MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois football opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Thursday night, defeating Northwestern College, 65-14, at Hanson Field.
Western Illinois found itself in an early hole after Northwestern College recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff and scored just 16 seconds into the game. The Leathernecks quickly responded, however, as LeBron Morgan recovered a fumble and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
WIU took control in the second quarter, scoring three touchdowns to build a 27-7 halftime advantage.
The Leathernecks continued their offensive attack in the second half, scoring 24 points in the third quarter before adding 14 more in the fourth. Western Illinois finished the night with nine touchdowns and a field goal.
Kennedy McGill led the Leatherneck offense, accounting for three rushing touchdowns and two touchdown passes. McGill connected with Christian Anaya for a 59-yard completion in the third quarter before rushing for a touchdown two plays later.
Scoring Summary
Northwestern College opened the scoring on its first offensive possession after recovering an Avery Knight fumble on the opening kickoff. Colby Duncan connected with Caleb Moore for a 19-yard touchdown, giving the Red Raiders a 7-0 lead.
Western Illinois answered on defense. Northwestern College quarterback Colby Duncan was sacked by Nick Reinicke and fumbled, with LeBron Morgan recovering and racing 62 yards for the touchdown. Ronan Culkin's extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 8:23 remaining in the first quarter.
McGill gave WIU its first lead of the night on the opening play of the second quarter, rushing 19 yards for a touchdown to make it 13-7.
The Leathernecks quickly added to their lead. After Joel Salien returned a punt 40 yards to the Northwestern 15, Knight found the end zone on a 15-yard touchdown run. WIU led 20-7 with 12:59 remaining in the half.
Western Illinois' defense forced another turnover on downs before the offense put together another scoring drive. McGill connected with David Hargro for a two-yard touchdown pass, giving the Leathernecks a 27-7 advantage with 2:59 remaining in the second quarter.
Kruger intercepted Duncan late in the half, allowing Western Illinois to take its 20-point lead into the locker room.
Northwestern College opened the second half with a touchdown drive, cutting the deficit to 27-14. The Leathernecks responded with another explosive play, as McGill connected with Anaya for 59 yards to the Northwestern 10-yard line. McGill then rushed 10 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 34-14.
Jackson-Anderson added a 29-yard touchdown run later in the third quarter, while Culkin connected on a 36-yard field goal. McGill capped the quarter with his third rushing touchdown, a six-yard score that gave WIU a 51-14 lead entering the fourth.
Western Illinois continued its scoring in the fourth quarter. McGill connected with Aric Johnson for a 35-yard touchdown pass with 11:23 remaining, extending the Leatherneck lead to 58-14.
The Leathernecks then put together a long scoring drive, marching down the field with a combination of runs from Ethan Bryce and Tanner Zolnosky. Gage Sturgill capped the drive with an eight-yard touchdown run with 54 seconds remaining, giving WIU its final 65-14 advantage.
Leatherneck Notes
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The Leathernecks scored in all four quarters after falling behind 7-0 early in the first.
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McGill accounted for five WIU touchdowns, rushing for three and throwing for two.
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McGill connected with Anaya on a 59-yard completion, the longest play from scrimmage for the Leathernecks in the game.
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Morgan's 62-yard fumble return for a touchdown tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter.
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Jackson-Anderson recorded a 29-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
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Johnson's 35-yard touchdown reception from McGill extended the WIU lead to 58-14 in the fourth quarter.
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Western Illinois forced multiple turnovers, including two interceptions by Kruger and Morgan's fumble recovery touchdown.
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