West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's football team faced Northwestern at Martin Stadium on Friday night, ultimately losing 42-7. Northwestern established an early lead and maintained control throughout most of the game.

Despite the deficit, Western Illinois managed to score its first touchdown of the season in the fourth quarter. Backup quarterback Carson Carswell led a 10-play, 75-yard drive and completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Christian Anaya. Antonio Chadha made the extra point.

Carswell completed six out of eight passes for 52 yards and one touchdown during his time on the field. Running back Markell Holman led Western Illinois' rushing efforts with 13 carries for 52 yards. Receiver Demari Davis caught three passes totaling 46 yards, while Anaya finished with three receptions and scored the team's only touchdown.

On defense, Justin Richardson recorded a team-high 11 tackles. Christian Pierce and Malini Ti'a each had ten tackles, while Buju Aumua-Tuisavura contributed nine tackles. Kevin Washington Jr. added eight tackles, including two tackles for loss that helped force Northwestern to punt or settle for field goals.

The Leathernecks are now 0-2 this season after facing two Big Ten opponents in consecutive weeks. The team will return home to Hanson Field on Saturday, September 13, seeking their first win of the season.

"Western Illinois looks to build on the positive plays from its back-to-back Big 10 opponents and use the home crowd to jump-start the next phase of the season."

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