Box Score Nov. 22, 2003
Final Stats
CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Lamont Seward caught seven passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, while Brian Gaither completed 18-of-23 passes for 254 yards to lead Western Carolina (5-7) to a 39-16 victory over Gardner-Webb (8-4) Saturday afternoon at E.J. Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field. Those were just two of 15 seniors who closed their careers in fine fashion and were honored prior to kickoff in Western's 2003 season finale.
Today also marked the final game for assistant coach Dick O'Brien. In his eighth year at Western Carolina, O'Brien ended a 40-year coaching career today, starting a high school coach in Tampa in 1963-64. While at Western, he mentored All-American Brad Hoover as a running backs coach, as well as All-American kickers Ken Hinsley and Josh Jones.
While both teams moved the ball well through the air, it was the ground attack which proved to be the difference in the game. Western was able to rush for 198 yards on 42 carries (4.7 yards per rush), while Gardner-Webb, who was averaging 180.6 rushing yards per game prior to the contest, only had 14 net rushing yards on 29 attempts, an average of 0.5 yards per carry.
Western Carolina jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. The Cats took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards in 11 plays, ending with a 23 yard field goal by senior Chris Vought. On Gardner-Webb's second possession, which ended in a punt, WCU senior Brian Rucker blocked a Bulldog punt, which was recovered by Mitchell Dukes in the end zone for a 10-0 Catamount lead. The Catamounts closed the first quarter with a second Vought field goal, this time from 32 yards out, for a 13-0 advantage.
Gardner-Webb got on the board midway thought the second quarter, thanks to an impressive 19-play, 80-yard drive, covering 7:52 to start the second period. Chris Foster capped the drive with a one-yard plunge over right tackle, making the score 13-6.
Western immediately answered to make the score 20-6. Gaither connected with L.J. Williams for 16 yards, hit a short pass to Xavier Godard and found Seward on a 47-yard TD pass.
Gardner-Webb looked to cut its deficit to seven late in the second quarter, getting first and goal on the Catamount two. However, the Bulldogs tried four straight rushing plays, but were denied on each attempt. Western took over on downs and ran the clock out for the 20-6 halftime lead.
The Bulldogs did not loose momentum, taking the opening kickoff for the second half and covering 69 yards in six plays and just under three minutes. GWU quarterback Nick Roberts hooked up with receiver Austin Gaines for four passes, the last being a 24-yard scoring strike.
The Catamounts took advantage of a three big passing plays from Gaither and senior tight end Brian Rucker, who played high school ball at Mt. Tabor with Gaither as well. The two used their familiarity for passes of 15, nine and 24 yards to get in scoring position. Western would reclaim a 14-point lead with a six-yard, Gaither-to-Seward touchdown pass.
Gardner-Webb and Western Carolina exchanged field goals to make the score 30-16. First, the Bulldogs' Hunter Smith connected from 31 yard out, followed by a 21-yard Vought field goal.
Although a 48-yard Vought field goal came up short, three consecutive penalties on Gardner-Webb pushed the Bulldogs back to their own four yards line. After an incomplete pass, the Bulldogs were called for a holding penalty in their own endzone, resulting in a safety. After the ensuing free kick, Western provided the final 39-16 margin. The score was set up thanks to a 58-yard run by junior Scooter Dalton. Two plays later, senior Manny DeShauteurs capped his career with an 11-yard score down the left sideline.
In addition to Seward and Gaither, Western was led offensively by Nicholas Wishart, who had 18 rushes for 65 yards, and DeShauteurs' 13 rushes for 34 yards. Rucker had four catches for 52 yards, while Michael Reeder had three for 48.
Gardner-Webb's Roberts threw for 245 yards, completing 24-of-38, and a touchdown but was intercepted twice and sacked three times for Gardner-Webb. William Andrews had nine grabs for 63 yards and Austin Gaines had a 24-yard touchdown reception from Roberts.
The Catamount defense was led by senior Nick McNeil. The Leland, N.C., native had eight tackles, including four for losses and 1.5 sacks. Sophomore Lamar Barnes also had eight stops, while senior Rod Dunlap contributed seven tackles. Senior Michale Spicer, who is Western's all-time leader in tackles, fell just one sack shy of the school's all-time record. He had 1.5 sacks versus Gardner-Webb, giving him 7.5 for the season and 29 for his career. Senior Johnta Philyaw, getting the start at middle linebacker in his final game, came through with a key interception, returning it 19 yards. Freshman Ryan Nesby had the other interception for the Cats.
Other seniors to be honored today included tight end Todd Bargella, punter Stanton Horne, tight end Brian Pesci, safety Otis Powell, left tackle Jon Vaughan and right tackle Jason Whaley.
Gardner-Webb was led by Jim Maxwell with nine tackles, while Aaron Sykes, Mario Williams and Jonathan Little each recorded seven tackles.
