CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Cole Gonzales threw for 294 yards and a score, Jalynn Williams rushed for three touchdowns and Western Carolina welcomed their fans back to E.J. Whitmire Stadium in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene with a 30-16 win on Saturday.
The Catamounts (3-3, 2-0 Southern Conference) beat Wofford at home last Saturday without spectators in the stands because of rescue and recovery efforts taking place around western North Carolina.
The Catamounts debuted a “Prayers for Western Carolina” helmet sticker while also promoting a “Fill the Truck” effort to load the team equipment truck with fan donations of goods.
Gonzales’ 18-yard touchdown pass went to Zion Booker to open the scoring. Booker finished with 102 yards receiving. Williams capped two long drives with second-quarter touchdowns and the Catamounts led 21-7 at halftime.
Gonzales was 28-of-38 passing.
Johnathan Bennett rushed for 155 yards on 22 carries with a score for the Bulldogs (2-5, 0-4). He also had 155 yards passing but was intercepted twice, including Samaurie Dukes’ pick at Western Carolina’s 1-yard line late in the game.
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