CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Tarleton State triumphed over reigning conference champion Austin Peay with a score of 27-17, thanks in part to an impressive performance from Kayvon Britten, who rushed for 106 yards and contributed a touchdown. Despite Victor Gabalis throwing three interceptions, Tarleton managed to secure the victory.

Britten’s scoring moment came early in the game during the first quarter, marking his 12th rushing touchdown in the last five games and his total of 13 for the season. Following a moment of adversity where an interception put his team at a disadvantage, Gabalis quickly turned it around by connecting with Darius Cooper for an explosive 75-yard touchdown. The defender fell for a pump fake, leaving Cooper completely unmarked along the sideline, allowing the Texans to take a 14-10 lead.

Late in the second quarter, Tarleton’s Adrian Guzman executed an impressive 70-yard punt that rolled all the way to the 1-yard line, forcing Austin Peay to go three-and-out. Seizing the opportunity presented by the favorable field position, the Texans drove down the field to the 1-yard line before opting for a field goal. Corbin Poston successfully kicked an 18-yard field goal as the halftime clock expired, extending their lead to 17-10.

At the start of the third quarter, Austin Peay attempted a trick play in the red zone, but Donta Stuart intervened by deflecting a pass from a wide receiver. Caden Holt was quick to seize the opportunity and intercepted the ball. However, a subsequent interception by Gabalis on the next drive returned possession to Austin Peay.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, Stuart made his mark again by recovering a fumble with just under 12 minutes remaining, while Tarleton State held a slim 20-17 advantage. Following the turnover, the Texans mounted a successful drive that culminated in Braelon Bridges crossing the goal line from 11 yards out, widening the lead to a comfortable 10 points. Cody Jackson’s 39-yard catch-and-run played a crucial role in setting up that final scoring drive.

In the closing moments of the game, Austin Peay struggled to maintain possession, turning the ball over on downs during its last three possessions, needing just 1, 4, and 6 yards on those fourth-down attempts but failing to convert.

Gabalis concluded his day with a passing line of 17 completions on 30 attempts for a total of 264 yards and one touchdown for Tarleton State (7-1, 4-0 in United Athletic Conference). On the other side, Austin Peay’s quarterback, Austin Smith, went 21 of 38 for 255 yards.