Western overcame three early turnovers with a score in each of the final three quarters, but eventually fell short in its 21-17 loss against Troy Saturday evening.
The Toppers (6-4) had a chance for the victory with less than a minute to play in the contest. After driving from their own one-yardline, Western faced a fourth and thirteen on the Trojan 36.
Redshirt-freshman quarterback K.J. Black was sacked for a loss of 14, ending the drive and the contest afer Troy (7-3) expired the clock two plays later.
“We got a great group of kids and they fought their hearts out,” coach David Elson said. “They gave everything they had and came up short.
“We’ve just got to hang together and fight through this one.”
The Toppers gave up 14 points to the Trojans in the first quarter, both scores coming off of turnovers.
Three turnovers in the first 20 mintues of the contest plagued Western’s offense.
The first came when junior quarterback David Wolke threw an interception to senior cornerback Elbert Mack with 12:46 left in the first quarter.
The Trojans converted the turnover into a score when senior quarterback Omar Haugabook threw a five-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Gary Banks.
The Toppers second turnover came with a little over eight minutes left in the first quarter when Wolke fumbled the ball. It was recovered by senior defensive lineman Chris Bradwell who ran it 16 yards for a touchdown.
Western’s final turnover of the contest came when Wolke threw an interception to junior defensive back Terence Moore with 10:20 left in the second quarter.
The Toppers gained 416 yards of total offense compared to the Trojans’ 363.
Black threw 10-for-19 for 149 yards and a touchdown.
Junior running back Stephen Willis rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
Senior wide receiver Curtis Hamilton caught nine passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Hamilton broke the school record, accumulating 135 career receptions.
Western return to action next Saturday against Morehead State at home.
Reach Will Perkins at sports@chherald.com.
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