URBANA, Ohio — Urbana raced out to a 21-0 lead in the first half and scored the final 21 points of the game to take a 42-10 decision over West Virginia Wesleyan on Thursday night at UU Stadium.
With the win, the Blue Knights improve to 3-1 on the year (2-1 MEC). West Virginia Wesleyan falls to 0-4 (0-4 MEC).
Urbana held West Virginia Wesleyan to -3 yards rushing in the game, but gave up 385 to the Bobcats through the air. The Blue Knights had a more balanced offense piling up 257 yards on the ground and 147 more through the air for 402 yards of total offense. WVWC was plagued by four lost fumbles, including one that was returned 84 yards for a touchdown by Urbana.
Isaiah Young had 19 carries for 86 yards and scored two first half touchdowns to help stake the Blue Knights to the early lead. Bailey Wallen added six carries for a game-high 89 yards and also had a touchdown. Eddie Stockett was 8-of-12 for 128 yards through the air. Jesse Bray had six catches for 68 yards and had one touchdown.
Mikal Toliver had eight tackles to lead UU on defense, including two sacks and two others for a loss. Jamari Collins was the UU player who scooped the WVWC fumble and returned it 84 yards for a touchdown. DeArmon Lewis and Tobias Haley each added eight tackles.
West Virginia Wesleyan quarterback Luke Casey was 32-of-47 for 385 yards with one touchdown but was sacked five times. Jujuan Linzy had 10 catches for 98 yards. Anthony Hill had a team-high eight tackles and Brady Walker recorded six solo stops for the Bobcats.
“Right now we are dealing with a really banged up roster” remarked head coach, Del Smith. “We have played 5 running backs and traveled to Urbana on a short week without three starters on defense. That still doesn’t account for putting the ball on the ground five times and the penalties. That has to get fixed.” The third year head coach remains optimistic about the young Bobcats. “To-date, we have played 45 players between the freshman and sophomore class. As some young players start to settle in, positive things will happen for us.”
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Cats as they square off against Division I FCS opponent St Francis on September 29th and have an undefeated Charleston team looming for homecoming.
Story courtesy of Adam Zundell/Mountain East Conference