MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois football battled all four quarters Friday night at Martin Stadium, coming away with valuable experience against Big Ten foe Northwestern before falling 42-7.

Northwestern built an early advantage and carried momentum for much of the contest, but the Leathernecks were able to find the endzone with a late scoring drive. Western Illinois capped the night with a 10-play, 75-yard march in the fourth quarter, when backup quarterback Carson Carswell connected with Christian Anaya for an 8-yard touchdown. Kicker Antonio Chadha added the extra point.

Offensively, the Leathernecks scored their first touchdown of the season with Carswell, stepping in to lead the offense, completing 6-of-8 passes for 52 yards and the touchdown. Markell Holman paced the ground game with 13 carries for 52 yards, while Demari Davis hauled in three receptions for 46 yards. Anaya added three catches, including the team's lone score.

Defensively, Western Illinois produced several strong individual efforts in a tough environment. Justin Richardson led the way with 11 tackles, while Christian Pierce and Malini Ti'a each posted 10. Buju Aumua-Tuisavura added nine tackles, and Kevin Washington Jr. tallied eight tackles with two tackles for loss, helping force key punts and making the Wildcats settle for field goals. 

The Leathernecks (0-2) will return to Hanson Field on Saturday, Sept. 13, for their home opener. Western Illinois looks to build on the positive plays from its back-to-back Big 10 opponents and use the home crowd to jump-start the next phase of the season.

FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS 

For all the latest information on Leatherneck Football, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.