West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's football team achieved a 24–21 victory over Lindenwood on Saturday at Hanson Field, marking their second consecutive win of the season. The Leathernecks, now with a record of 3–7 overall and 2–4 in OVC-Big South play, overcame a 14-point deficit to secure the comeback.

Freshman quarterback Cason Carswell contributed by passing for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Markell Holman added to the effort with 172 rushing yards on 25 carries and scored an important touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Lindenwood started strong, leading 14–0 after two first-quarter touchdowns from quarterback Nate Glantz. Western Illinois responded in the second quarter when Carswell connected with tight end Brandon Lanier for a 17-yard touchdown pass, reducing the halftime gap to 14–7.

Lindenwood extended its lead to 21–7 in the third quarter before Western Illinois began its rally. Antonio Chadha made a 41-yard field goal late in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Holman scored on a 27-yard run, bringing Western Illinois closer at 21–16.

With just over one minute left in regulation, Carswell threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Alex Williams. Holman followed up by running in a two-point conversion that gave Western Illinois its first lead of the game at 24–21.

On defense, Nick Bucaro and Justin Richardson each intercepted passes during Lindenwood's final drives to secure the win. Justin Buckner led with seven tackles and one sack; Christian Pierce also recorded seven tackles.

"The win marks back-to-back victories for the Leathernecks, who continue to display steady growth and resilience as the season winds down," according to university officials. "Western Illinois will look to carry its momentum into next week's home matchup against SEMO, aiming to extend its winning streak to three."

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