By: Jaylin Short
MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois Leathernecks are taking on the Indiana State Sycamores
this week, as they are coming off of a tough loss against the North Dakota State Bison 56-17. It was a ground-and-pound game for the Leathernecks. They gave up 453 yards rushing on 55 attempts against the Bison, and they only registered 321 yards total for the game. Graduate transfer Jafar Armstrong had a solid performance despite the loss, catching three passes for 85 yards, scoring the only two touchdowns for the Leathernecks. Junior quarterback Clay Bruno registered 188 passing yards, completing 21 of his 36 passes for two touchdowns and four interceptions. He also led the team in rushing yards in that game, having 42 yards on nine carries. Junior running back Jaylin Jackson couldn’t quite get it going on the ground, as he only had six carries for 26 yards. Junior defensive back Bradyn Smith had an amazing game, leading the Leatherneck defense in tackles with eight. Sophomore linebacker Chase Graham had the only interception for the Leatherneck defense.
The Indiana State Sycamores are coming off of a loss as well against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks 42-7. Sycamores sophomore quarterback Gavin Screws completed 11 of his 19 passes for 130 yards and one interception. Freshman and backup quarterback for the Sycamores, Evan Olaes, led them in rushing with 71 yards on 7 carries. The Sycamores defense gave up 391 total yards of offense, as they only managed to get 265 total yards of offense. The Fighting Hawks controlled the time of possession in that game (35:10-24:50).
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. CT, at Hanson Field.
