Saluki Football Wins Home Opener Under the Lights

Thursday, August 29

Carbondale, Ill.

7:00 PM

Southern Illinois University

1-0

Kentucky Wesleyan

0-1

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Ky. Wesleyan	0	0	0	0	0
Southern Illinois	28	10	10	30	78

08/29/2002 | 12:00:00 | Football

Box Score

Aug. 29, 2002

Box Score?|? Photo Gallery

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University celebrated the installation of new lights at McAndrew Stadium by trouncing Kentucky Wesleyan, 78-0, Thursday night in the season opener for both schools. The margin of victory was the biggest in the school's modern history.

The event drew a crowd of 12,125 to see the first night game at McAndrew since the old lighting system became inoperable after the 1973 season. The school declared the evening "Union Workers Night," because Local IBEW 702 installed the lights at no charge.

"It was a terrific atmosphere and our hats are off to everyone who made this night special," Saluki head coach Jerry Kill said. "We've made tremendous strides with our football program thanks to the support of our adminstration, the business community and our fans."

Saluki running back Tom Koutsos, the school's career rushing leader, carried 11 times for 65 yards and four touchdowns.

The game was decided early as the Salukis (1-0) rolled out to a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks to touchdown runs by Koutsos of 12, 1, 7 and 7 yards.

Also effective at running back was freshman Brad Brachear, who led all rushers with 74 yards on 11 carries. SIU averaged 6.8 yards per cary and outgained the Panthers (0-1) 312-145.

The Salukis returned two kicks for touchdowns. Chris Gadson took a kickoff back 89 yards for a score in the third quarter, and Quorey Payne returned a punt 47 yards for a score in the fourth quarter.

SIU's last two scores came on fumble returns for touchdowns as James Smith scooped a loose ball up and rambled 18 yards for a score, and Steron Davidson took one back 21 yards.

The Salukis return to action on Saturday, Sept. 7 when they host SE Missouri State at 7 p.m.

From the Saluki Locker Room
Brandon Walker: "We just came out to win. The score could have been 7-0 or 100-0, it didn't matter.''

Joel Sambursky: "It was really awesome, just being in the lockerroom. It really was a team effort, with everbody rooting for each other, even though we have guys out here competing for jobs against each other.''

"I made a lot of mistakes. We made a lot of mistakes. It was a great win, but we know we can get better.''

Eric Egan: "It is great for our defense to get a shutout, and hopefully we can just build on it. We were just drooling at the mouth to get out there.''

Jerry Kill: "Thanks to the IBEW, the union, the local contractors and the fans, it felt like a college football game and that's what we've been looking for. When you do that kids play better and we had a lot of good performances tonight from the team and especially the young guys and the local kids."

"It was a fun evening for the youngsters, but we don't have any false securities. We're far from being a great football. We have a lot of work to do and I know that. We got to play everybody and we were happy to see the young kids do well. Now we can evaluate all our personnel in game conditions. "

"Overall we didn't turn the ball over and that's the greatest thing. Joel Sambursky played very well with the limited offense we showed tonight with the SEMO game coming up next week."

"We had a business-like approach to this game, which is more like my personality. This was a great step in the right direction and I was happy we played hard for four quarters. We showed some speed tonight and it was good to see our defense get after someone else besides our offense. They made plays."