MACOMB, IL — The Western Illinois football team put together a dominant performance Saturday evening, defeating Morehead State 59-2 at Hanson Field.
First Half
Western Illinois took control early Saturday evening, taking a 31-0 lead over Morehead State at halftime.
The Leathernecks struck first on their opening possession, with Kennedy McGill breaking loose for a 28-yard rushing touchdown to give Western Illinois a 7-0 advantage with 12:49 remaining in the first quarter. McGill and the Leathernecks' offense continued to move the ball effectively, adding another touchdown later in the quarter when McGill connected with Tanner Zolnosky for a five-yard score.
Western Illinois added to its lead in the second quarter. Ronan Culkin connected on a 37-yard field goal early in the period before Jackson-Anderson broke free for a 66-yard run that set up his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, pushing the lead to 24-0. The Leathernecks added one more score before halftime, with McGill connecting with Jackson-Anderson on a 35-yard touchdown pass with 33 seconds remaining in the half.
Defensively, Western Illinois held Morehead State scoreless through the opening 30 minutes, forcing several punts while DonPaul Keith added an interception late in the second quarter. The Leathernecks went into the locker room with a 31-0 advantage.
Second Half
Western Illinois picked up right where it left off after halftime, putting together a pair of touchdown drives in the third quarter. McGill connected with Israel Hiraldo for a nine-yard score before finding Lukas Gilland for a 20-yard touchdown later in the period. Morehead State got on the board following a punt return that resulted in a safety, but Western Illinois maintained a 45-2 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
The Leathernecks continued to control the game in the fourth, with Cason Carswell leading a 92-yard touchdown drive that featured a 41-yard completion to Sage Yazzie before ending with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jamarion Davis.
Western Illinois added one final score late in the game when Gage Sturgill connected with Sasha Summers for a six-yard touchdown, closing out a dominant 59-2 victory over Morehead State.
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