The Western Carolina Catamounts took on the Virginia Military Institute Keydets in the final home game of the season on Nov. 5.
Although it has been a tumultuous season with a string of losses, Catamount fans were still excited to see WCU pull out a win on Senior Day. The Catamounts edged the Keydets in a thriller 32-29. It was a close call for WCU as the team entered halftime with a 21-9 lead, but it gradually dissipated.
Terryon Robinson walking in the touchdown that pushed the WCU back in front of VMI. Photo By Calvin Inman.
Catamount quarterback Tyrie Adams went 21 for 31 and managed to put up 207 yards. In the closing minute of the game, Adams threw a game-winning 53-yard dagger to receiver Terryon Robinson. Robinson finished the game with 92 yards on 9 receptions.
Coming off a record-breaking performance against Chattanooga, WCU’s running back Detrez Newsome garnered a modest gain of 111 yards on 19 carries. On the opposing side, the Catamount’s defense gave up 136 yards on 19 carries to VMI’s running back Daz Palmer.
The Catamounts started the game with a 7-0 lead with a 19 yard fumble return scooped up by WCU’s cornerback Keion Crossen on the Keydets’ opening kickoff possession. It was Crossen’s first career touchdown. In the second quarter, Crossen provided another huge play by picking off VMI’s quarterback Austin Coulling for a 65-yard return.
Along with that monstrous interception, the Keydets’ quarterback Austin Coulling gave away two more errant passes to the Catamounts’ defense. Nevertheless, Coulling went 18 for 25 for 265 yards and one touchdown.
WCU’s defensive stars provided a strong-willed performance with linebacker Tyson Dickson mustering nine tackles and one sack. Defensive end Tahjai Watt got involved in the game as he obtained eight tackles and two sacks. Watt was also instrumental in a huge block on the final field goal attempt by VMI’s kicker Reed King with 1:37 remaining in the game.
The Catamount’s special teams had an impactful day with four placekick blocks, including two field goal attempts and two point after attempts.
Trey Morgan in mid-air ripping down an interception that would seal the win. Photo by Calvin Inman.
In the closing minutes of the game, Catamount’s senior defensive back Trey Morgan snatched a huge pick six in what would end in a controversial penalty call by the officials that took away the touchdown. Fans were irate and following the ruling, they began to boo and chant in disgust. This call ultimately led to a fire ignited on defense resulting in the big field goal block by Tahjai Watt.
Coach Mark Speir on the sidelines of Saturday’s game. Photo by Calvin Inman.
During the post-game interview, Catamount coach Mark Speir showed nothing but love for his players. “We’ve been through a lot of tough times this year,” said Speir. “When it counted most, our players went out and made plays.”
Mentioning the recent firing of defensive coordinator Dustin Landry, “We came off a weekend where we had some changes with our defensive staff, and it’s been a tough couple of days,” said Speir. He praised his seniors by talking about how great of people they are and how great it was to send them out like this.
When interviewed about his huge interception that sealed the deal, Catamounts’ senior defensive back Trey Morgan simply said, “Big players make plays in big games.”
The win against VMI snaps a six game losing streak dating back to Sept. 10 against Gardner-Webb which was also at home.
