After a hard fought battle, the UTM Skyhawks ended their 2003 season with a dissapointing loss to the Murray State Racers, 41-27.

Things started out looking optimistic for the Skyhawks when quarterback Brady Wahlberg ran in a touchdown with:51 left in the first quarter. The successful point after touchdown gave the Skyhawks the lead, 7-0. But the Racers struck back early in the second with a touchdown by wide receiver Deandre Green. The extra point attempt was blocked by defensive end John Gray, keeping UTM ahead by one point.

On the next drive, after a 42 yard kickoff return by tailback Justin Glover, the Skyhawks scored again on a 53 yard rush by wide receiver Blake Butler. The two point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, putting the score at 13-6.

Once again, the Racers came right back and scored on a 65 yard, four play drive. The touchdown by running back Ulysses Odoms and the extra point by kicker Jesse Ohliger tied the score at 13-13.

With 25 seconds left in the second quarter, Racer kicker Ohliger missed a 31-yard field goal attempt, keeping the score tied going into the second half.

Early in the third quarter, freshman Skyhawk corner back Jack Greenwood intercepted a pass by Racer QB Stephen Hatchell, giving UTM the ball on their own 40 yard line. After a 10 yard pass interference penalty against Murray State, Wahlberg completed a 46 yard pass to Justin Glover for the touchdown. The extra point gave UTM the lead 20-13.

But, four plays later, Murray came back on a 46 yard rush by running back Ron Lane and a succesful kick attempt to tie the score again at 20-20.

With 4:46 left in the third quarter, Murray got their first lead of the game, scoring on a 34-yard pass to wide receiver Andrew Nowacki and an extra point by Ohliger. The quarter ended with the Racers up 27-20.

Three drives into the fourth, Murray scored after linebacker Patrick Schultz recovered a fumble by Wahlberg. The TD by Lane and the extra point brought the MSU lead to 34-20.

The Racers yet again increased their lead, scoring six plays after linebacker Bobby Sanders intercepted a pass by Wahlberg. The point after touchdown made the score 41-20 with 4:22 left in the game.

The Skyhawks had a last minute impressive drive of 15 plays that led to Butler scoring with 12 seconds left on the clock. The extra point came with no time left on the clock, bringing the final score to 27-41.

“The turnovers killed us,” said head coach Matt Griffin. “Brady was awesome early in the game, but we had a couple of receivers not on the right page.”

Overall, the Skyhawks only had 50 yards rushing to the Racers 335. They did, however, have 284 passing yards compared to Murray’s 175. UTM also had seven penalties for a total of 126 yards. Sophmore defensive back Chad McMahan got his fifth interception on the season.

The three and a half hour game was the last for seven senior Skyhawks: offensive lineman Lee Lawrence, wide receiver Damien Harris, defensive back Mikie Patton, linebacker Jordan Hankins, offensive lineman Marshall Romero, defensive end John Gray and offensive lineman Michael Jackson.

“I hate that it’s over,” said an emotional Jackson. “I’ve lived every week of the past four years for either Thursday night or Saturday afternoon.”

Coach Griffin complimented the seniors saying that “he hated to see them go out on a loss” and he was “proud of each of their efforts.”

The Skyhawks end their season with a 2-10 record for the second year in a row. When asked about next season, Griffin was very excited.

“We have freshman who played hard and played well. We’re going to build around them,” said Griffin. “I can’t wait for tomorrow. We’re never going to stop working for that championship ring.”