Western Carolina's Taron Dickens Shines in High-Scoring Showdown

Western Carolina's quarterback, Taron Dickens, put on a spectacular performance, throwing for 369 yards and five touchdowns. His precise passing, with 28 completions out of 33 attempts, was a key factor in the team's victory over The Citadel, with a final score of 45-38. The game was intense, with both teams showing strong offensive skills. The Citadel started strong, leading 14-7 after the first quarter. However, Western Carolina quickly responded with a touchdown pass and a 7-yard run by Markel Townsend, taking a 24-17 lead into halftime. Dickens continued his impressive play in the second half, adding two more touchdowns, including a 37-yard pass to Malik Knight. This extended Western Carolina's lead to 38-24 by the end of the third quarter. The Citadel made a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, reducing the deficit to seven points twice. However, a crucial 38-yard run by Townsend helped secure the victory for Western Carolina, allowing them to run out the clock. Several players contributed to Western Carolina's success. James Tyre had 112 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Knight added 103 yards and two touchdowns. Townsend also had a strong performance with 90 rushing yards. The Citadel, despite their strong rushing game with 278 yards led by quarterback Quentin Hayes, struggled in the passing game, attempting only nine passes. This strategic choice likely impacted their ability to close the gap. Western Carolina's victory marks their fifth straight win, a significant turnaround after starting the season with three losses. This win also keeps them undefeated in the Southern Conference.