By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Elon lined up for a potential game-tying field goal late in Saturday night’s football game, but it ended up being a game-deciding play in Western Carolina’s favor.
The Catamounts won 24-17 in the non-conference game at Rhodes Stadium.
Western Carolina’s Ken Moore Jr. blocked the 44-yard attempt from Jack Berkowitz, with teammate Jordy Lowery returning the ball 55 yards for a touchdown with 1:15 remaining.
After the Moore blocked kick led to the Catamounts (1-2) taking a 24-14 lead, the Phoenix moved into position for Berkowitz’s 33-yard field goal with 14 seconds left. Western Carolina recovered the ensuing onside kick.
Matthew Downing threw for a touchdown and 285 yards for Elon (1-2), which was playing its home opener. His heave to Chandler Brayboy resulted in a 58-yard touchdown play for the game’s first points.
Running back T.J. Thomas, Jr. had 101 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
The Phoenix, which had 424 yards of total offense, led 14-3 early in the third quarter after Thomas bolted for a 60-yard scoring run.
Western Carolina never led until less than four minutes remained in the game.
