CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Cade Thompson completed 17-of-28 for 254 yards and three touchdowns, leading Tennessee Martin to a 31-17 defeat of Austin Peay in Ohio Valley Conference football action, Saturday.

The Skyhawks (3-1, 1-0 OVC) first score came on a 36-yard Tom Hansen field goal in the opening frame and Thompson threw for two TDs in the second quarter for a 16-6 UTM lead at the break. The Govs (0-4, 0-1 OVC) score came on a 35-yard interception return by Kevis Buckley, who had two interceptions on the day.

Austin Peay narrowed the margin when T.C. Jennings hooked up with Scott Thomas for a 7-yard TD strike and a two-point conversion to make it 16-14. The Skyhawks outscored the Govs 15-3 in the fourth to seal the win.

Mike Hicks was Thompson's main target, finishing with 9 catches for 155 yards and a score. Miguel Barnes gained 62 yards on 12 carries to lead the Skyhawk's ground campaign. Tennessee Martin finished 4-of-4 in the red zone and were 7 of 13 in third-down conversions, including 5 of 7 in the second half.

APSU, meanwhile, missed three first-half field goals, including having one blocked. APSU also missed an extra point. The Govs also were just 4 of 15 in third-down conversions.

The Governors saw quarterback junior Gary Orr go out of the game early in the third quarter after a sideline hit drew a 15-yard personal foul penalty. He attempted to play one more play before the thumb injury, which could end his season, forced him to be replaced by sophomore tranfer T.C. Jennings.

Jenning finished as the Govs leading passer (7 of 15, 58 yards) and rusher (49 yards).

APSU finished with 244 total offensive yards while UT Martin had 388.

Terrence Holt again provided the Govs a boost on special teams, averaging 15 yards per punt return on two boots and 27.5 yards per kickoff return on four attempts.

Junior linebacker Daniel Swenson led the Govs with 11 tackles, including a sack, while inside backer Daniel Becker had nine stops.

-AP-