Oct 4, 2003

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - Furman running back Hindley Brigman had career highs in attempts (28) and yards (137), while kicker Danny Marshall kicked a career-high four field goals to lead the sixth-ranked Paladins (4-1, 2-0 SoCon) to a 19-13 victory over Western Carolina (3-3, 2-1) Saturday night at Whitmire Stadium/Waters Field.

Marshall made field goals of 42, 30, 43 and 22 yards to move to third on the Southern Conference all-time kick scoring list with 271 points.

On Furman's first possession, the Paladins fumbled on an option play and the ball was recovered by WCU senior linebacker Rod Dunlap. Catamount running back Manny DeShauteurs had five rushes on the seven play drive, including the final four yards, to give the Cats an early 7-0 lead.

Furman answered with an eight-play, 55-yard scoring drive. The Paladins got into scoring position thanks to a 31-yard run by Brigman, getting to the Catamount 38. Six plays later, Marshall hit the first of his four field goals to make the score 7-3. Furman regained possession on the Cats next offensive possession when Cam Newton intercepted a Brian Gaither pass and returned it to the WCU seven. Quarterback Bo Moore capped the short drive with a four-yard touchdown run, giving the Paladins a 10-7 lead. Moore finished the game completing 14-of-18 passes for 219 yards.

As the second quarter began, Furman padded its advantage with a 30-yard Marshall field goal. The Paladins were forced to settle for the field goal thanks to back-to-back stops by Michale Spicer, putting Furman in a third and 11 situation. With a tackle for loss during the drive, Spicer passed Louis Cooper for the WCU all-time lead in TFLs, now with 49.

Late in the second quarter, Furman was forced to punt, but the Catamounts fumbled the kick and the Paladins' Brad Bell recovered at the WCU 30. Four plays later, Marshall gave Furman a 16-7 lead at the break, making a 43-yard field goal with 1:43 left in the half.

The teams traded punts for most of the third quarter. The Catamounts mounted an impressive drive, getting to the Furman 24. The Cats were forced to kick a field goal. Paladin defensive end Brandon Poole blocked the kick, keeping the game at 16-7. As the third quarter came to a close, Marshall connected from 22 yards out to make it a 19-7 game in favor of the Paladins.

As the fourth quarter began, the Paladins got the ball back on an interception. Western dodged another field goal attempt as a bad snap forced the Paladins to turn the ball over on downs. Western would capitalize by driving 91 yards in eight plays and 2:12, cutting its deficit to six (19-13). The drive featured two big plays by sophomore receiver Xavier Godard. First, Godard hauled in a Gaither pass for 33 yards, giving WCU the ball on the Furman 22. On the next play, Gaither once again found Godard for the score. The point after attempt was not good, leaving the six-point deficit.

The Paladins looked to put the game out of reach. A 54-yard Moore to Isaac West pass gave Furman the ball on the WCU three. Nick McNeil stopped the Paladins for no gain on first and goal, then recorded a tackle for a loss of one yard on second. Dunlap dropped Moore for a five-yard sack on third, forcing a sixth field goal attempt. Marshall's try was blocked by WCU junior defensive tackle Albert Reid. The Cats could not take advantage and were forced to punt five plays later with 5:40 still left in the game.

Furman had two big plays on what proved to be the final drive to hold on for the win. First, with the ball on its own 27, Brigman broke a 13-yard run to get to the Furman 40. Facing third and seven, the Paladins committed back-to-back penalties, making it third and 17. However, Moore found Brian Stone for a 43-yard pass and a first down. Furman's final big play of the drive was with the Paladins facing fourth and two, Brigman rushed for eight yards. The first down allowed the Paladins to run out the clock for the 19-13 victory.

For the Catamounts, Gaither finished with 16 completions on 34 attempts with two interceptions, one touchdown and 173 yards. Defensively, Dunlap led all players with 11 stops, including three for losses and a sack. James Conklin and McNeil each added eight for the Cats.

Furman was paced defensively by Mike Killian, who had eight tackles. Shelton Riley joined Newton in getting an interception for the Paladins.

Western Carolina will return to action next Saturday (Oct. 11) at Georgia Southern. Kickoff is set for 1 pm in Statesboro. Furman will also return to action next Saturday, hosting Appalachian State at 3:30 pm.