COLONELS GET FIRST WIN, HOLD OFF CHATTANOOGA 22-17

RICHMOND, KY - Eastern Kentucky football picked up its first win of the 2026 season Saturday night, beating Chattanooga 22-17 in front of nearly 4,600 fans at Roy Kidd Stadium.

The Colonels built a 16-3 lead by halftime after scoring twice in the first quarter and adding 10 points in the second. Braylon Newcomb opened the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown catch from Tyler Travers before Brady Hensley broke free for a 96-yard touchdown run. Buzz Flabiano added a 33-yard field goal before halftime.

Chattanooga made things interesting in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns to take a 17-16 lead. EKU answered when Brayden Latham punched in a 1-yard touchdown with 3:48 left in the fourth quarter to put the Colonels back on top.

The ground game was a big part of the win. EKU finished with 274 rushing yards, led by Hensley’s 119 yards and Latham’s 66. Travers added 69 yards on the ground while completing 13 of 23 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.

The defense also came through when it mattered, holding Chattanooga scoreless in the fourth quarter. EKU finished with five tackles for loss and two interceptions.

After two tough road games to start the season, the Colonels now have their first win and will stay home next week to face Dayton.

by Austin Stuckey, The Stable

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Photography Credit: Austin Stuckey, The Stable