The WCU football team played Gardner-Webb University on Aug. 30 for the first home game of the season and the first night football game since 2021, losing in a nail biter 45-52.
The stands were filled with fans, ranging from students at WCU to alumni and parents that watched the games.
Gardner-Webb started the game with the first touchdown, a 65 yard run by Quasean Holmes within the first minute of the game.
After that, WCU scored 35 points without a point scored by Gardner-Webb. Gardner-Webb then scored two more touchdowns during the second quarter to finish the first half with the score of 35-21.
In the third quarter, both teams traded touchdowns, making the score 28-42. It was looking like WCU was running away with the win.
Then, in the fourth quarter, Gardner-Webb scored two touchdowns in the first five minutes, tying the game up 42-42. Gardner-Webb then scored a field goal to take the lead.
With a game sealing interception from Gardner-Webb and one final touchdown, the game ended in a heartbreaking loss for WCU.
WCU had two quarterbacks play this game since Taron Dickens was inactive for personal reasons, freshman Isaac Lee and sophomore Bennett Judy. Lee threw for 82 yards on 3 of 9 passing, while Judy threw 151 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on 15 of 27 passing.
Nate Hampton, the senior quarterback for Gardner-Webb University, threw 12 of 30 for 23 yards, adding on two passing touchdowns. Hampton used his feet a lot this game though, rushing for four touchdowns by himself, and scoring the game sealing touchdown using his legs.
Even after the loss, WCU students stayed to watch the fireworks show and celebrate the first night game since 2021.
“The loss was hard to watch, but I stayed and watched the fireworks after,” said junior Noah Latham, who went to watch the game. “They were really cool to see and a nice little add on.”
The next home game for WCU football is on Sept. 13 where they will be playing against Elon University.
