Typically, a Homecoming match-up is a time for fun and excitement with pregame festivities, as well as the traditional presentation of Homecoming King and Queen at halftime.
In this case, a continuous downpour of rain drowned out the entertainment factor.
From a missed 45-yard field goal attempt by kicker Joshua Gibson in the second quarter to the team’s inability to connect on the deep ball, the Western Carolina Catamounts just couldn’t get its footing against the Furman Paladins, losing 28-6 on Oct. 28.
WCU’s senior wide-out Terryon Robinson on the ineffectiveness of the passing game:
“We were able to complete the shorter passes, but being able to complete the deep ball has been a big element in our offense this year. We just couldn’t get into a rhythm this week,” said Robinson.
Catamount fans were scarcely in the stands throughout this contest, on account of the weather, and it made the feel of the game much more lackluster. Without the typical Catamount fan base rallying the team, WCU had minimal momentum to build on.
Some of the remaining fans that stayed in the third quarter to weather the storm. Oct. 28, 2017. Photo by Marcus Smith
Momentum was also lost due to the injury to Cats quarterback Tyrie Adams in the second quarter forcing backup Ray Smith to run the offense against a pretty good Paladins defense led by safety Bryan Okeh.
Cats coach Mark Speir on the injury to Adams:
“Well, obviously Tyrie’s a special player for us. I don’t know the extent of it. It’s not an ACL or MCL. I thought Ray came in and did a good job. He did everything we asked him to do,” said Speir.
There were some moments where the Cats shined, especially on the ground as running back Detrez Newsome rushed for 110 yards on 26 carries. Though, for a player of his caliber it was still an off-night.
Overall, both teams were prone to giving up the ball with a combined total of two fumbles lost and two interceptions.
“We were our own worst enemies. Way too many penalties and way too many mistakes to win a ball game of that magnitude,” said Speir.
The leaders on defense for the Catamounts were defensive back Marvin Tillman and linebacker Tahjai Watt ending up with 9 tackles apiece.
WCU’s senior defensive back Keion Crossen on some of the missed plays by the defense:
“Furman’s a great team. They have a type of offense that will just wait for you to make mistakes…With that kind of team you have to be very disciplined. Obviously they had great plays and we missed a few plays,” said Crossen.
Nevertheless, the Paladin’s running game was tremendous against the Catamount’s front seven with running backs Antonio Wilcox and Kealand Dirks setting the pace of the game by obtaining 126 yards and 123 yards respectively.
The Catamounts (6-3) are slated for a road matchup against The Citadel Bulldogs (5-3) at 2 p.m. on Nov. 4 in Johnson Hagood Stadium.
