By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As Tennessee Tech closes its football season on Saturday, it will be a day of celebration as the Golden Eagles will honor 12 of its own in a Senior Day recognition.
Tech hosts Eastern Kentucky in the finale with kickoff scheduled for 1:35 p.m.
Roger Ealey and Grant Swallows will provide broadcast duties for 98.5 KISS FM and the Golden Eagle Sports Network, while Dylan Vazzano, Sam Brooks and Wayne Anderson will handle the task for WCTE and ESPN+ (subscription required).
But it's been a career with plenty of ups and downs for the 12 seniors recognized on Saturday, but there's no denying they have played pivotal roles in shaping the future of the Tech football program, cornerstones to future success and leaders providing valuable lessons to those behind them.
For Anthony Akers, Alex Carling, Josh Cunningham, A.J. Flemister, Melvin Holland Jr., Nick Madonia, Chris McElderry, Josh Poplar, Deven Sullivan, Taylor Underwood, Jake Warwick and Deontay Wilson, Tennessee Tech has been and will continue to be home, and the dozen will be looking to close out 2018 on a high note.
The Colonels come into Cookeville with a 6-4 record, 4-2 in the Ohio Valley Conference. EKU defeated Robert Morris last week in a non-conference contest, emerging 40-39 in overtime as RMU went for two in the extra session and failed in its attempt.
EKU has been a run-heavy offense this season, averaging 217.4 yards per game, 4.5 yards per carry. The Colonels also traditionally have been very stingy on defense, but have allowed 385.2 yards of offense per game to their opponents this season.
The Colonels have a dual threat in the backfield with L.J. Scott and Daryl McCleskey, who have combined for 13 rushing touchdowns and nearly 1,400 yards. Scott has eight scores and 753 yards on 139 carries, while McCleskey has five touchdowns and 644 yards on 133 carries.
On the passing front, it's been quarterback by committee as four players have seen action behind center. True freshman quarterback Parker McKinney – a product of Coalfield, Tenn. -- may see his second start of the season on Saturday. He has completed 24 of his 42 passes with two touchdowns and one interception.
Of the nine receiving touchdowns EKU has, Dan Paul has hauled in the most with four among his 16 catches for 181 yards. Jackson Beerman has the most yardage with 284 yards and a TD on 18 catches, while Jaelin Carter has the most catches with 20 for 232 yards and two touchdowns.
Gavin Bryant leads the Colonel defense with 70 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, a fumble forced and a fumble recovered. Steven Crowder is right behind with 69 stops, 8.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, an interception and two pass breakups.
Andrew Goldsmith leads Tech in rushing with 425 yards and three touchdowns on 113 carries. Through the air, quarterback Bailey Fisher has 1,681 yards and 11 touchdowns on 139-of-268 passing. Luke Ward may also see action in the contest after a good performance at UT Martin last week. Ward has thrown for 240 yards and a touchdown this season.
Cunningham leads Tech's receivers with 238 yards on 24 catches, while Darrius Stafford and Jeremiah Edwards each have three receiving touchdowns.
Madonia leads Tech in scoring with 60 total points on 13-of-20 field goals and 21 of 22 extra points.
On defense, Wilson and Poplar lead Tech's defense with 96 and 93 tackles respectively.
Tickets for the game are available by calling (931) 372-3940, visiting the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or via TTUsports.com.
