Buckhannon, W.Va. – The Wesleyan Bobcats defeated the West Liberty Hilltoppers 38-21 in football action Saturday afternoon at Cebe Ross Field. The Bobcats scored 24 points in the second half to seal the victory improving their home record to 3-1.
The Bobcats (3-5, 3-4 MEC) used a strong offensive performance from quarterback Jeremy Mussleman, as he racked up 3 touchdowns with no interceptions and 393 yards on 29-41 passing. However, the standout for the day on the Bobcats had to be freshman Zach Shademan with his eight receptions for 208 yards and two Bobcat touchdowns. He and Mussleman connected once in the second quarter for a 41 yard touchdown then again towards the end of the third for a 68 yard pass and catch resulting in a TD. The Hilltoppers (3-5, 3-3 MEC) were lead by Dylan Legarde and his three, overall, touchdowns.
The Bobcat Defense would hold the Hilltoppers scoreless in the first quarter, and with Michael Anderson adding the game's first touchdown from four yards out, the Bobcats would lead 7-0 after one. The Hilltoppers would fight back early in the second, however, as Legarda, would QB sneak his way in to the Bobcat endzone. The ensuing drive is when Mussleman and Shademan would first connect on their 41 yard, crowd igniting, touchdown and Wesleyan would take a 14-7 lead. Legarde and West Liberty were able to answer the call one more time, though, before the half knotting it up at 14 each as the teams headed to the locker room.
The Bobcats won the coin toss and coach Shehl elected to receive, paying off in some good fortune for the 'Cats. The opening second half kick would be muffed by the Hilltoppers and the Bobcats would recover resulting in a Kasper Bernild 32 yard field goal that would push Wesleyan ahead 17-14. West Liberty would answer, however, with a touchdown drive of their own giving the Hilltoppers their first, and last, lead of the game 21-17. Lightning then struck again for Mussleman and Shademan as they would answer with their 68 yard, perfect throw, and fingertip catch and run for a Bobcat touchdown giving Wesleyan the lead once again 24-21. The Bobcats would hold that lead as the third quarter came to a close.
The Bobcat D would force two fumbles on the day against the Hilltoppers and hold them scoreless in, both, the first and fourth quarters. This allowed Mussleman and the offense to get in a rhythm. A successful complimentary running game from Anderson and the 'Cats opened up the field and in the fourth Mussleman found the endzone twice more. The first on a 1 yard qb sneak and the second when he completed his third touchdown pass to Connor Arlia from eight yards out, shutting the door on the Hilltoppers.
The final tally would read 38-21, Bobcats, as the horn sounded propelling the 'Cats to a quick turnaround week. The team will travel to Fairmont, W.Va. to take on the Fighting Falcons of Fairmont State, Thursday, October 31st, Halloween night. The Falcons will be coming home after suffering a 41-5 whipping at the hands of Urbana Saturday. Game time is slated for 7pm.
