A Thrilling Showdown: Western Carolina Outplays The Citadel

Western Carolina's quarterback, Taron Dickens, showcased his prowess on the field, throwing for an impressive 369 yards and five touchdowns. This stellar performance led his team to a narrow 45-38 victory over The Citadel, witnessed by a crowd of 9, 151 at Johnson Hagood Stadium on October 18. Dickens, who had been named the Southern Conference preseason offensive player of the year, delivered a standout performance with touchdown passes of varying lengths, including a 37-yard strike to Malik Knight. The Citadel, with a record of 3-4, managed to close the gap to 31-24 in the third quarter, but Western Carolina's strategic play, such as a fake punt by Issac McLellan, secured their lead. Key players like Mikey Rosa from The Citadel demonstrated strong defensive skills, while Western Carolina boasted a 300-yard passer, a 100-yard rusher, and two 100-yard receivers. The turning point of the game came in the "middle eight" minutes, where Western Carolina capitalized on The Citadel's mistakes to take a decisive lead. The Citadel's coach, Maurice Drayton, reflected on the importance of the "middle eight" minutes, acknowledging that their performance in this crucial period ultimately determined the game's outcome. Despite the loss, Drayton expressed his disappointment and desire for improvement, highlighting the team's collective effort and the need for better execution. Looking ahead, The Citadel prepares to face their in-state rival Furman, aiming to secure a victory and improve their season record. Western Carolina, on the other hand, continues to build on their successful season with a focus on maintaining their winning momentum.