Team Effort Propels Redbirds to 27-6 Win Over the Panthers        

[SEPT. 19, 2005]  CHARLESTON, Ill.— Illinois State head coach Denver Johnson watched his offensive and defensive both post touchdowns Saturday night, as the Redbirds defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers 27-6 in front of 6,785 fans in Charleston, Ill. Illinois State (2-1) defeated the Panthers (1-2) for second straight time in Charleston and notched their third-straight victory against the Panthers.

The Redbirds thrived in the first half on the legs of junior Pierre Rembert. The transfer from Michigan collected 102 yards on 23 carries and scored both of ISU’s touchdowns in the half.

ISU scored on its second possession of the game, as Rembert racked up 37 yards on five carries during a seven-play drive that ended in an eight-yard touchdown run by Rembert. Kevin Mazur’s extra point gave the Redbirds an early 7-0 lead with 8:05 left in the first quarter. Rembert added his second score of the half on a six-yard touchdown run that capped off a 12 play, 72-yard drive for the Redbirds.

However, the Illinois State defense played a part in the successful first half also, limiting the Panthers to just 106 yards of total offense in the half. The Panthers had chances to score however, but missed a field goal in each quarter of the first half. EIU kicker Zach Yates missed a 47- yard field goal wide left in the first half and missed a 24-yard attempt in the second quarter, giving the Redbird defense a 14-0 shutout at halftime.

The Redbirds came out firing in the second half, using the running game once again to score on their first possession of the half. Running back Rafael Rice’s touchdown from the two-yard line capped off a play drive which took 9:32 off the clock to begin the half.

With a 20-0 lead, the Redbird defense took over and put the Panthers away for good. With eight seconds left in the third quarter, Ramon Barber intercepted Eastern Illinois quarterback Mike Donato’s pass, the first of two Redbird interceptions on the evening. Junior James Temple added the second pick of the night in the fourth quarter, also off Donato.

Illinois State’s final score of the night came way of sophomore Kye Stewart’s 42-yard yard fumble recovery in the fourth quarter. It was ISU’s second fumble return for a touchdown on the season and its third defensive score in three games.

However, Eastern Illinois would put an end to the Redbirds’ bid for their first shutout since the 2000 season with 6:03 left in the fourth quarter. Donato’s six-yard scramble capped off an eight-play drive, bringing the score to 27-6. After a failed two-point conversion, the score remained the same and eventually ended at 27-6.

Rembert finished the night with a career high 134 yards on 29 carries. Sophomore quarterback Luke Drone also had a solid game, going 17-for-31 with 203 yards passing for the Redbirds.

Illinois State returns home next weekend to face the Murray State Racers. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill.

[News release]

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