Athens,W.Va. -- The Wesleyan Football team fell at Concord Saturday afternoon at Callaghan Stadium, 49-21. The Bobcats, although playing an even second half, could not overcome a 21-0 start.
The Mountain Lions (5-2, 4-1) rushed for over 400 yards on the day on 72 attempts, controlling both the line of scrimmage and time of possession. Concord was able to hold the ball over 42 minutes in the 60 minute contest. Wesleyan (2-5, 2-4) would win the toss and defer giving the Mountain Lions the first possession of the game. They would march down the field on seven plays and score the game's first touchdown. Concord would hold the Wesleyan offense and force a punt before driving for a second score. The Mountain Lions would find the endzone one more time before halfway through the second quarter, Wesleyan's Jeremy Musselman would connect to Connor Arlia for a 14 yard Bobcat touchdown pass bringing the 'Cats closer 21-7. Concord was able to answer with two more touchdowns before the half and Wesleyan would be down 35-7.
In second half the Bobcats would play the Mountain Lions even, both teams scoring 14 points, respectively, but the deficit was already set. Unfortunately, Wesleyan fumbled the opening kickoff to open up the third quarter and the Mountain Lions were able to capitalize with another touchdown, downing the spirits of a Bobcat comeback. On the ensuing drive, Wesleyan's Mike Anderson would find the endzone bringing the score to 42-14 before Mussleman and Arlia would hook up for a second time. Kasper Bernild would tack on the extra point to close the gap to 42-21, but the Mountain Lions would find the endzone one last time to seal the victory, 49-21.
Concord amassed 476 total yards and were nearly 50% (7-15) on third down conversions compared to Wesleyan's 181 total yards and 0% (0-6) third down conversions that allowed the Mountain Lions to control the pace of the game. Wesleyan's Mussleman did finish with 2 TD's and only one interception on the afternoon. The Bobcats will return home next weekend as they play host to West Liberty. Game time is slated for 1pm.
