2025 Western Carolina Catamounts football team

Last updated

2025 Western Carolina Catamounts football
WCU Athletics wordmark.png
Conference Southern Conference
Ranking
STATSNo. 25
Record6–4 (5–1 SoCon)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorRylan Wells (2nd season)
Defensive coordinator Jerry Odom (2nd season)
Home stadium Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium
Seasons
←  2024
2026 →
2025 Southern Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
No. 8 Mercer  7 –0   8 –1  
No. 25 Western Carolina  5 –1   6 –4  
Chattanooga  4 –2   5 –5  
East Tennessee State  3 –3   5 –5  
The Citadel  3 –3   4 –6  
Wofford  3 –3   4 –6  
Furman  3 –4   5 –5  
Samford  1 –7   1 –9  
VMI  0 –6   1 –9  
As of November 10, 2025
Rankings from STATS Poll

The 2025 Western Carolina Catamounts football team represent Western Carolina University as a member of the Southern Conference (SoCon) during the 2025 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Catamounts are led by fifth-year head coach Kerwin Bell and play at the Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

Contents

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 306:00 p.m. Gardner–Webb *No. 18
 ESPN+ L 45–5211,889
September 62:00 p.m.at Wake Forest *
 ACCNX L 10–4228,239
September 132:30 p.m. Elon *
  • Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium
  • Cullowhee, NC
ESPN+L 31–3710,007
September 202:30 p.m. Samford
  • Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium
  • Cullowhee, NC
ESPN+W 50–3510,593
September 273:30 p.m.at Campbell *
 FloFootball W 42–354,060
October 41:30 p.m.at Wofford
ESPN+W 23–213,571
October 112:30 p.m. Furman
  • Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium
  • Cullowhee, NC
ESPN+W 52–78,375
October 182:00 p.m.at The Citadel
ESPN+W 45−389,151
November 14:00 p.m.at Chattanooga
ESPN+W 35–287,711
November 82:30 p.m.No. 12 Mercer Dagger-14-plain.pngNo. 24
  • Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium
  • Cullowhee, NC
ESPN+L 47–4914,510
November 1512:00 p.m. East Tennessee State No. 25
  • Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium
  • Cullowhee, NC
ESPN+
November 2212:00 p.m.at VMI
ESPN+
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from STATS Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

[1] [2]

Game summaries

Gardner–Webb

Game One – Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (0–0) at No. 18 Western Carolina Catamounts (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Runnin' Bulldogs71472452
No. 18 Catamounts21147345

at E. J. Whitmire Stadium • Cullowhee, NC

  • Date: Saturday August 30, 2025
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 11,889
  • Referee: Jeff Page
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Justin Biegel (play-by-play) and Jack Delongchamps (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • GWEB – Quasean Holmes 65-yard run (Charlie Viorel kick), 14:02. Runnin' Bulldogs 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 65 yards, 0:14.
  • WCU – Patrick Boyd Jr. 28-yard run (Christian Lowery kick), 12:09. Tied 7–7. Drive: 1 play, 28 yards, 0:06.
  • WCU – Camury Reid 3-yard run (Christian Lowery kick), 8:18. Catamounts 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 2:30.
  • WCU – James Tyre 5-yard pass from Bennett Judy (Christian Lowery kick), 4:30. Catamounts 21–7. Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, 1:06.
Second quarter
  • WCU – Trey Walker 25-yard pass from Bennett Judy (Christian Lowery kick), 13:28. Catamounts 28–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:16.
  • WCU – Malik Knight 69-yard pass from Isaac Lee (Christian Lowery kick), 8:24. Catamounts 35–7. Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:38.
  • GWEB – Anthony Lowe 18-yard pass from Nate Hampton (Charlie Viorel kick), 5:23. Catamounts 35–14. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:01.
  • GWEB – Nate Hampton 1-yard run (Charlie Viorel kick), 1:08. Catamounts 35–21. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:16.
Third quarter
  • GWEB – Anthony Lowe 36-yard pass from Nate Hampton (Charlie Viorel kick), 12:20. Catamounts 35–28. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:35.
  • WCU – Camury Reid 1-yard run (Christian Lowery kick), 1:26. Catamounts 42–28. Drive: 5 plays, 83 yards, 2:09.
Fourth quarter
  • GWEB – Nate Hampton 16-yard run (Charlie Viorel kick), 13:51. Catamounts 42–35. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:33.
  • GWEB – Nate Hampton 7-yard run (Charlie Viorel kick), 10:16. Tied 42–42. Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:39.
  • GWEB – Charlie Viorel 22-yard field goal, 2:36. Runnin' Bulldogs 45–42. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:27.
  • GWEB – Nate Hampton 26-yard run (Charlie Viorel kick), 1:48. Runnin' Bulldogs 52–42. Drive: 1 play, 26 yards, 0:08.
  • WCU – Christian Lowery 29-yard field goal, 0:42. Runnin' Buldogs 52–45. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:00.
StatisticsGWEBWCU
First downs2521
Total yards627454
Rushes–yards57–33542–221
Passing yards292233
Passing: Comp–Att–Int13–33–118–36–1
Turnovers23
Time of possession35:3824:22
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Gardner–WebbPassingNate Hampton12/30, 263 yards, 2 TD
RushingNate Hampton28 carries, 132 yards, 4 TD
ReceivingChris Lofton3 receptions, 102 yards
Western CarolinaPassingBennett Judy15/27, 151 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingPatrick Boyd Jr.15 carries, 142 yards, TD
ReceivingMalik Knight1 reception, 69 yards, TD

at Wake Forest (FBS)

Western Carolina Catamounts (0–1) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (FBS) (1–0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Catamounts030710
Demon Deacons (FBS)21021042

at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium • Winston-Salem, North Carolina

  • Date: September 6
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game weather:  
  • Game attendance: 28,239
  • Referee: Garrett Dickerson
  • TV announcers (ACCNX/ESPN+): Doug Sherman (play-by-play) and Reggie Walker (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • WAKE – Robby Ashford 41-yard run (Connor Calvert kick), 5:57. Demon Deacons 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 0:57.
  • WAKE – Demond Claiborne 33-yard run (pass failed), 2:59. Demon Deacons 13–0. Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 0:42.
  • WAKE – Demond Claiborne 27-yard run (pass failed), 2:47. Demon Deacons 19–0. Drive: 1 play, 27 yards, 0:05.
  • WAKE Team Safety, 0:27. Demon Deacons 21–0.
Second quarter
  • WCU – Christian Lowery 23-yard field goal, 5:46. Demon Deacons 21–3. Drive: 17 plays, 74 yards, 9:10.
Third quarter
  • WAKE – Demond Claiborne 85-yard run (Connor Calvert kick), 12:29. Demon Deacons 28–3. Drive: 2 plays, 83 yards, 0:42.
  • WAKE – Sterling Berkhalter 51-yard pass from Robby Ashford (Connor Calvert kick), 7:16. Demon Deacons 35–3. Drive: 2 plays, 93 yards, 0:37.
  • WAKE – Jeremiah Melvin 27-yard pass from Deshawn Purdie (Connor Calvert kick), 1:52. Demon Deacons 42–3. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 0:41.
Fourth quarter
  • WCU – Markel Townsend 1-yard run (Marcus Trout kick), 6:49. Demon Deacons 42–10. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 10:03.
StatisticsWCUWAKE
First downs1721
Plays–yards76–23857–542
Rushes–yards33–3431–273
Passing yards204269
Passing: comp–att–int26–43–116–26–1
Turnovers23
Time of possession35:5824:02
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western CarolinaPassingBennett Judy18/32, 155 yards, INT
RushingIsaac Lee5 carries, 40 yards
ReceivingMalik Knight5 receptions, 56 yards
Wake ForestPassing Robby Ashford 13/22, 227 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Demond Claiborne 10 carries, 193 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingChris Barnes6 receptions, 149 yards

Elon

Elon Phoenix (1-1) at Western Carolina Catamounts (0-2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Phoenix1496837
Catamounts7714331

at Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium • Cullowhee, NC

  • Date: September 13
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 77 °F (25 °C) • Wind: NW at 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 10,007
  • Referee: Jake Grombach
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Pete Yanity (play-by-play) and John Brannon III (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • ELON – Zimere Winston 78-yard pass from Landen Clark (Luke Barnes kick), 14:07. Phoenix 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 81 yards, 0:50.
  • WCU – James Tyre 4-yard pass from Bennett Judy (Marcus Trout kick), 10:48. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 3:19.
  • ELON – Landyn Backey 35-yard pass from Landen Clark (Luke Barnes kick), 0:06. Phoenix 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 88 yards, 1:21.
Second quarter
  • ELON – Landen Clark 10-yard run (Pass failed), 9:13. Phoenix 20–7. Drive: 12 plays, 88 yards, 5:30.
  • WCU – Dominic Dutton 7-yard pass from Isaac Lee (Marcus Trout kick), 3:06. Phoenix 20–14. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:07.
  • ELON – Luke Barnes 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Phoenix 23–14. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 0:41.
Third quarter
  • WCU – Dominic Dutton 97-yard kick return (Marcus Trout kick), 14:48. Phoenix 23–21. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00.
  • WCU – James Tyre 62-yard fumble recovery (Christian Lowery kick), 11:07. Catamounts 28–23. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:46.
  • ELON – Luke Barnes 38-yard field goal, 8:22. Catamounts 28–26. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 2:34.
  • ELON – Luke Barnes 42-yard field goal, 1:34. Phoenix 29–28. Drive: 11 plays, 46 yards, 4:58.
Fourth quarter
  • WCU – Marcus Trout 28-yard field goal, 13:05. Catamounts 31–29. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 3:29.
  • ELON – Landen Clark 10-yard run (Landen Clark pass), 4:53. Phoenix 37–31. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 3:59.
StatisticsELONWCU
First downs2425
Total yards456425
Rushing yards151179
Passing yards305246
Passing: Comp–Att–Int11–29–236–55–2
Time of possession30:2329:27
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ElonPassingLanden Clark11/28, 305 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingLanden Clark25 carries, 72 yards
ReceivingIsaiah Fuhrmann5 receptions, 105 yards
Western CarolinaPassingIsaac Lee19/31, 132 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingPatrick Boyd Jr.10 carries, 58 yards
ReceivingJames Tyre9 receptions, 122 yards, TD

Samford

Samford Bulldogs (0-3) at Western Carolina Catamounts (0-3) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bulldogs6146935
Catamounts14729050

at Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium • Cullowhee, NC

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 2:30 PM EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind: SE at 7 miles per hour (11 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 10,593
  • Referee: Brian Hilpisch
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Pete Yanity (play-by-play) and John Brannon III (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
  • SAM – Jake Garner 28-yard field goal, 11:07. Bulldogs 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 3:53.
  • WCU – Camury Reid 14-yard pass from Taron Dickens (Marcus Trout kick), 8:26. Catamounts 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 2:34.
  • SAM – Jake Garner 29-yard field goal, 3:17. Catamounts 7–6. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 5:05.
  • WCU – James Tyre 6-yard pass from Taron Dickens (Marcus Trout kick), 1:06. Catamounts 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:11.
Second quarter
  • SAM – Calvin Jones 28-yard pass from Quincy Crittendon (Jake Garner kick), 13:12. Catamounts 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:54.
  • SAM – Calvin Jones 11-yard pass from Quincy Crittendon (Jake Garner kick), 9:36. Bulldogs 20–14. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 1:50.
  • WCU – Jordan Thomas 2-yard pass from Taron Dickens, 1:32. Catamounts 21–20. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 2:01.
Third quarter
  • WCU – Painter Richards-Baker 20-yard pass from Taron Dickens (Marcus Trout kick), 13:42. Catamounts 28–20. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:11.
  • SAM – Calvin Jones 12-yard pass from Quincy Crittendon (Kick failed), 11:08. Catamounts 28–26. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:34.
  • WCU – Camury Reid 24-yard pass from Taron Dickens (Taron Dickens pass), 8:22. Catamounts 36–26. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 2:46.
  • WCU – Camury Reid 2-yard run (Marcus Trout kick), 3:08. Catamounts 43–26. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:31.
  • WCU – Camury Reid 62-yard pass from Taron Dickens (Marcus Trout kick), 1:12. Catamounts 50–26. Drive: 3 plays, 70 yards, 0:37.
Fourth quarter
  • SAM – C.J. Evans 32-yard run (Pass failed), 8:50. Catamounts 50–33. Drive: 8 plays, 91 yards, 2:56.
  • SAM – Jake Garner 33-yard field goal, 1:56. Catamounts 50–36. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 1:43.
StatisticsSAMWCU
First downs3431
Total yards576733
Rushing yards120151
Passing yards456582
Passing: Comp–Att–Int35–53–135–46–0
Time of possession30:1329:47
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SamfordPassingQuincy Crittendon35/53, 456 yards, 3 TD, INT
RushingC.J. Evans15 carries, 56 yards, TD
ReceivingJaden Gibson9 receptions, 122 yards
Western CarolinaPassing Taron Dickens 35/46, 582 yards, 6 TD
RushingMarkel Townsend13 carries, 56 yards
ReceivingCamury Reid4 receptions, 107 yards, 3 TD

at Campbell

Western Carolina Catamounts (1-3) vs. Campbell Fighting Camels (1-3) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Catamounts7217742
Fighting Camels01081735

at Barker–Lane Stadium • Buies Creek, NC

  • Date: September 27
  • Game time: 3:30 PM EDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy • Temperature: 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind: SE at 3 miles per hour (4.8 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 4,060
  • Referee: Jeff Pumphrey
  • TV announcers (FloFootball): Lendi Suggs (play-by-play) and Jay Sonnhalter (analyst)
Game information
First Quarter
  • (10:37) WCU – Camury Reid 1-yard run, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 0:40; Western Carolina 7–0)
Second Quarter
  • (14:56) WCU – Brayden Blackmon 17-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:47; Western Carolina 14–0)
  • (11:46) CAM – Alex Crabb 32-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:58; Western Carolina 14–3)
  • (8:36) WCU – Marcus Striggles 32-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 3 plays, 55 yards, 0:56; Western Carolina 21–3)
  • (3:45) WCU – David Hulbert 9-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:24; Western Carolina 28–3)
  • (0:17) CAM – Kamden Sixkiller 12-yard run, Alex Crabb kick (Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 3:19; Western Carolina 28–10)
Third Quarter
  • (11:11) WCU – Patrick Boyd Jr. 10-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:07; Western Carolina 35–10)
  • (7:08) CAM – Mike Chandler II 10-yard run, Trevor Wilson pass (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:03; Western Carolina 35–18)
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:12) CAM – Alex Crabb 21-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:15; Western Carolina 35–21)
  • (4:58) CAM – Stevie Keener 26-yard pass from Kamden Sixkiller, Alex Crabb kick (Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:04; Western Carolina 35–28)
  • (4:19) WCU – Painter Richards-Baker 61-yard pass from James Tyre, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:39; Western Carolina 42–28)
  • (2:11) CAM – Kamden Sixkiller 5-yard run, Alex Crabb kick (Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 2:08; Western Carolina 42–35)
StatisticsWCUCAM
First downs2724
Total yards564437
Rushing yards76153
Passing yards488284
Passing: Comp–Att–Int27–41–020–48–1
Time of possession23:2036:40
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western CarolinaPassingTaron Dickens26/40, 427 yards, 4 TD
RushingCamury Reid11 carries, 43 yards, TD
ReceivingJames Tyre6 receptions, 101 yards
CampbellPassingKamden Sixkiller18/45, 205 yards, TD, INT
RushingKamden Sixkiller10 carries, 55 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTrayjen Llanas-Wilcox5 receptions, 124 yards

at Wofford

Western Carolina Catamounts (2-3) vs. Wofford Terriers (0-4) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Catamounts776323
Terriers876021

at Gibbs Stadium • Spartanburg, SC

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time: 1:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 75 °F (24 °C) • Wind: NE at 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 3,571
  • Referee: Bruce Austin
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Jim Noble (play-by-play), Thom Henson (analyst) and Van Hipp (sideline)
Game information
First Quarter
  • (11:26) WOF – Ihson Jackson-Anderson 49-yard pass from Jayden Whitaker, Blake Shirley pass (Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 1:50; Wofford 8–0)
  • (5:29) WCU – James Tyre 2-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 14 plays, 85 yards, 5:52; Wofford 8–7)
Second Quarter
  • (3:40) WCU – James Tyre 5-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:07; Western Carolina 14–8)
  • (0:48) WOF – Isaiah Scott 66-yard punt return, Sam Spence kick (Wofford 15–14)
Third Quarter
  • (0:45) WCU – James Tyre 4-yard pass from Taron Dickens (Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 5:06; Western Carolina 20–15)
  • (0:29) WOF – Ivory Aikens 83-yard pass from Jayden Whitaker (Drive: 1 play, 83 yards, 0:12; Wofford 21–20)
Fourth Quarter
  • (0:23) WCU – Marcus Trout 34-yard field goal (Drive: 16 plays, 51 yards, 4:40; Western Carolina 23–21)
StatisticsWCUWOF
First downs318
Total yards471241
Rushing yards9342
Passing yards378209
Passing: Comp–Att–Int53–56–010–18–0
Time of possession38:4621:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western CarolinaPassingTaron Dickens53/56, 378 yards, 3 TD
RushingTaron Dickens19 carries, 44 yards
ReceivingJames Tyre13 receptions, 102 yards, 3 TD
WoffordPassingJayden Whitaker10/18, 209 yards, 2 TD
RushingIhson Jackson-Anderson10 carries, 29 yards
ReceivingIvory Aikens3 receptions, 97 yards, TD

Furman

Furman Paladins (4-1) vs. Western Carolina Catamounts (3-3) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Paladins07007
Catamounts024141452

at Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium • Cullowhee, NC

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time: 2:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy • Temperature: 70 °F (21 °C) • Wind: N at 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 8,375
  • Referee: Michael Farmer
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Pete Yanity (play-by-play) and Jay Sonnhalter (analyst)
Game information
First Quarter

No scoring plays

Second Quarter
  • (14:23) WCU – Marcus Trout 44-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 2:03; Western Carolina 3–0)
  • (10:05) WCU – Michael Rossin 50-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:18; Western Carolina 10–0)
  • (7:39) WCU – Joshua Perry 9-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 4 plays, 28 yards, 1:42; Western Carolina 17–0)
  • (1:38) WCU – Ken Moore Jr. 64-yard interception, Marcus Trout kick (Western Carolina 24–0)
  • (0:13) FUR – Joshua Burrell 8-yard pass from Trey Hedden, Ian Williams kick (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 1:25; Western Carolina 24–7)
Third Quarter
  • (13:24) WCU – Malik Knight 41-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:36; Western Carolina 31–7)
  • (5:25) WCU – Markel Townsend 12-yard run, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:55; Western Carolina 38–7)
Fourth Quarter
  • (9:35) WCU – Josiah Thomas 6-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 4:29; Western Carolina 45–7)
  • (6:20) WCU – Isaac Lee 66-yard run, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 1:28; Western Carolina 52–7)
StatisticsFURWCU
First downs2323
Total yards356522
Rushing yards137302
Passing yards219220
Passing: Comp–Att–Int19–38–317–24–0
Time of possession30:1629:44
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
FurmanPassingTrey Hedden18/35, 208 yards, TD, 3 INT
RushingBen Croasdale6 carries, 72 yards
ReceivingEthan Harris6 receptions, 95 yards
Western CarolinaPassingTaron Dickens17/24, 220 yards, 4 TD
RushingPatrick Boyd Jr.11 carries, 68 yards
ReceivingMichael Rossin2 receptions, 59 yards, TD

at The Citadel

Western Carolina Catamounts (4-3) vs. The Citadel Bulldogs (3-3) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Catamounts71714745
Bulldogs14371438

at Johnson Hagood Stadium • Charleston, SC

  • Date: October 18
  • Game time: 2:00 PM EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 9,151
  • Referee: Bruce Austin
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Dave Weinstein (play-by-play), Vad Lee (analyst) and Matison Little (sideline)
Game information
First Quarter
  • (11:23) CIT – Braylon Knauth 61-yard pass from Cobey Thompkins, Ben Barnes kick (Drive: 1 play, 61 yards, 0:13; The Citadel 7–0)
  • (9:07) WCU – Malik Knight 14-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:10; Tied 7–7)
  • (0:53) CIT – Quentin Hayes 5-yard run, Ben Barnes kick (Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:27; The Citadel 14–7)
Second Quarter
  • (10:41) WCU – Josiah Thomas 5-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:03; Tied 14–14)
  • (5:17) CIT – Ben Barnes 42-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, -4 yards, 2:01; The Citadel 17–14)
  • (1:56) WCU – Markel Townsend 7-yard run, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:21; Western Carolina 21–17)
  • (0:00) WCU – Marcus Trout 25-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 1:05; Western Carolina 24–17)
Third Quarter
  • (11:35) WCU – James Tyre 9-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:19; Western Carolina 31–17)
  • (5:31) CIT – Beau Herrington 12-yard run, Ben Barnes kick (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:02; Western Carolina 31–24)
  • (2:48) WCU – Malik Knight 37-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:36; Western Carolina 38–24)
Fourth Quarter
  • (12:21) CIT – Quentin Hayes 8-yard run, Ben Barnes kick (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:27; Western Carolina 38–31)
  • (3:01) WCU – Dominic Dutton 18-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:57; Western Carolina 45–31)
  • (1:36) CIT – Cobey Thompkins 20-yard run, Ben Barnes kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:25; Western Carolina 45–38)
StatisticsWCUCIT
First downs2915
Total yards515410
Rushing yards146278
Passing yards369132
Passing: Comp–Att–Int28–33–15–9–0
Time of possession29:4430:16
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western CarolinaPassingTaron Dickens28/33, 369 yards, 5 TD, INT
RushingMarkel Townsend15 carries, 90 yards, TD
ReceivingJames Tyre7 receptions, 112 yards, TD
The CitadelPassingCobey Thompkins3/5, 111 yards, TD
RushingQuentin Hayes15 carries, 90 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingBraylon Knauth2 receptions, 69 yards, TD

at Chattanooga

Western Carolina Catamounts (5-3) vs. Chattanooga Mocs (4-4) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Catamounts7147735
Mocs0714728

at Finley Stadium • Chattanooga, TN

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 4:00 PM EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 62 °F (17 °C) • Wind: E at 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 7,711
  • Referee: Michael Farmer
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Chris Goforth (play-by-play), Chris Barnett (analyst) and Mackenzie Johnson (sideline)
Game information
First Quarter
  • (12:38) WCU – James Tyre 4-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 2:11; Western Carolina 7–0)
Second Quarter
  • (8:38) WCU – James Tyre 7-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 3:39; Western Carolina 14–0)
  • (5:25) UTC – Ryan Ingram 1-yard run, Gray Kelley kick (Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:08; Western Carolina 14–7)
  • (2:49) WCU – James Tyre 13-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 2:29; Western Carolina 21–7)
Third Quarter
  • (9:21) UTC – Nathaniel Eberly-Rodriguez 4-yard pass from Camden Orth, Gray Kelley kick (Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:39; Western Carolina 21–14)
  • (2:18) UTC – Camden Orth 4-yard run, Gray Kelley kick (Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:14; Tied 21–21)
  • (0:20) WCU – Markel Townsend 2-yard run, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 1:53; Western Carolina 28–21)
Fourth Quarter
  • (9:26) WCU – Michael Rossin 10-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 2:56; Western Carolina 35–21)
  • (7:40) UTC – Justus Durant 8-yard run, Gray Kelley kick (Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:46; Western Carolina 35–28)
StatisticsWCUUTC
First downs2225
Total yards356399
Rushing yards131158
Passing yards225241
Passing: Comp–Att–Int18–29–015–27–2
Time of possession22:4037:20
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western CarolinaPassingTaron Dickens18/29, 225 yards, 4 TD
RushingPatrick Boyd Jr.12 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingJames Tyre5 receptions, 45 yards, 3 TD
ChattanoogaPassingCamden Orth15/27, 241 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingRyan Ingram15 carries, 60 yards, TD
ReceivingMarkell Quick3 receptions, 126 yards

No. 12 Mercer

No. 12 Mercer Bears (7-1) vs. No. 24 Western Carolina Catamounts (6-3) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 12 Bears711211049
No. 24 Catamounts71462047

at Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium • Cullowhee, NC

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 2:30 PM EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy • Temperature: 65 °F (18 °C) • Wind: NW at 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 14,510
  • Referee: Jake Grombach
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Daniel Hooker (play-by-play) and John Brannon III (analyst)
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (11:40) WCU – Michael Rossin 27-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:20; Western Carolina 7–0)
  • (3:31) MER – CJ Miller 7-yard run, Reice Griffith kick (Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:24; Tied 7–7)
Second Quarter
  • (14:55) WCU – Patrick Boyd Jr. 21-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 1:36; Western Carolina 14–7)
  • (13:06) MER – Jordan Swain safety (Western Carolina 14–9)
  • (10:18) MER – Kendall Harris 6-yard pass from Braden Atkinson (Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 2:42; Mercer 15–14)
  • (5:25) WCU – Michael Rossin 25-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 4:48; Western Carolina 21–15)
  • (1:43) MER – Reice Griffith 24-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 3:42; Western Carolina 21–18)
Third Quarter
  • (12:09) MER – CJ Miller 5-yard run, Reice Griffith kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:51; Mercer 25–21)
  • (5:12) MER – Kendall Harris 24-yard pass from Braden Atkinson, Reice Griffith kick (Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:31; Mercer 32–21)
  • (2:56) WCU – Malik Knight 32-yard pass from Taron Dickens (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:16; Mercer 32–27)
  • (0:24) MER – CJ Miller 26-yard run, Reice Griffith kick (Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:32; Mercer 39–27)
Fourth Quarter
  • (14:28) WCU – Malik Knight 54-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, 0:49; Mercer 39–34)
  • (13:24) MER – Adjatay Dabbs 81-yard pass from Braden Atkinson, Reice Griffith kick (Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards, 0:58; Mercer 46–34)
  • (6:13) WCU – Jai Boyd 10-yard pass from Taron Dickens, Marcus Trout kick (Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 2:43; Mercer 46–41)
  • (3:13) WCU – James Tyre 42-yard pass from Taron Dickens (Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards, 1:23; Western Carolina 47–46)
  • (1:30) MER – Reice Griffith 37-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 1:43; Mercer 49–47)
StatisticsMERWCU
First downs2333
Total yards568599
Rushing yards12548
Passing yards443551
Passing: Comp–Att–Int23–39–033–49–1
Time of possession30:3229:28
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MercerPassingBraden Atkinson23/39, 443 yards, 3 TD
RushingCJ Miller21 carries, 91 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingAdjatay Dabbs4 receptions, 147 yards, TD
Western CarolinaPassingTaron Dickens33/49, 551 yards, 7 TD, INT
RushingPatrick Boyd Jr.12 carries, 17 yards
ReceivingMalik Knight5 receptions, 141 yards, 2 TD

East Tennessee State

East Tennessee State Buccaneers (5-5) vs. No. 25 Western Carolina Catamounts (6-4) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Buccaneers----0
No. 25 Catamounts----0

at Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium • Cullowhee, NC

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 12:00 PM EST
  • TV: ESPN+
StatisticsETSUWCU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
East Tennessee StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Western CarolinaPassing
Rushing
Receiving

at VMI

Western Carolina Catamounts (0-0) vs. VMI Keydets (0-0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Catamounts----0
Keydets----0

at Alumni Memorial Field • Lexington, VA

  • Date: November 22
StatisticsWCUVMI
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western CarolinaPassing
Rushing
Receiving
VMIPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Roster

2025 Western Carolina Catamounts football team roster
PlayersCoaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
WR 0AJ ColomboSr
WR 1Patrick Boyd Jr. Redshirt.svg  So
RB 2Branson AdamsSr
WR 3Kha'leal SterlingFr
WR 4Dominic DuttonSr
QB 5 Taron Dickens Redshirt.svg  So
WR 6Marcus StrigglesSo
WR 7Malik Knight Redshirt.svg  Jr
WR 5Painter Richards-Baker Redshirt.svg  Sr
WR 9Jaylin Terzado Redshirt.svg  Jr
WR 10Michael RossinFr
QB 11Isaac Lee Redshirt.svg  Fr
QB 12Jack BensonJr
WR 13Richard HollisFr
TE 14Josiah ThomasFr
WR 15Jai Boyd Redshirt.svg  So
WR 16James Tyre Redshirt.svg  So
QB 17Bennett Judy Redshirt.svg  So
QB 18Jordan Martin-DurhamFr
TE 19Bode Burns Redshirt.svg  Fr
RB 20Camury Reid Redshirt.svg  Jr
RB 21Jaiden Bond Redshirt.svg  Sr
RB 22Josh PerryFr
RB 24Anthony Benjamin Redshirt.svg  So
WR 25Noah BestFr
RB 28Markel Townsend Redshirt.svg  So
TE 44Isaac McLellan Redshirt.svg  Jr
TE 48Cole CraddockFr
OL 50Jarvis Adams Jr. Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 51Aaron Sanez Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 52Manasseh Ripert Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 53Zach Watson Redshirt.svg  So
OL 55Secrea Algie Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 58Brett GraySr
OL 64Konrad Henderson Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 65Nicholas FosterFr
OL 66John HammondFr
OL 67Steven Hamby Redshirt.svg  So
OL 68Aidan CooperFr
OL 69Cole CookeFr
OL 70Dale Greene Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 74Elijah CollinsSo
OL 75Renard Smith Redshirt.svg  So
OL 77Ilija Krajnovic Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 78Evan Carney Redshirt.svg  So
OL 79Vito Moriana-SigelJr
WR 80Trey WalkerFr
WR 81Ca'Lique Cunningham Redshirt.svg  Jr
WR 82Matthew Keener Redshirt.svg  Fr
WR 83Austin Cunningham Redshirt.svg  Fr
TE 85David Hulbert Redshirt.svg  So
TE 86Brayden Blackmon Redshirt.svg  Sr
WR 87Eli GriffinFr
WR 88Jemarious Reaves Redshirt.svg  Fr
WR 89Ellis ChappellFr
RB Marlin Cochran Redshirt.svg  So
QB Ian GrissomFr
QB Tate Rodemaker Redshirt.svg  Sr
Defense
Pos.#NameClass
NB 0Ken Moore Jr. Redshirt.svg  Jr
DE 1Caleb Fisher Redshirt.svg  Sr
DE 2Micah Nelson Redshirt.svg  Sr
S 3Samaurie DukesSr
LB 4Jordan Thompson Redshirt.svg  So
LB 5Hayward McQueen Jr.Sr
DB 6Bo Simpson-Nealy Redshirt.svg  So
S 7Ed Jones IV Redshirt.svg  Sr
DT 8Jahleel AndersonSr
CB 9Darian Anderson Jr. Redshirt.svg  Jr
DE 10Justin Wallace Redshirt.svg  Jr
DE 11Kenyon Partridge Redshirt.svg  So
CB 12Hasaan SykesSo
CB 13Marseille TaylorJr
DT 14Vanier Baptiste III Redshirt.svg  Fr
DE 15Gavin Rowell Redshirt.svg  Jr
S 16Jhamari Pierre-Louis Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 17Armond AndersonSr
LB 18Ryan McKinnis Redshirt.svg  So
CB 19Cam Smith Redshirt.svg  So
S 20Na'koma Simpson-Nealy Redshirt.svg  Fr
CB 21Cam'Ron Dabney Redshirt.svg  Sr
NB 22Jeno Junius Jr. Redshirt.svg  So
S 24Zayveon Wells Redshirt.svg  So
NB 25Nas AshenafiFr
NB 26Devin BrownFr
CB 27Jayden CorneliusFr
CB 29Christian RobbinsFr
DE 30Richard Garrett Redshirt.svg  Jr
CB 31Don Robinson III Redshirt.svg  Jr
S 32AJ MintzeFr
S 33Lee Campbell Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 34Joshua Collins Redshirt.svg  Fr
LB 35Trey Berry IIIFr
NB 36Ja'Morri Downing Redshirt.svg  Jr
CB 37Chris HobbsFr
CB 38Canden McGill Redshirt.svg  Fr
S 39Julian Quintero Redshirt.svg  Fr
DE 40Cain JeffersonFr
LB 41Beady Waddell V Redshirt.svg  Fr
LB 42Hank BodineFr
LB 43Braeden BargerFr
DT 45Sean Morris Redshirt.svg  Sr
LB 46Nolan McClanahanFr
LB 47Blue Monroe Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 49Bryce HartFr
DT 57Jeremy Johnson Redshirt.svg  Fr
DT 59J'evon BushFr
DL 90Jamichael WilsonGS
DT 91Jackson Banks Redshirt.svg  So
DT 92Brandon Joseph IIFr
DT 93Adrian Stone Redshirt.svg  Fr
DT 94Jaden Meeks Redshirt.svg  Fr
DT 97Caleb Bradford Redshirt.svg  Sr
DT 98Jackson Hensley Redshirt.svg  Fr
DE 99Jordan Cardentey Redshirt.svg  Fr
DB Trevaughn Martinez Redshirt.svg  So
Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
LS 56Mabry Bumgarner Redshirt.svg  So
K 60Marcus TroutFr
K 61Bryan McCollumFr
LS 62Emmett Rhoades Redshirt.svg  So
P 63Thomas GuerreroFr
P 95Stephen BrantleyJr
K 96Christian LowerySr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Jerry Odom – Defensive coordinator
  • Rylan Wells – Offensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator
  • Kerry Webb – Special teams coordinator
  • Brian Cochran – Defensive line
  • Kyle Dickey – Tight ends
  • Malik Goodman – Safeties
  • Ethan Harris – Cornerbacks
  • Corey Headley – Quarterbacks/director of player personnel
  • Jeremy King – Offensive line
  • Greg McGruder – Wide receivers
  • Rudi Small – Running backs
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injury icon 2.svg Injured
  • Redshirt.svg Redshirt

Roster
Last update: July 29, 2025

References

  1. ↑ Kelley, Kevin (January 14, 2025). "Western Carolina announces 2025 football schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
  2. ↑ Hooker, Daniel (January 13, 2025). "Western Carolina Announces Full 2025 Football Schedule". Western Carolina University, Department of Athletics. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.