Despite the 41-14 loss to fellow OVC member Eastern Kentucky University, Saturday afternoon’s game was full of milestone moments for the Skyhawks.

The game honored four seniors ending their careers with the Skyhawks: free safety and team co-capitan Russell Gambrell, tailback Andrew Staten, and linebackers Lucas Ingram and John Castillo.

Next on the list was that freshman running back Donald Chapman, who picked up 75 yards rushing on the afternoon, came even closer to breaking the 1,000 yards rushing mark for the season. He is now only 19 yards away from being the first player to reach the mark since 1998.

Chapman also needs 78 more yards away from breaking the single season rushing record which was set at 1,058 in 1956. Sophomore wide receiver Taurean Stephens had five receptions and has extended his streak of catching at least one pass in the last 22 consectutive games, which is every game he has played in.

Stephens is now No. 8 on the all time list for receiving yards with 1,386 and No. 4 on career receptions list with 131.

Not to be outdone by the upperclassmen, fresman quarterback Drew Jackson and cornerback Kevin Rondo both picked up career firsts, on Saturday. which would be the only points scored by UTM.

Rondo’s touchdown came after a bad snap by the Colonel’s center with 3:46 left in the first half sent the ball over the punter’s head.The EKU kicker initially recovered the ball, but a fumble was forced by freshman outside safety Desmon Gault. Rondo then recovered in the endzone, putting the score at 14-7. Jackson put his points on the board during the first drive of the fourth quarter, completing a 30-yard pass to Stephens, cutting the EKU lead in half, 28-14.

The Colonels were able to score three more times and come out on top, 41-14.

Playing for injured quarterback, junior Brady Wahlberg, Jackson completed 10 of 25 passes for a total of 95 yards. He threw two interceptions, had two fumbles, and was sacked six times in his second career start.

Chapman lead the team in rushing with his 75 yards. Behind him was sophomore linebacker Markeseo Jackson with 27. Defensively, M. Jackson also lead the team with seven tackles for a total loss of four yards. Sophomore cornerback Rayvon Sims and freshman cornerback Jack Greenwood each picked up six. Greenwood also had two sacks on the afternoon for a loss of 12 yards.

The Skyhawk football team will wrap up it’s 2004 season Saturday against the Murray State University Racers. Last year, the Racers picked up the victory in Martin, 41-26. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 pm at Roy Stewart Stadium, in Murray, Ky.