MARTIN, Tn: The Clarion defense forced three first-half turnovers to keep Division I opponent, University of Tennessee at Martin in check, however the Skyhawks flexed their muscle in the second half and pulled away with a 36-0 shutout victory on a rain soaked Thursday night in Tennessee.

On just the third play of the game, Clarion's Colton McKay (Moon Township, Pa., Moon) forced a fumble, recovered by Layne Skundrich (Pittsburgh, Pa., North Allegheny), halting the Skyhawks' opening drive.

UT Martin converted on their next two possessions, first on a 3 yard pass from Troy Cook to Londell Lee, then Cook connected with Jaylon Moore on a 37 yard touchdown pass giving the Skyhawks a 13-0 advantage midway through the first quarter.

While the CU offense was forced to call on punter James Metzgar (Altoona, Pa., Altoona) on its first four possessions, the defense stepped up again, this time it was senior defensive back Myles Edmonds who intercepted Cook at the Clarion 17 yard line, halting a UTM drive.

After a Clarion three and out to start the second half, special teamer Hakeim McKenzie (Beaver Falls, Pa., Beaver Falls) recovered a fumble on the ensuing punt, giving the ball back to the Golden Eagles at midfield. Transfer quarterback Asiantii Woulard (Daytona, Fla., Winter Park) hit wide out Seneca Williams (Philadelphia, Pa., Archbishop Ryan) for a 10 yard gain on 3^rd and 11, setting up an easy 4^th down decision for Head Coach Chris Weibel. Tailing by just two scores, Clarion went for it but a fumble forced the Golden Eagles to turn the ball over on downs, ending the threat.

The Skyhawks immediately capitalized, marching down the field, capped with a Ty Brown 1 yard touchdown run to extend the UT Martin lead to 19-0.

Ladarius Galloway had a big second half running the ball for the Skyhawks, finishing the game with 157 yards on 17 carries along with a 4^th quarter touchdown.

Clarion's duo of Kyle Evans (Fort Meade, Md, Meade) and Mylique McGriff (Owings Mills, Md., McDonogh) ran for 50 and 46 yards, respectively, on a rainy night where field conditions made it tough in the air.

Coach Weibel's squad will return home next Saturday, September 9^th for the first of three straight home games. The Golden Eagles will take on Bloomsburg at Memorial Stadium for a 1pm kickoff on 9/9.