CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Austin Peay opened its season with a 35-17 victory over Gardner-Webb on Thursday night at Fortera Stadium. Chris Parson threw for 308 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score to lead the Governors. Courtland Simmons rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns, and Isaiah Groves added a 1-yard scoring run. Austin Peay led 21-10 at halftime after scoring 14 points in the second quarter. The Governors (1-0) extended the lead with two third-quarter touchdowns. Gardner-Webb (0-1) got a 36-yard field goal from T. Simpson in the first quarter, added a touchdown in the second and closed the scoring with a touchdown run from A. Cormier in the fourth. Cole Pennington completed 27 of 49 passes for 312 yards with a touchdown. Marvin Sims had three catches for 78 yards for Austin Peay, and Denver Harper had three receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown. The Governors visit Vanderbilt on Sept. 5, while Gardner-Webb travels to Wofford the same day.