WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – A safety and a field goal by West Liberty late in the fourth quarter was too much for the Concord University football team to overcome Saturday afternoon as it fell 29-28 to the Hilltopers at West Family Stadium in Mountain East Conference action.
A 41-yard touchdown reception by sophomore wide receiver
Jermeil Douse from junior quarterback
Brian Novak gave the Mountain Lions (0-1, 0-1 MEC) a 28-24 lead with 11:16 left in the game.
On the ensuing WLU (1-0, 1-0 MEC) drive, the Hilltoppers went the length of the field, but faced a fourth-and-goal from the nine-yard line. West Liberty quarterback Dakota Conwell completed the pass to Daree Goodwin, but sophomore defensive back
Chaudlier Shepherd wrapped up Goodwin before he crossed the goal line, stalling the drive.
However, West Liberty gained some momentum right back two plays later as an errant snap went over the head of Novak and out of the back of the end zone for a safety, cutting the CU lead to 28-26 with 2:37 left in the game.
Conwell marched the Hilltoppers back down for the field where Christian Morris connected on a 32-yard field goal to push WLU back in front 29-28.
But, Concord still had a chance as Douse picked up the squib kick by Morris and ran it to the 50-yard line. With just 11 seconds left, Novak completed a pass to the West Liberty 20-yard line, but a snap infraction ended the game and also a chance at a game-winning field goal.
The Mountain Lions defense picked off three passes from Conwell as junior defensive back
Akil Bordelon, senior linebacker
Brandon Martinez and Shepherd each had interceptions against the WLU signal caller.
Senior linebacker
Cade Rogers finished with a career-high 11 tackles while senior defensive back
Derrick Johnson had nine stops.
Offensively, Novak finished 23-for-32 for 262 yards and three touchdowns, but was also picked off three times. Two of Novak's touchdowns went to Douse who finished with three catches for 72 yards to go along with his two scores.
Senior wide receiver
Tiko Henderson scored the first touchdown for the Mountain Lions in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7 early on.
Senior running back
Calvinaugh Jones carried the ball 10 times for 67 yards with 53 yards coming on a second-quarter touchdown.
West Liberty held a 17-14 lead at halftime after scoring on a blocked punt and rushing touchdown by Jeremiah Ortiz. Morris also added a first-half field goal from 40 yards.
The Mountain Lions will open up their home schedule 12:00 p.m. next Saturday versus Fairmont State.
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