RICHMOND, Ky. – In a game that had a bit of everything, Eastern Kentucky University's football team came away with a 20-10 victory in the team's home opener against Houston Christian on Saturday night.
 
"Always excited to get a win," said EKU Head Coach Walt Wells following the win. "Sundays are always better after a win no matter how good or bad you played. I thought our defense came in and played really well tonight… It's good to get a good win, and now we have to move on to the next."
 
Turnovers proved to be the difference maker as EKU capitalized on four fumble recoveries that led to 13 combined points including a 75-yard scoop-and-score by Derek Taylor late in the first quarter following a strip by Cam Junior.
 
On the ensuing kickoff following the scoop-and-score, Jackson House forced a fumble, which was recovered by Jack McGrath leading to a 36-yard field goal by Buzz Flabiano.
 
A fight to the finish, HCU had the opportunity to pull within three in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a pick-six, but following a review, it was determined that the Huskie defensive back fumbled at the EKU-1 as the ball rolled out of the end zone for a touchback giving EKU the ball back.
 
The Colonel defense was relentless all-night recording three total fumble recoveries while holding HCU to only 42 net yards rushing while adding four sacks in the pass defense.
 
Myles Burkett capped the night's scoring early in the fourth quarter with a one-yard quarterback sneak for his first collegiate rushing touchdown.
 
How It Happened
 
The Colonels started hot as on the third play from scrimmage, linebacker Gabe Stephens pounced on an unforced fumble by the Huskies quarterback as he was scrambling to give EKU the ball at the HCU-21.
 
EKU was unable to punch the ball in for six, but Flabiano was able to nail a 30-yard field goal to put EKU up, 3-0 with 11:19 remaining in the first quarter.
 
HCU answered back with a field goal of its own on the next drive from 23 yards out capping off a 17-play drive covering 63 yards.
 
The Huskies then forced a turnover of their own on the following drive, punching the ball out of the hands of Marcus Calwise Jr. before falling on the loose ball at the EKU-34.
 
EKU's "Maroon Doom" defense answered the call however, as Junior stripped the ball from HCU's tight end on a short pass to the flat as Taylor scooped up the loose ball returning it with a convoy down the right sideline for the scoop-and-score with 2:17 remaining in the quarter.
 
On the ensuing kickoff, the return man for HCU was initially ruled down on the field, but after a review it was determined that House had forced the ball loose followed by an immediate recovery by McGrath.
 
The Colonels went on to add another three points courtesy of a 36-yard field goal by Flabiano to put EKU up 13-3 with 17 seconds left in the opening stanza.
 
The two teams traded punts with their first offensive possessions of the second quarter before HCU was able to put together an eight play, 52-yard drive that ended with a 16-yard touchdown pass to claw back within three in what proved to be the only scoring in the quarter.
 
At the break, EKU led 13-10.
 
In the second half, the Colonels looked to extend their lead with a 41-yard field goal, but the kick was deflected by HCU resulting in a touchback with 5:49 left in the third quarter.
 
Burkett pushed the lead for EKU to 10 with his sneak which finished a 12 play, 50-yard drive following a HCU punt to put the Colonels up 20-10 with 13:46 left in the game.
 
On the next EKU possession, the Huskies looked to have found their spark with a no doubt 27-yard pick-six, but after review, it was determined that the defensive back hand lost control of the ball before crossing the plane resulting in a touchback and EKU retaining possession.
 
With 59 seconds remaining HCU attempted a 34-yard field goal that was missed to the right allowing EKU to ice the clock.
 
In fitting fashion, EKU's Tommy Ziesmer sacked the Huskies quarterback to end the game securing the Colonel's first win in 2025, and the eighth straight at home.
 
Up Next
 
The Colonels will head back on the road next week for their second FBS matchup of the season against Marshall on Saturday, September 13 at 6 p.m. ET.