Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Chris Parson leads Austin Peay to win over Gardner-Webb in season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 2:58 AM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Chris Parson leads Austin Peay to win over Gardner-Webb in season opener

Summary

Austin Peay secured a 35-17 victory against Gardner-Webb on Thursday night. Quarterback Chris Parson threw for 308 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for another. Courtland Simmons contributed with two rushing touchdowns. The Governors, ranked No. 17 in the Stats Perform FCS top 25 poll, took the lead late in the first half and maintained control through the second half. Gardner-Webb’s Cole Pennington recorded 312 passing yards but could not close the gap.

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By the Numbers

•Austin Peay leads 35-17 in season opener against Gardner-Webb.
•Chris Parson throws for 308 yards, rushes for one touchdown.
•Courtland Simmons adds two rushing touchdowns for Austin Peay.
•The victory helps Austin Peay maintain their No. 17 ranking in FCS.

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2:58 AMYahoo Sports — Parson, Simmons lead Austin Peay in 35-17 win over Gardner-Webb

What they're saying

"
Chris Parson threw for 308 yards and a touchdown, Courtland Simmons ran for two touchdowns and Austin Peay beat Gardner-Webb 35-17 on Thursday night in a season opener for both teams. Parson, the preseason United Athletic Conference offensive player of the year, also ran for a touchdown for Austin Peay, which is ranked No. 17 in the Stats Perform FCS top 25 poll. Parson connected with Denver Harper on a 49-yard strike in which Harper — who had to slow his stride on a slightly underthrown pass — still had his defender beat by five yards.
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 2:58 AM
Parson, Simmons lead Austin Peay in 35-17 win over Gardner-Webb
Chris Parson threw for 308 yards and a touchdown, Courtland Simmons ran for two touchdowns and Austin Peay beat Gardner-Webb 35-17 on Thursday night in a season opener for both teams. Parson, the preseason United Athletic Conference offensive player of the year, also ran for a touchdown for Austin Peay, which is ranked No. 17 in the Stats Perform FCS top 25 poll. Parson connected with Denver Harper on a 49-yard strike in which Harper — who had to slow his stride on a slightly underthrown pass — still had his defender beat by five yards.

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