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CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois safety Bradley Dewberry picked off a pass from Eastern Kentucky's Tim Boyle on the first play of EKU's overtime drive to give EIU a 23-20 win on senior day at O'Brien Field.
 
It was the third win in overtime this season for Eastern Illinois as the Panthers improved to 6-4 overall, 5-2 in the OVC.   The win locked up the third straight winning season for the program, the longest stretch of consecutive winnings seasons since 2005-07.  EKU fell to 3-6 overall, 3-4 in the OVC.
 
In a game lead by solid defensive performances it was two offensive drives that provided some of the sparks on a misty afternoon.   EKU started a drive at its own 46 yard line with 3:46 remaining and the score tied at 13-13.  After being held in check most of the game, Daryl McCleskey ripped off a 23-yard run with 1:33 left to play giving EKU the ball at the EIU 4-yard line.  McCleskey would score three plays later putting the Colonels up 20-13 with 37 seconds remaining.
 
Following a short kickoff that Vincent Speller returned to the EIU 33-yard line, the Panthers took over with 32 seconds remaining.  Scotty Gilkey Jr. hit Dennis Turner for a 19-yard strike on the first play from scrimmage moving the ball into EKU territory.  After an incomplete pass Gilkey then connected with Aaron Gooch on a crossing route.  Gooch raced out of bounds at the 26-yard line with ten seconds remaining.  Gilkey then hit Alexander Hollins for a 26-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone.  Matt Severino hit the extra point with two seconds left to send the game to overtime.
 
Severino then hit from 45 yards out on EIU's offensive possession in overtime.  It was his third field goal of the game and second over 40-yards.  He hit from 44 in the second quarter that tied the game at 10-10 going into the half.
 
Gilkey scored the Panthers opening touchdown on a 1-yard run in the first quarter.  He would rush for 34 yards while passing for 213 yards and the one score.  Hollins had four catches for 107 yards and the game tying score.  It was his fourth 100-yard receiving game this season.
 
McCleskey scored the Colonels other touchdown in the first quarter on a 14-yard run.  He would finish with 70 yards rushing but as a team the Colonels were held to just 64 yards rushing.  Boyle passed for 216 yards but threw two interceptions on the day.  Lucas Williams tacked on a pair of field goals for EKU.
 
The Panthers defensive effort was led by Dytarious Johnson with seven tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss.  EIU had 11 total tackles for loss with Xzavier Shugars, Nick Horne and David Johnson all picking up two tackles for loss.  Dewberry had five tackles and both picks for the Panthers.
 
Kobie Grace led EKU with 11 tackles including 3.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.