Box Score MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois football put together its best offensive performance of the season, defeating Valparaiso 51-30 on Saturday night at Hanson Field. The win gives the Leathernecks their first victory of the year, improving to 1-2 overall.
WIU struck first when Markell Holman punched in a 3-yard touchdown run on the opening drive. The Leathernecks kept rolling in the second quarter as Chris Irvin threw a 29-yard touchdown to Demari Davis, added a 4-yard rushing score, and later connected with Holman for a 15-yard touchdown. Western Illinois led 28-3 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Irvin found Alex Williams for a 17-yard touchdown and Antonio Chadha drilled a 48-yard field goal. Brinston Williams added a 21-yard rushing score, and Antwon McKay Jr. connected with Brandon Lanier for a 14-yard touchdown in the fourth to cap the Leathernecks' scoring.
Irvin finished 13-for-20 for 247 yards and three touchdown passes while also rushing for a score. Davis caught five passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, Williams added 54 yards and a score, and Holman contributed 74 rushing yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Brinston Williams chipped in 56 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The Leathernecks' defense forced three fumbles and tallied seven tackles for loss. Christian Pierce led the way with three stops, while Brock Sperling recorded a sack.
Valparaiso scored twice late, including a 100-yard kickoff return, but WIU's early dominance sealed the 51-30 win.
Western Illinois (1-2) now heads west for a road matchup at Eastern Washington next Saturday.
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