I know with our seniors and our leadership, that our guys will be ready to go."