Furman’s Darren Grainger throws a successful pass during the 2019 Homecoming game on Oct. 26. Photo by Nate Hadley.
It was a wet and chilly day at E.J. Whitmire Stadium while the Catamounts drowned in their offensive woes as Furman (5-3) defeated WCU (1-7) on their homecoming game 28-7 last Saturday, Oct. 26.
Furman opened up the game with a field goal on their first possession. The Catamounts then proceeded to march down the field on a 16-play 75-yard drive that took up most of the first quarter. They were led by the efforts of quarterback Tyrie Adams who capped off the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run.
On Furman’s next possession running back, Devin Abrams responded with a 52-yard run that brought Furman within striking distance. Running back Devin Wynn would finish off the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. This score put Furman up 10-7, and the Catamounts had no answer.
Later in the second quarter, WCU and Furman both were stopped (see the short video on 4th down ) on back to back possessions. They also missed a field goal on back to back possessions. As time expired in the half Furman drilled a 39-yard field goal to go up 13-7.
WCU was still in this game, but Furman’s defensive efforts and ball control proved to be too much for the Cats to overcome. Furman would score 15 unanswered points, including a 39-yard catch and run by receiver Thomas Gordon resulting in a touchdown.
WCU running back Donnavan Spencer weaves through Furman’s defense during the 2019 Homecoming game on Oct. 26. Photo by Nate Hadley.
Adams provided most of the offense for WCU, who went 18-of-22 passing for 108-yards. He also had 22-yards rushing. Last week Adams only played four plays due to a foot injury. He got hit hard this week as well, and he ended up exiting the game a little over halfway through the 4th quarter after getting banged up on the previous play.
“Tyrie’s tough,” said head coach Mark Speir, “…he came out and gave us an opportunity to win.”
Coach Speir said that the team needs to be more efficient and do a better job capitalizing on opportunities the other team gives them.
“I think that the Catamount football team has potential but can’t get over the hump,” said WCU freshman Kasson Mitchell.
Looking ahead to next week, WCU takes on VMI (4-4) in Lexington.
“Going into this week, it’s got to be like super bowl Saturday for us,” said Adams after the game with Furman.
Coach Speir said that VMI will be a tough matchup because they are hard to tackle and play good team football.
