MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois went toe-to-toe on the road with UT Martin on Saturday afternoon, but the Skyhawks scored late to edge the Leathernecks, 32-31, at Hardy M. Graham Stadium.
Freshman quarterback Cason Carswell shined in his second career start, throwing for 327 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-30 passing. Both scores came in the first half, including a 28-yard connection to Demari Davis and an 18-yard strike to Alex Williams.
Junior running back Markell Holman powered the Western Illinois ground game, rushing for 59 yards and two touchdowns, including a 16-yard score in the second quarter.
Western's offense rolled to 403 total yards, averaging 7.9 yards per play, while the defense came up with key stops throughout the afternoon. Christian Pierce and Justin Richardson led the way defensively with nine tackles each, while Kevin Washington Jr. added eight tackles and a sack.
Antonio Chadha connected on a 24-yard field goal and went a perfect 4-for-4 on extra points. However, a potential game-winning 48-yard field goal attempt in the final minute was blocked, sealing the narrow defeat for the Leathernecks.
Tristin Duncan finished with five receptions for 82 yards, and Christian Anaya added five catches for 70 yards to complement Davis's team-high 109 receiving yards.
Western Illinois (1-6, 0-3 OVC-Big South) returns home next Saturday to host Charleston Southern at Hanson Field. Kickoff is set for 3Â p.m.
Follow the Leathernecks
For all the latest on Leatherneck Football, visit GoLeathernecks.com and follow the team on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
