West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University’s football team lost a close game to Charleston Southern on Saturday at Hanson Field, with the final score 29-24. The Leathernecks, now 1-7 overall and 0-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play, led for much of the contest.

Quarterback Cason Carswell completed 34 out of 51 passes for 375 yards and two touchdowns. The Leathernecks’ offense totaled 463 yards and maintained possession for nearly 35 minutes.

Christian Anaya caught six passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Alex Williams also scored a touchdown among his four receptions. Running back Markell Holman led the rushing effort with 71 yards and one touchdown; he also contributed ten catches for 84 yards.

Kicker Antonio Chadha made a 41-yard field goal and converted all three extra-point attempts. On defense, Buju Aumua-Tuisavura and Justin Buckner each recorded six tackles, while Buckner and Aa'zoriyon Bonner combined for two sacks.

Charleston Southern quarterback Zolten Osborne threw four touchdown passes, including two in the fourth quarter that secured the win for the Buccaneers (2-6, 1-3 OVC).

After this defeat, Western Illinois will play its next game on the road before entering their bye week as they look to build momentum in the second half of conference play.