Western Carolina University

Cincinnati, Ohio – Quarterback Lex Thomas scored on a one-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter to pull Western Carolina within four points, but Cincinnati responded with a pair of touchdowns before halftime and never looked back in a 62-10 nonconference victory Saturday night at historic Nippert Stadium.
 
After Thomas capped an 11-play, 75-yard drive with his rushing score to trim the deficit to 14-10, the Bearcats scored twice in the final four minutes of the first half to take a 28-10 lead into the locker room. Cincinnati then dominated the second half, outscoring the Catamounts 34-0 while piling up 690 yards of total offense.
 
Western Carolina struck first on Bryan McCollum's 33-yard field goal to cap the game's opening possession, taking an early 3-0 lead. Cincinnati answered with a 75-yard touchdown drive before adding another score late in the opening quarter to build a 14-3 advantage.
 
The Catamounts responded with their most sustained drive of the night, marching 75 yards in 11 plays. Cincinnati, however, scored on each of its first-half possessions and closed the half with consecutive touchdown drives to seize control.
 
Thomas completed 23-of-32 passes for 165 yards while adding 18 rushing yards and the team's lone touchdown. Isaac Lee was 1-for-3 passing with an interception in reserve duty, while freshman Patrick Harding made his collegiate debut in the closing minutes.
 
Jai Boyd led the Catamount receivers with six catches for 32 yards, while tight end Jake Young recorded five receptions for a team-best 49 yards. Santana Carols (26 yards), AJ Colombo (17), Josh Perry (11), Derrick Davis Jr. (7), and Cincinnati transfer Kale Woodburn (5) each added two receptions.
 
Western Carolina rushed for 74 yards, led by Marlin Cochran's 25 yards on three carries and Josh Perry's 24 yards on seven touches.
 
Cincinnati quarterback JC French IV completed 21-of-24 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with JV Gibson five times for 79 yards and a score. Lyviel Waters also caught a touchdown pass.
 
The Bearcats' ground game proved to be the difference, as nine players combined for 418 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Gi'Bran Payne paced the attack with 102 yards and two scores on 12 carries, while Zylan Perry added 76 yards and a touchdown on five attempts. Cole Tabb rushed for 72 yards and a score, while Samaj Jones, Zion Johnson, and Liam O'Brien also found the end zone.
 
Defensively, Andre Jackson Jr. and Alant'e Reese led Western Carolina with seven tackles each. Ken Moore Jr. and Ja'Torian Mack added six tackles apiece, while Nassor Ashenafi recorded five stops, including a tackle for loss.
 
Seven Catamount defenders combined to record tackles for loss. Terrell Poyser was credited with a full tackle for loss, while Jackson Jr., Moore Jr., Jaden Meeks, Joshua Collins, Marco Patierno, and Chase Kerns each registered a half tackle for loss.
 
Damaine Wilson and Simeon Coleman led Cincinnati with seven tackles apiece. Jonathan Thompson recorded six tackles, including a tackle for loss, while Marquaze Parker accounted for the Bearcats' other stop behind the line of scrimmage.
 
Western Carolina (1-2) returns to NCAA FCS play at home next Saturday, hosting Presbyterian (1-1) at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field for the annual Family Weekend game. Kickoff of the "White Out Whitmire" contest is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear their white WCU gear in the second "color rush" game of the season. The first 1,000 students in attendance will receive a complimentary White Out T-shirt.
 
Head coach Kerwin Bell will be live on location Monday at Catamount Jaxe (114 Market Street) in Cullowhee for "Catamount Football Weekly," presented by Stanberry Insurance. The Souly Flavor Food Trailer is slated to be on site. The show airs weekly at 6 p.m. on the Catamount Athletics Facebook page and YouTube channel.
 
For the latest news, scores, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content, follow Catamount football and WCU Athletics on Facebook (FB.com/CatamountSports; FB.com/westerncarolinafootball; FB.com/CatamountSportsNetwork) and X (@Catamounts, @CatamountsFB).