CHARLESTON, S.C. – Western Illinois delivered a dramatic finish Saturday, scoring with 15 seconds remaining to defeat Charleston Southern 42-35 in a high-scoring comeback victory.
The Leathernecks overcame multiple momentum swings, including a fourth-quarter rally by the Buccaneers that erased a 14-point deficit, before putting together a game-winning drive in the final minutes.
Western Illinois struck first in the opening quarter when Kennedy McGill broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run, giving the Leathernecks a 7-0 advantage. Charleston Southern answered with a touchdown of its own, and the two teams traded scores to enter halftime tied at 14-14.
The Leathernecks took control early in the third quarter. After a pair of lengthy runs from McGill helped move Western Illinois down the field, McGill punched in a four-yard touchdown to put WIU ahead 21-14.
Following a Charleston Southern turnover on downs, Western Illinois capitalized on the opportunity. McGill connected with Israel Hiraldo for a 44-yard touchdown reception, extending the Leathernecks' lead to 28-14.
Charleston Southern responded with a touchdown, but McGill quickly answered with the biggest play of the afternoon, breaking loose for an 84-yard touchdown run to push the Western Illinois advantage to 35-21.
The Buccaneers mounted a fourth-quarter comeback, scoring on a 39-yard interception return before recovering a fumble and returning it 19 yards for another touchdown. The two defensive scores brought Charleston Southern even at 35-35 with 5:55 remaining.
After a Charleston Southern punt pinned Western Illinois at its own one-yard line, the Leathernecks put together a clutch 99-yard drive. McGill led the offense down the field with several key runs and completions, including a 32-yard connection with Tysean Griffin on fourth-and-one to move into the red zone.
Ihson E. Jackson-Anderson capped the drive with a 14-yard touchdown run with just 15 seconds remaining. Ronan Culkin added the extra point to give Western Illinois the 42-35 lead.
Charleston Southern managed one final possession, but the Leathernecks held on as time expired to secure the seven-point victory.
"We're proud of the resiliency of our team. To survive 4 turnovers is miraculous and honestly it's not acceptable. Nobody panicked. We continued to play and really happy for our players to get that win," said Head Coach Joe Davis
The victory marks another important step forward for the Leathernecks, who continue to build momentum during their strongest start to a season since 2018. Western Illinois will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup against Eastern Illinois as the 2026 season continues.
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For all the latest information on Leatherneck Football, visit GoLeathernecks.com. Fans can also follow Western Illinois Football on X, Instagram and Facebook.
