WATERBURY, Conn. — The West Virginia Wesleyan football team (0-1) opened its 2025 campaign with a tough road match up against the Post University Eagles (1-0), falling 51-14 Saturday afternoon at Municipal Stadium.
The Bobcats showed flashes of promise, especially in the third quarter, but were ultimately undone by five turnovers, six rushing touchdowns allowed, and a relentless ground attack by Post.
FIRST HALF STRUGGLES SET THE TONE
West Virginia Wesleyan's defense faced immediate pressure, as Post stormed to a 13-0 lead by the end of the first quarter behind touchdown runs from Adonis White and Tyler Phommachanh. The Bobcats struggled to establish offensive rhythm, recording three consecutive three-and-outs and yielding two sacks in the opening quarter.
Things unraveled further in the second quarter. White added his second touchdown of the day, followed by a 28-yard field goal from Nathan Hawkins. A 55-yard pick-six by Matthew Myrick late in the half capped a 17-point second quarter for Post and sent Wesleyan into the locker room trailing 30-0.
THIRD QUARTER COMEBACK BID
Despite the halftime deficit, Wesleyan responded with their best football in the third quarter.
Quarterback
Quinton Pulley helped engineer a 10-play, 72-yard scoring drive, capped by an 8-yard touchdown run from
Kevin Montague, the Bobcats' first points of the season. Following a Post fumble recovered by
Riley Slaughter, Wesleyan capitalized again with a short field.
Mason White powered into the end zone from one yard out, cutting the deficit to 30-14.
Defensively,
Chibuzo Iheme recorded a sack, and
Mack White led the team with 9 total tackles.
POST PULLS AWAY LATE
Momentum quickly shifted back to Post in the fourth quarter. Phommachanh and Israel Hiraldo found the end zone with back-to-back rushing touchdowns, and Malachi Dudley added a late score to seal the victory. Post finished the day with 228 yards on the ground and six rushing TDs, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
NEXT UP
The Bobcats will host Clarion University under the lights at Cebe Ross Field next Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. Admission to the home opener is Free.