Box Score Sept. 13, 2014

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Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina scored 21-straight points in the second half to pull away from upset-minded Catawba, claiming a 35-17 Family Weekend victory over the Indians in nonconference football action at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.

Junior quarterback Troy Mitchell threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score in the third quarter that sparked the offense's three-consecutive TDs. Freshman tailback Detrez Newsome added two rushing touchdowns in the in the fourth quarter as the Catamounts claimed their second-straight seasonal victory.

"First of all, we are excited about the win," said WCU third-year head coach Mark Speir during post-game comments. "We had no grand allusions about this being a `money-game' (for Catawba); Catawba has always had really good players and a really good coaching staff. They had their guys well prepared and my compliments to Catawba."

Speir added, "I told our players in the locker room that today was a good team-win."

Mitchell tossed first quarter strikes of 44 yards to Spearman Robinson and 56 yards to second-year receiver Willie Police for his first collegiate TD as WCU pulled out to an early, 14-0, lead.

Despite the explosive start and strong finish for the Catamount offense, it was the tenacity of the WCU defense that helped seize the day. WCU's defenders forced four turnovers - taking away two fumbles and two interceptions - while also limiting the Indians to a missed field goal attempt in their opening drive of the game.

With WCU leading by a touchdown, 14-7, the Catamount defense came up with a huge momentum swing on a turnover just before halftime. Catawba was midst a 13-play drive when quarterback Mike Sheehan connected with tight end Tyler Hamilton on a 21-yard gain, moving inside the Catamount five-yard line. However, defensive back Bryson Jordan was credited with knocking the football loose at the two-yard line to prevent Hamilton from scoring the would-be tying touchdown with Sertonuse Harris pouncing on the loose orb to thwart the scoring drive, preserving the one-score lead.

Western Carolina (2-1) led at intermission, 14-7, marking the third-straight game the Catamounts have led after two quarters of play.

Catawba (1-1) opened the second half with a grinding 12-play drive, moving inside the red zone down to the WCU 18-yard line. However, a penalty helped stall the drive and the Indians only managed a 39-yard Chad Hollandsworth field goal to trim the Catamount edge to four, 14-10.

Inspired by the defense bending but not breaking, Mitchell guided the Catamounts 70 yards in six plays, capped by his 19-yard scamper to pull-ahead, 21-10. Consecutive defensive stops coupled with Newsome rushing touchdowns of two and six yards gave the home squad a 35-10 lead as Western Carolina would hold on for the victory, 35-17.

Mitchell finished 16-of-27 for 223 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Senior Garrett Brown added his first completion of the season - and 11-yard strike to Newsome in the fourth quarter - while also rushing for 31 yards on five carries from scrimmage.

Newsome finished with 138 all-purpose yards including 21 on the ground, 49 on a team-high seven receptions and 68 on three kickoff returns. Junior Darius Ramsey collected a team-best 56 yards rushing.

Redshirt freshman linebacker Daniel Riddle led a strong defensive effort for the Catamounts, collecting a career-high 18 tackles including three stops for loss with a quarterback sack. He also forced a pair of fumbles in the win, jarring the football loose on his sack early in the fourth quarter. Riddle made his first collegiate start on Saturday, subbing for sophomore Tyson Dickson who was sidelined due to injury.

Redshirt senior Ace Clark and senior Christon Gill reached double-digit tackles with 12 and 10, respectively, while Harris added six stops to his two takeaways - an interception and fumble recovery - from his linebacker position.

For Catawba, Sheehan threw for 263 yards on 21-of-36 passing with a pair of touchdown passes. He did, however, toss a pair of first half interceptions for the Indians. Junior receiver Gary Williams finished with a game-high 94 yards receiving on seven receptions including a 20-yard score from Sheehan in the second quarter, his first receiving score of the season.

Western Carolina enters its bye week next weekend, returning to the gridiron on Sept. 27 to open Southern Conference play against the Furman Paladins in Greenville, S.C.