BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Clarion (2-0) surged past West Virginia Wesleyan College (0-2) for a decisive 48-20 victory at Cebe Ross Field, giving the Golden Eagles their second straight win to start the season. The offensive effort was highlighted by the Golden Eagles' four rushing touchdowns and dominant ground game that accumulated 306 yards.
The first quarter began with Clarion establishing momentum early, making a huge play on special teams to spark their first score. With the Bobcats on their own 29-yard line on fourth down,
Eugene Hall smothered punter Bryson Johnson, blocking the punt and setting up a recovery on the nine-yard line. Two players later
Anthony Guercio notched an eight-yard touchdown pass to
Davon Jones at 7:42, putting the Golden Eagles on the board.
Ty Woods successfully added the extra point, making it a 7-0 lead.
Later in the first quarter, Guercio connected with
Holt Egan for a 30-yard touchdown, cementing a 13-0 advantage.
Adrian Torres made a significant impact defensively with an interception and a fumble recovery to keep the Bobcats at bay.
The second quarter saw Clarion extend their lead with a series of decisive plays. Guercio orchestrated a well-executed drive to start the quarter, completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jones at 10:28 for their second hook-up of the game. Guercio continued to lead the charge, later rushing for a 37-yard touchdown at 07:24, and closing the period with a 9-yard touchdown run at 01:18, further solidifying a 41-0 lead by halftime.
Khalon Simmons also contributed significantly with a 10-yard rushing touchdown at 05:31, highlighting the offensive performance throughout the quarter.
The third quarter began with
Aaran Randolph making a significant impact for Clarion by returning the opening kickoff 76 yards to the Bobcats' 15-yard line. Guercio and Simmons capitalized on the excellent field position, with Simmons scoring a three-yard rushing touchdown at 12:50, extending the Golden Eagles' lead. Although the Bobcats responded with three consecutive touchdowns through the air, Clarion's defense, highlighted by
Giovanni Crosby's pass breakup, maintained control to close out the period with a 48-20 advantage.
Guercio authored another strong performance in limited time, completing 11 of 15 passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for 104 yards on six carries with two rushing touchdowns. Simmons contributed significantly with 71 rushing yards on nine attempts and two touchdowns. Jones was effective on offense, recording five receptions for 48 yards and two touchdowns. Torres made an impact on defense by intercepting a pass and recovering a fumble.
Looking ahead, Clarion will host Shippensburg in Clarion on Saturday, September 13. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
