West Central Reporter

Charleston, Ill- The Leatherneck Football team faced a narrow defeat against Eastern Illinois on Saturday afternoon, with the game being decided by the final play.

WIU's offense had a slow start, running only 11 plays and failing to score in the first quarter. They tied the game at seven in the second quarter when Nathan Lamb connected with Eli Aragon for a 20-yard touchdown. Eastern Illinois responded with a field goal to lead 10-7 with just under seven minutes left in the half.

Christian Anaya caught a 28-yard pass from Nathan Lamb to spark WIU's offense. Anaya ended with three catches for 66 yards and one touchdown. Cameren Smith completed the drive with a fourth-and-goal touchdown run, putting WIU ahead 14-10.

Following a fumbled kickoff return by Eastern Illinois, WIU recovered inside the red zone but settled for a field goal, leading 17-10. The Panthers quickly moved downfield and scored a touchdown to tie it at halftime.

The second half saw few punts as both teams engaged in an offensive battle. Nathan Lamb recorded three touchdowns in this period—one rushing and two passing—and finished with 309 passing yards plus eight rushing yards. WIU scored on three consecutive possessions, narrowing Eastern Illinois' lead to 45-38 after Lamb's four-yard pass to Tristin Duncan.

WIU's defense managed to force an Eastern Illinois punt with under two minutes remaining. On their final drive, WIU reached EIU's 24-yard line but failed to score as time expired, resulting in a 45-38 loss.

The Leathernecks accumulated 395 offensive yards, including 86 rushing yards led by Cameren Smith who ran for 66 yards and one touchdown.

Next Saturday, WIU will host Tennessee State at Hanson Field at 1 p.m.

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