ELON – In a thrilling FCS matchup, the Western Carolina Catamounts overcame a 14-3 deficit to upset the 22nd-ranked Elon Phoenix 24-17 on Saturday at Rhodes Stadium. The game was marked by a dramatic fourth-quarter surge from the Catamounts, featuring a go-ahead touchdown and a game-sealing blocked field goal return.
Game-Changing Moments
The pivotal play came with just 3:48 left in the game. Western Carolina quarterback Cole Gonzales capped a nine-play, 54-yard drive with a leaping 6-yard touchdown run, vaulting over Elon defenders to give the Catamounts their first lead at 17-14.
Elon's hopes for a comeback were dashed in the final minutes. Attempting to tie the game with a 44-yard field goal, the Phoenix instead saw their kick blocked by Western Carolina's Ken Moore Jr. The Catamounts' Jordy Lowry scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, extending the lead to 24-14 with only 1:15 remaining.
Early Phoenix Dominance
Elon seemed in control for much of the game. They struck first when Matthew Downing connected with Chandler Brayboy for a 58-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. The Phoenix extended their lead to 14-3 early in the third quarter when TJ Thomas Jr. broke free for a spectacular 60-yard touchdown run.
Catamounts' Comeback
Western Carolina's rally began midway through the third quarter. Branson Adams punched in a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 14-10. This set the stage for Gonzales' heroics in the fourth quarter.
Key Performers
- Cole Gonzales (Western Carolina): 23/36, 254 passing yards
- Branson Adams (Western Carolina): 14 carries, 81 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Calvin Jones (Western Carolina): 6 receptions, 98 yards
- Matthew Downing (Elon): 19/30, 285 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- TJ Thomas Jr. (Elon): 14 carries, 101 rushing yards, 1 TD
Game Statistics
Western Carolina narrowly outgained Elon in total yards (370-424) but won the turnover battle 2-0. The Catamounts also showed resilience on third down, converting 7 of 17 attempts compared to Elon's 2 of 11.
Up Next
Elon hosts a potent East Tennessee squad next week while Western Carolina travels out west to take on Montana.
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