Mercer University
Western Carolina
Early Miscues Cost Football in Loss to WCU
10/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer University football team dropped a 35-21 decision to Western Carolina on Saturday evening at Mercer University Stadium.
The Bears (5-3, 1-3 SoCon) were hurt early by turnovers, as two costly fumbles helped WCU race out to a 21-3 advantage in the second quarter. Mercer was able to trim the deficit heading into halftime though, as Bret Niederreither scooped up a fumble to set up a drive at the Catamounts' nine-yard line. Alex Lakes made it 21-10 one play later, as he found pay dirt on a nine-yard run to close out the first-half scoring.
The second half got off to a good start for the Bears, as they marched down to the WCU's 17-yard line on just three play on their opening drive thanks in part to Avery Ward's 37-yard reception from quarterback John Russ. However, back-to-back penalties would stall the drive, as Mercer was forced to settle for Will Roper's 44-yard field goal to pull within a score, 21-13.
The Catamounts put a stop to any thoughts of a rally though, scoring 14-straight points to open up a 35-13 advantage in the fourth quarter.
Mercer bounced back with a six-play, 64-yard drive late in the game, as Russ hit Josh Jones in the back of the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown. The Bears converted the two-point conversion to pull within, 35-21, but WCU recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.
"I was very proud of our young men for continuing to compete," said head coach Bobby Lamb. "After getting down 14-0, we could have packed it in, but our guys kept battling. Execution and penalties were problems at times tonight, but the turnovers really hurt us and we weren't able to take advantage of good opportunities."
Mercer finished with 400 yards of total offense, including 235 yards in the second half. The Bears once again utilized a balanced attack with 201 yards rushing and 199 yards through the air.
Western Carolina racked up 406 yards of offense in the contest, while forcing three turnovers. The Catamounts sealed the win with their running game, holding the ball for over 11 minutes in the fourth quarter.
Lakes paced the Bears' offense with 125 yards on the ground on 21 carries, while pushing his SoCon-leading total for rushing touchdowns to 12 with his second-quarter score. Russ threw for 199 yards on 13-of-25 passing, while JT Palmer hauled in a team-leading six receptions for 58 yards.
Tyler Ward paced Mercer's defense with 11 tackles and two tackles-for-loss. Devin Davidson added seven tackles and a sack, while LeMarkus Bailey tallied six tackles including a vicious hit on punt return coverage.
Mercer will be back in action next Saturday, when it travels to Chattanooga for a 12 p.m. kick-off.
