Nov. 4, 2006

Final Stats

Lynchburg, Va. - Some penalties at costly times and a pair of failed fourth down conversions in the red zone in the second half led to Western Carolina suffering a 21-0 setback to Liberty Saturday afternoon at Williams Stadium. Despite loss, the Catamounts had some positives, namely Darius Fudge gained 102 rushing yards on 23 attempts to get him closer to 1,000 for the season.

Fudge, who only needs 96 to become just the sixth Catamount to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, also only needs just under 140 yards to move up to seventh on the WCU all-time list. The Liberty game marked the fourth consecutive 100-yard game for the senior. It additionally was just the third time Liberty had allowed a 100-yard rusher in nine games, allowing just 115 rushing yards per game coming in to today's game.

Liberty tailback Rashad Jennings, who only had 13 carries in the game, had seven attempts in a seven-play drive, including a two-yard touchdown carry, to give the Flames an 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Neither team could muster much offense over the rest of the first quarter and most of the second. However, with 3:27 left before the break, Liberty embarked on a drive from their own 33. The Flames would get down to the two, and have first and goal. The Cats kept the Flames out of the endzone twice, but a pass interference on third down game Liberty a new set of downs with 35 seconds left before the break. Zach Terrell, who rushed for 99 yards on the day, capped the drive with a two-yard TD run, giving Liberty a 14-0 cushion at the break.

The Flames built on that momentum to start the second half, taking a 21-0 lead after a 36-yard Brandon Turner to Brock Smith touchdown pass.

Down three scores, Western was able to move the ball on the ensuing drive thanks to a 26-yard Todd Spitzer to Nick Miller pass. However, facing a fourth and seven on the Liberty 20, the Cats went for it and came up short. Spitzer, who started and played the whole game for the injured Bennett Swygert, finished by completing 20-of-33 passes for 164 yards. Spitzer's top target was Michael Hines as his seven receptions leaves him with 56 catches on the season, one shy of entering the WCU single-season top 10 for receptions.

On its next drive, Western once again got down inside the red zone, reaching the Liberty 18 late in the third quarter, but Spitzer would be sacked on a fourth down try to all put seal the outcome.

The Catamount defense would keep the score at 21-0 on the ensuing Liberty drive. The Flames worked their way down to the WCU 11. Liberty went for the knock-out blow, throwing a pass in the endzone, but Catamount freshman Darrell Gray came up with his first career interception.

In addition to Gray's big play on defense, the Catamounts, as they have most of the season, were led by senior linebacker Shelton Gaffney and true freshman linebacker Kadeem Morgan, each with nine tackles. Bruce Lee added eight stops, while Jeff Bradley and Mordy Ornguze each had six.

The Catamount defense, who were allowing 209 rushing yards per game, held Liberty, who entered averaging 210 rushing yards per game, to just 135 rushing yards.

Western Carolina will return to action Nov. 11, hosting Apalachian State for the 31st Annual Battle for the Old Mountain Jug. Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm with WCU honoring its senior class prior to the game.