Senior quarterback Garrett Brown rushes against Wofford on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. Photo courtesy of Catamount Athletics
The Western Carolina Catamounts started off with a statement in their game against the Wofford Terriers on Oct.11.
Detrez Newsome took the opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown to give the Catamounts an early lead, a lead they never relinquished. The Cats won the game 26-14 on the strength of special teams and dominant rushing attack.
After a Wofford touchdown and subsequent Western punt, the Terriers had a chance to take the lead with a field goal to start the second quarter, but it was blocked by the Cats to preserve the tie game. The strong defensive and special teams plays continued for WCU as they held the visitors to just 273 total yards and two touchdowns. Western defense stepped up to force a Wofford fumble in a dramatic goal line stand to end the first half. In another momentum swinging play, the Cats recorded a safety in the third quarter, stuffing the Terrier run in their own end zone after being stopped at the one on fourth down.
Newsome recorded another touchdown by running a 24 yard touchdown to seal to game for the Cats. Newsome finished with 180 all-purpose yards in the pivotal Southern Conference game. Junior Catamount quarterback, Troy Mitchell, finished with 101 yards passing and added a touchdown on the ground.
Key to the Catamount’s success was Senior backup quarterback, Garrett Brown, who rushed for 67 yards and led the Cats on an 88 yard touchdown drive that was finished by the Newsome run. Garrett Brown received the game ball for his pivotal play.
With the win, the Catamounts are 2-0 in SoCon play for the first time since 2005 and have a share of the conference lead with Chattanooga. Next week, Western travels to Macon, Georgia, to take on SoCon newcomer, Mercer.
