OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College football team outscored Walsh University 10-3 in the second half on Saturday, but the comeback bid fell short as the Cavaliers spoiled Homecoming by a score of 23-17.
Walsh posted their first win of the season to improve to 1-3 overall and 1-1 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference while Wesleyan falls to 2-3 on the season and 1-2 in conference play.
After scoring 17 points in the opening frame, Walsh was held to just a pair of field goals throughout the final three quarters. It took Wesleyan a mere 35 seconds to march 68-yards downfield for their first score of the game.
Following a missed field goal, the Panthers took over at their own 32-yard line. Javian Jackson hauled in a pass from Mike McGee for a 38-yard gain before Derek Barnes tabbed a 30-yard reception for his first touchdown of the game. Chris Logsdon nailed the extra point attempt to make it 17-7 with 6:25 until halftime.
Both teams tallied a field goal in the third quarter to keep it a two-possession game entering the final frame.
The Cavaliers threatened to extend their lead after a turnover on downs. Kyle Hurt halted Walsh's momentum, forcing a fumble at Walsh's own 21-yard line that was recovered by Wesleyan's Drew Mason.
Facing fourth-and-four, McGee found Jackson for a seven-yard gain to extend the drive. Two plays later, the Panthers executed a trick play where Trey Waltermire threw a pass to McGee in the end zone, but the play was called back after a penalty.
McGee and Waltermire returned to their positions on the next play and successfully found the end zone as Waltermire reached high for a nine-yard catch from McGee. Logsdon's extra point was good as the Panthers cut the deficit to six with five minutes remaining.
A false start penalty on the Cavaliers forced them to punt and Wesleyan got the ball at their own 28-yard line with 53 seconds on the clock. McGee connected with Barnes for a 20-yard gain to nearly reach midfield but the Walsh defense put the game away with a strip-sack with 33 seconds remaining.
McGee finished with 206-yards on 21 completions for two touchdowns. Barnes accumulated 89-yards on four catches for one touchdown. Waltermire tallied 20-yards on two catches and one touchdown.
Hurt recorded 10 tackles, six of which were solo, while forcing one fumble. Armand Childs had nine tackles while Jamir Johnson and Jalen Humphrey both tallied seven.
With a bye in week six, the Panthers won't be back in action until October 13 when they head to Tiffin, Ohio to take on G-MAC newcomer Tiffin University.
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