MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois closed its season on a high note Saturday, earning a 29–24 road win at Gardner-Webb in the 2025 finale. The Leathernecks built a 19-point cushion late in the third quarter and leaned on a physical defensive finish to lock up their fourth victory of the year.
WIU delivered one of its most balanced offensive performances of the season, totaling 336 yards while controlling possession for more than 34 minutes. The Leathernecks opened the scoring with a 49-yard touchdown connection from Cason Carswell to Brandon Lanier, and after Gardner-Webb briefly grabbed the lead, Western answered with a 10-play, 75-yard march capped by a 17-yard touchdown to tight end Alex Williams.
Coming out of halftime, the Leathernecks took over. Carswell powered in a one-yard keeper to extend the lead, and moments later, Markell Holman punched in a one-yard touchdown and converted the two-point attempt to make it 29–10. Holman finished with 137 yards on 33 carries — a performance that not only anchored the win but also officially secured him the conference rushing title to close his junior campaign.
Carswell completed 18 of 31 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers, spreading the ball to nine receivers. Williams and Lanier provided the scoring grabs, while Demari Davis led WIU with six receptions.
The defense closed the season with one of its toughest performances, piling up five sacks and forcing two turnovers. Senior captain Christian Pierce anchored the unit with 12 tackles, while Malini Ti'a turned in a standout finale that included two sacks, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Esteban Guillory added an interception to round out the effort.
Gardner-Webb cut the margin to five with two late touchdowns, but the Leatherneck defense stood tall on the final possession as WIU closed its 2025 season with a road victory.
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