Western Courier | October 2, 2017

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Opinions: Ruder — Gun control advocates should rethink their position.

Edge: Hohman — Young Sheldon and Big Bang Theory continue to impress.

Monday, October 2, 2017 - Vol. 118 Issue 18

Sports: Leatherneck comeback cut short in final quarter

Necks fall short in top-10 match up By Devon Greene assistant sports editor

The Western Illinois University Leathernecks lost their homecoming game 38-33 against the tenth ranked team in the FCS, the University of South Dakota Cougars on Saturday afternoon. The loss, however, did not come without plenty of drama. Three Leathernecks put on historic performances in the showdown on Hanson Field.  The Cougars opened the game with a long 9- play 75-yard scoring drive that showed how aggressive they were from the start. South Dakota went for it on the first two fourth downs of the game. The first fourth down they looked to convert was a fourth and two on Western’s 28 yard line. A 12-yard completion led to a first down and an early touchdown to put them up 7-0 in the first quarter.  After three straight games of scoring at least 38 points per game, Western’s offense had finally encountered some formidable opposition in the Cougar ’s defense. The Leathernecks had problems running the ball all night and only finished with 33 yards rushing. They had to punt on their first

three drives of the game and had trouble getting anything past the stifling South Dakota defensive unit.  The Cougars closed out the first quarter with a long drive that resulted in a 23-yard field goal from senior kicker, Ryan Weese to push the score to 10-0.  Western’s first scoring drive came to open their first drive of the second quarter. Senior wide-receiver Jaelon Acklin began to show a glimpse of what type of game he was going to have with a big drive to get Western back in the game. Acklin caught a 31yard pass to open the drive and later pulled in a 28-yard pass on a crucial third down for the Leathernecks. This catch placed the Leathernecks on the Cougars’ 17-yard line, placing them in the red zone for the first time in the game.   They were able to capitalize one play later as junior quarterback, Sean McGuire hit senior, tight end Tony Harper on a 17 yard pass up the middle. Sophomore kicker Sam Crosa missed the point and left the score at 10-6.

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NICHOLAS EBELHACK/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Receiver Jaelon Acklin fights for his second touchdown in a record-breaking performance Saturday against the Coyotes.

Hanson memorial statue revealed Friday

Western Illinois University reveals the Colonel Ray “Rock” Hanson statue Friday afternoon as former Interim President David Taylor addresses the crowd.

ANGEL STRACK/PHOTO EDITOR


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