Game Preview: Western Carolina Catamounts at Montana Grizzlies

                 

                     

Date: Sept. 18, 2024

Location: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, MT
Kickoff: 3 pm (EST)

As the college football season heats up, fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup as the Western Carolina Catamounts travel to Missoula to take on the Montana Grizzlies. Both teams are looking to make a statement early in the season, making this game a must-watch.

Western Carolina Catamounts

The Catamounts are coming off a strong start, showcasing a dynamic offense that has impressed fans and analysts alike. With a potent passing game led by their quarterback, they’ve shown the ability to stretch the field and exploit defensive weaknesses. The running game is also a key component, featuring a talented backfield that can grind out yards and control the clock.

Defensively, Western Carolina will need to tighten up, especially against a formidable opponent like Montana. They’ve had some ups and downs on that side of the ball, but their ability to create turnovers will be crucial in this matchup.

Montana Grizzlies

The Grizzlies, known for their rich football tradition, are always a tough opponent at home. With a passionate fan base behind them, Washington-Grizzly Stadium will be electric. Montana's offense has a balanced attack, combining a solid passing game with a bruising running style. Their quarterback has been effective in both decision-making and execution, making them a versatile threat.

Defensively, Montana prides itself on being physical and aggressive. They’ll look to apply pressure on the Catamounts’ quarterback and force mistakes, which could swing momentum in their favor.

Key Matchups

• Quarterbacks: The battle between the quarterbacks will be pivotal. The ability of each signal-caller to read defenses and make quick decisions could determine the outcome.

• Defensive Lines: Whichever team can establish dominance in the trenches will likely gain the upper hand. Both defenses will be looking to disrupt the opposing offense’s rhythm.

• Special Teams: Special teams play can often be the deciding factor in close games. Look for big returns or key field goals to play a role in this matchup.

Prediction

With home-field advantage and a strong tradition of success, Montana enters this game as the favorite. However, Western Carolina’s explosive offense could make this a high-scoring affair. Expect a hard-fought battle as both teams vie for a crucial victory early in the season.

Don’t miss this clash of styles and talent as the Catamounts take on the Grizzlies in what promises to be an electrifying game!

WCU 2-Deep vs. Montana

Game #4 - at #9 Montana Griz

For the season's fourth game, the Catamounts travel to Missoula, Montana to face the 2023 Big Sky champions, the Montana Grizzlies. The Griz bring a 2-1 (2024) record into the game, after beating Morehead State 59-2 on Saturday.  Montana is ridding a streak of 15-straight wins at Washington-Grizzly Stadium as the Catamounts take the field on Saturday. 

Game #4  - Montana Griz

The Griz completed the 2023 season with a 13-2 overall record and a Big Sky Championship, with a 9-0 record in the Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Montana is currently ranked #9 by STATS and #10 in the coaches poll.  

  

When: Saturday, September 21, 2023

Time: 3:00 pm (ET) - 1 pm (MT)
Where: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula Montana
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
   -Play-by-Play: Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV/video: ESPN+

Conference: Big Sky

Students:  10,962

Colors:  Maroon and Silver

Nickname:  Grizzlies

Fan Message Board: eGriz.com

The Series: This is the first meeting between the two teams on the football field.

Head Coach: Bobby Hauck became the 37th head football coach at the University of Montana on Nov. 30, 2017. He began his second tenure as the Grizzlies' head coach a day later on December 1, 2017. 2024 will be his 18th year as a college football head coach, his 13th overall year at Montana, and the sixth year of his second stint as Montana's head coach. In 2018 Hauck became the winningest coach in Montana history, surpassing the great Don Read with 86 wins in eight seasons..

Last Season's Record - (Montana 2023): 13-2 overall, 9-0 home, 4-1 away, 0-1 neutral,  7-1 Big Sky

Coming into the 2024 season, Montana ranks No. 3 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25. The Grizzlies finished 13-2 last year, reaching the FCS national championship game before losing 23-3 against South Dakota State. The Griz returned  16 starters (11 offense, 5 defense) from last season’s team, with the offensive line alone returning 71 combined starts and the defense combining for 53 total starts.

For the fourth consecutive year, Montana saw a change at the helm of the offense, with quarterbacks Cam Humphrey (2021), Lucas Johnson (2022), and Clifton McDowell (2023) taking turns in the role.

The Grizzlies are set to field a formidable trio at the running back position. Eli Gillman, who won the Jerry Rice Award last year for his 968 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, is returning. Alongside him, veteran Nick Ostmo, who accumulated 1,398 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two years, is also on the roster.  Against Morehead State, the Griz ran for 410 yards on the ground and totaled 576 yards of offense behind the rushing attack, going 5-for-12 on third down while picking up four conversions on fourth down. They averaged 6.9 yards per play while holding the Eagles to just 1.0 yards per play. It's the most total yards since going for 695 in the win over Cal Poly two years ago.

Keali'I Ah Yat started the game at quarterback and went 9-for-11 for 79 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He found Keelan White, who had five catches for 40 yards, for the only score through the air on the day. Logan Fife also saw time, going 9-for-16 for 87 yards.

2024 Montana Statistics (3 games)

Rushing Offense: 840 yards
Yards per game: 245
Yards per rush: 6.2 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 44
TDs rushing: 11
Passing Offense: 560 yards or 169 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 24
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 85-53-1
TDs Passing: 3
Total Offense: 1243 yards or 414 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 3-1
3d Down Conversions: 11 of 34 (32%)
4th Down Conversions: 6 of 8 (75%)
Field goal-attempts:  5 of 7
PAT-Attempts: 11 of 13
Red Zone Scores: 12 of 15
Red Zone Touchdowns: 8 of 15
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 0
Punts-Yards: 10 - 437 - Avg. per gm 41

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #3)

September 16, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #3   Last week's ranking in parentheses.  

1. (2)  Mercer (3-0, 1-0 SoCon)

Next:  The Citadel (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

2. (1)  Wofford  (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Bye Week  

3. (3)  Chattanooga  (0-3, 0-1 SoCon)

Next:  Bye Week

4. (4)  Western Carolina  (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Montana (2-1)

5. (6)  ETSU  (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Elon (1-2)

6. (5)  Furman (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at William & Mary (2-1)

7. (7)  Samford (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Bye Week

8. (8)  The Citadel  (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Mercer (3-0, SoCon 1-0)

9. (9)  VMI (0-3, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Norfolk State (0-3)

1.                        

Highlights: Western Carolina vs Elon

 

Cats win, 24-17 over #22 Elon

 

Cole Gonzales scored a crucial 6-yard touchdown run, putting Western Carolina in the lead with less than four minutes remaining. Ken Moore Jr. then made a game-changing play by blocking a field-goal attempt, which Jordy Lowry returned for a touchdown, securing a 24-17 victory over Elon on Saturday.

Early in the second half, TJ Thomas sprinted 60 yards untouched around the right end, giving the 22nd
ranked Phoenix a 14-3 advantage. However, Western Carolina mounted an impressive comeback, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to take a 10-point lead with just over a minute left.

Branson Adams initiated the comeback with a powerful 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The Catamounts finally took the lead when Gonzales completed a nine-play, 54-yard drive with a spectacular leap over Elon defenders, putting them ahead 17-14 with 3:48 remaining. Elon attempted a 44-yard field goal to tie the game, but Moore's block led to Lowry's touchdown, extending Western Carolina's lead to 24-14. Elon managed to kick a 33-yard field goal with 14 seconds left, setting the final score.

Gonzales showcased his skills by completing 23 of 36 passes for 254 yards, leading Western Carolina to their first win of the season. Adams contributed with 14 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown, while Calvin Jones caught six passes for 98 yards.

On the other side, Matthew Downing went 19-of-30 for 285 yards and a touchdown, with one interception, leading Elon's offense. Thomas also had a strong performance, rushing for 101 yards on 14 carries.

WCU 2-Deep Roster vs. Elon

 Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

 

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #2)

September 9, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #2   Last week's ranking in parentheses.  

1. (5)  Wofford  (2-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: William & Mary (1-1)

2. (2)  Mercer (2-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Chattanooga (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

3. (3)  Chattanooga  (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Mercer  (2-0, 0-0 SoCon)

4. (1)  Western Carolina  (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Elon (1-1)

5. (4)  Furman (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Stetson (2-0)

6. (6)  ETSU  (1-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: ND State (1-1)

7. (7)  Samford (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Alabama State (1-1)

8. (8)  The Citadel  (1-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  North Greenville (0-1)

9. (9)  VMI (0-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Georgia Tech (2-1)

1.                        

Game #3 - Elon

In Western's third game of the 2024 season, the Catamounts travel to Elon, NC to face the #22 Elon Phoenix. 

Western plays Elon for the 45th time overall, the two teams last played in Cullowhee in 2013.  Elon finished the 2023 season with a 6-5 overall record, and is 1-1 in 2024 with a loss to Duke and a win over NC Central.  

Game #3 -  Elon Phoenix

When: Saturday, September 14

Time:   6 pm
Where: Rhodes Stadium, Elon, NC

Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV / video: FloFootball 

Conference:  Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) 
Nickname: Phoenix
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Enrollment:  7,117
Message Board:  ElonFans

The Series: In only the 45th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 18-24-2 record overall against the former Southern Conference foe.  Western is 6-15-1 against the Phoenix in games played in Elon. 

Last Game vs. Elon (Oct. 26, 2013) - WCU halted a seven-game slide against Elon; it was the Catamounts' first win over the Phoenix since 2005 ... WCU improves to 3-3 against Elon in games played in Cullowhee. Western Carolina head coach Mark Speir won his first game against a NCAA Division I opponent, while also earning his first victory against a Southern Conference opponent;

Head Coach:  Tony Trisciani - Named the 23rd head football coach at Elon University on Dec. 17, 2018, Tony Trisciani will begin his sixth season at the helm of the program in the fall of 2024. Widely familiar with the CAA Football landscape, the 2023 season marked Trisciani's 28th year as a football coach and his 18th year coaching at a CAA Football institution. Known for developing champions, Trisciani's career has featured multiple conference championships on the field while guiding his defensive units to national leaders in multiple categories and coaching numerous all-conference and All-American student-athletes. 

Last Season's Record  (2023): 6-5 overall, 4-2 home, 2-4 away, 6-2 CAA

The Phoenix are picked to finish sixth in the 16 team CAA football poll for 2024, and had two first team All-conference players, Chandler Brayboy a senior wide receiver and Caleb Curtain a junior safety.  Elon All-America safety Caleb Curtain was selected as the preseason Defensive Player of the Year after recording 80 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a league-high four interceptions in 2023.  Brayboy also received honors on Special Teams as kickoff return. 

Against NC Central, Elon scored on its first drive of the game and never trailed, defeating North Carolina Central 41-19 on the road. Elon had three interceptions from three different players – Brandon Tyson, Jonathan Robinson and Jesse Powell II each had an interception with Powell returning his 40 yards for a touchdown. 

2023 Elon Statistics  (11 games):
Rushing Offense: 1418 yards
Yards per game: 129
Yards per rush: 3.6 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 82
TDs rushing: 10
Passing Offense: 2248 yards or 204.4 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 7.9 yards
Passing 1st downs: 86
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 283-159-6

TDs Passing: 21
Total Offense: 3666 yards or 333.3 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 13-5
3d Down Conversions: 45 of 151 (30%)
4th Down Conversions: 14 of 26 (54%)
Field goal attempts: 12 - 15
On-side kicks: 0-1
Red Zone Scores: 23 of 28
Red Zone Touchdowns: 14 of 28 

PAT-attempts: 32 of 34

Interview Cole Gonzales

 

WCU 2-Deep Roster vs. Campbell

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #1)

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #1 

1.  Western Carolina  (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Campbell

2.  Mercer (1-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Bethune-Cookman

3.  Chattanooga  (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Georgia State

4.  Furman (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Charleston Southern

5.  Wofford  (1-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Richmond

6.  ETSU  (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: UVA-Wise

7.  Samford (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Florida

8.  The Citadel  (1-0, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  SC State

9.  VMI (0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Bucknell

1.                        

Game #2 - Campbell Camels

In Western Carolina's second game of the 2024 season, and their home opener, the Cats host the  Campbell Camels, in a White Out Whitmire game that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the E.L. Whitmire Stadium.  The 2024 WCU Freshmen Run will take place just prior to the kickoff. 

The weekend also offers the third-annual High School Band Day. The game is the "Ingles Southern Conference Game of the Week" and will be shown on the Nexstar Media Group stations in the SoCon area. 

The Camels finished the 2023 season with a 5-6 overall record and a 4-4 CAA record. 

Game #2 - Campbell Camels

When: Saturday, September 7, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm (ET)  (updated time)
Where: Bob Water Field, Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

   -Play-by-Play: Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV / video:  ESPN+ /  Nexstar affiliate WYCW (Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville)
  -Play-by-Play: Pete Yanity; Jared Singleton - analyst

Live Stats: WCU Live Stats

Colors:  Orange and Black

Conference: Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)

Enrollment: undergrad - 3,000

Mascot: Gaylord the Camel

Nickname:  Fighting Camels

Location: Buies Creek, NC (population- 3,253 at the 2020 census)  

Game Notes:    Western   -    Campbell    -     SoCon

The Series: Campbell actually hold a 2-0 record over the Cats from games played in 1935 & 1937 in Cullowhee, prior Campbell dropping football in 1950. The Camels returned to the gridiron in 2008.  

Head Coach: Braxton Harris. Campbell director of athletics Hannah Bazemore announced Braxton Harris as the Fighting Camels’ head football coach on January 2, 2024. Harris, who previously spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons on staff at Campbell, returns to Buies Creek after spending 2023 as head coach at FCS Southland Conference member Houston Christian. Harris becomes the third head coach in Campbell’s modern football history (since 2008). . 

Harris's record vs. Western Carolina: 0-0

Kerwin Bell's record vs. Campbell: 0-0

Last Season's Record - 2023 (Campbell): 5-6 overall, 1-3 home, 4-3 away, 4-4 CAA

Campbell was picked to finish 11th in the 16 team CAA football conference in preseason voting for 2024. The Camels have one player picked for preseason honors, CJ Tillman a senior linebacker. 

First year head coach Braxton Harris enters the season without four-year quarterback starter Hajj-Malik Williams, who transfered to UNLV. Expected starting QB (redshirt sophomore) Chad Mascoe Jr. was held out of the spring game as a precaution, however CU’s orange squad found success multiple times, both through the air and ground.  Redshirt senior wideout Sincere Brown did most of the heavy lifting in the passing game. Brown, who sat out last season, hauled in a host of receptions, including two touchdowns. The Camel's two top returning rushers, Lamagea McDowell and NaQuari Rogers both churned their way through the defense for scores on the ground.  

Linebacker C.J. Tillman, a former Phil Steele Freshman All-American made his presence known throughout the practice game, wrecking plays in the backfield and flying to the ball like he’s done the past three years. Tillman’s led the team in tackles for two straight seasons and was just shy of 100 wrapups in 2023. Tilman joined fellow returners like Idris Williams in implementing the changes made by new defensive coordinator Eric Daniels. Williams had his hands in a few plays, none more impressive than the pick-6 that sent those wearing black into a frenzy.  

The Camels dropped their 2024 opener on Saturday by a final score of 41-24 to the Liberty Flames of the CUSA Conference in Lynchburg, VA. The Camels picked up 116 years on the ground, and 194 in the air for 310 total yards against the Flames.  Campbell had 6 punts that averaged 45 ypp, and had 9 penalities for a total of 86 yards.  

2023 Campbell Statistics (11 games)

Rushing Offense: 1644 yards
Yards per game: 149.5
Yards per rush: 4.1 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 101
TDs rushing: 22
Passing Offense: 2646 yards or 240.6 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 127
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 337-235-8

TDs Passing: 20
Total Offense: 4290 yards or 390 yards per game
Fumbles - Lost:16 - 9
3d Down Conversions:  59-129 (46%)

4th Down Conversions: 10 of 19 (53%)
Field goal attempts: 5 - 11
PAT-Attempts: 39 of 42
Red Zone Scores:  39 of 46 
Red Zone Touchdowns: 36 of 46 
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 1
Penalties-Yards: 75 - 626

0 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - AJ Colombo / Ken Moore Jr.

It's game day for Catamount Football - The Cats travel to play the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

 

Today we will highlight two players that wear #0, one on offense and one of defense:

#0 AJ Colombo

Position Wide Receiver
Height 5-8
Weight 170
Class Junior
Hometown Waxhaw, N.C.
High School Cuthbertson HS










2023 (Sophomore): Played in 10 of the team’s 11 games with two starts at wide receiver … Finished third on the team with 31 receptions for 438 yards and five touchdowns, the latter ranking him tied for fifth in the SoCon … Caught passes in eight of the 10 games in which he saw action … Caught five passes for 79 yards and a score in the home win over nationally-ranked Samford (Sept. 9) … Tallied his first multi-score game with two TD receptions against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Matched with five catches for 40 yards and a score at The Citadel (Sept. 30) … Tallied a career-high seven receptions for 56 yards against Mercer … Returned 16 punts for 192 total yards, ranking third in the SoCon with a 12.0 yard per return average … Added six kickoff returns for 78 total yards with a long of 21 yards … Hauled in five passes for 96 yards and a 64-yard touchdown pass in WCU’s annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2022 (Freshman): Saw action in all 11 of the team’s games with one start at wide receiver … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) with his first collegiate start against VMI (Oct. 1) … Finished the season with five catches for 36 yards, making his first reception against Presbyterian (Sept. 16) and catching two passes for 26 yards against The Citadel (Oct. 22) … Returned 14 punts for 124 total yards, averaging 8.9 yards per return with a long of 39 yards in the win over VMI (Oct. 1) … Dropped back on kickoff returns the final four games of the season, finishing with 11 returns for 258 yards and a team-best 23.5 yard per return average … Named to the 2022 Southern Conference All-Freshman team on special teams by the league’s head coaches … Hauled in six receptions for 67 yards including a 50-yard strike from QB Bennett Judy to pull the White team to within seven, 21-14, six possessions into WCU’s annual Spring Game … Received a partial scholarship from head coach Kerwin Bell following the conclusion of WCU’s annual spring drills ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll ... Received a SoCon Commissioner's Medal.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-time, first-team all-conference receiver at Cuthbertson High for head coach Trey Kavanaugh ... Recorded 154 career catches for 1,784 yards and seven touchdowns over three seasons as a prep, adding two kickoff returns for TDs ... Also rushed 162 times for 909 career yards with 17 touchdowns ... Posted a conference-record 17 receptions in a game as a junior ... Started his prep career at quarterback on the junior varsity team in 2018 ... Also played lacrosse as a prep, scoring 49 goals as a senior.

Personal: Full name is Armond Giuseppe Colombo, but prefers to go by "AJ" ... Is the son of Juliann and Thomas Colombo ... Was born in Boston, Mass. ... Has three older sisters - Gia, CeCe, and Gracie ... His father was a Hall of Fame quarterback at Villanova.

 

#0 Ken Moore Jr.

Position Cornerback
Height 5-10
Weight 160
Class Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown Miami, Fla.
High School Christopher Columbus HS









2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 11 of the team’s games as a defensive reserve and on special teams … Recorded 17 total tackles with 11 solo stops with one tackle for loss … Credited with two pass breakups and had an interception … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Arkansas (Sept. 2), making his first career tackle as part of a two solo stop effort … Posted a career-high six tackles with four solo stops against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Had a tackle for loss at The Citadel (Sept. 30) … Made his first career interception at Chattanooga (Oct. 7), adding a pair of pass breakups in the road win … Credited with four tackles in the home win over Mercer (Oct. 28) and three in the road win at Wofford (Nov. 4) … Named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman team.

2022 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Recorded a pass breakup in WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Credited with 64 total tackles including 44 solo stops according to MaxPreps … Posted three interceptions as a prep … Caught 10 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns as a part of 547 all-purpose yards … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.

1 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - Zion Booker / Mateo Sudipo

It's now 1 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight two players that wear #1, one on offense and one of defense:

#1 Zion Booker

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-10
Weight: 185
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Julius Chambers HS










2023 (Freshman): Saw action in 10 of the team’s 11 games on the season, each coming as a reserve on offense and on special teams … Caught eight passes for 176 yards, posting receptions in seven of the 10 games he saw action … Made his first career reception in his career debut with a 13-yard catch at Arkansas (Sept. 2) … Caught a 40-yard pass in the road win at nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Oct. 7), eclipsing that with a career-long 41-yard catch at VMI (Nov. 18) … Recorded his career-best two catches against the Keydets for a career-high 45 receiving yards.

Prior to Western Carolina: Started his prep career at Vance HS … Earned Queen City All-Conference plaudits as a senior, catching 44 passes for 598 yards and nine touchdowns … Added nine rushing yards and 95 yards on punt returns with one for a touchdown to finish with 702 all-purpose yards and 10 scores in his final season as a prep where he was named his team’s Wide Receiver and Special Teams Player of the Year … Also collected 2022 Receiver of the Year from South Charlotte Sports Report in 2022.

Personal: Is the son of Latonya and Keith Booker.

#1 Mateo Sudipo

Position: Safety
Height: 6-1
Weight: 210
Class: Redshirt Senior
Hometown: Pompano Beach, Fla.
High School: Wake Forest (N.C.) HS










2023 (Redshirt Senior): Only saw action in one game, suffering a season-ending injury after starting the season-opener at Arkansas (Sept. 2) … Credited with three total tackles with two solo stops and half a tackle for loss against the Razorbacks.

2022 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in all 11 of the team’s games with nine starts in the defensive secondary … Finished fourth on the squad with 46 total tackles including 26 solo stops with three tackles for loss including a pair of sacks … Credited with six pass breakups and a quarterback hurry … Recorded two-or-more tackles in all 11 appearances with four-or-more stops seven times … Made his WCU debut in the season opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), recording six tackles including two for losses with a sack for a six-yard loss … Recorded six stops in the home win over VMI (Oct. 1) with a sack … Credited with a career-high seven tackles against The Citadel (Oct. 22) … Posted three pass breakups and three tackles in the win over Wofford (Nov. 5) … Recorded four tackles in WCU’s annual Spring Game intrasquad scrimmage.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Coastal Carolina during the summer of 2022 ... Redshirted in 2019 as a true freshman, playing in two games on special teams but did not record statistics ... Played in 22 total games between 2019 and 2021, mostly on special teams and as a defensive substitution ... Recorded 27 total tackles with 21 solo stops and six assists with 0.5 TFL on a sack in 2021 ... Credited with two passes defended ... Made his first career start in 2021 at Arkansas State (Oct. 7) ... Recorded the game-winning tackle against No. 8 BYU in 2020, dropping Cougar WR Dax Milne at the one-yard line as time expired to help secure the program's first-ever FBS Top 10 win for the Chanticleers.

High School: Two-year letterwinner for Wake Forest High and head coach Reggie Lucas ... Was a North Carolina Shrine Bowl selection ... Started his senior season at cornerback and wide receiver before transitioning to quarterback midway through the year ... Helped lead his team to its third-straight state title and fifth title game appearance in 2018, going 14-0 with a No. 1 ranking in North Carolina ... Was a part of a 45-game team winning streak ... Named the state championship MVP with an interception on defense ... Also lettered in basketball, earning team MVP honors in 2019.

Personal: Full name is Mateo Christian Sudipo ... Is the son of Christa Hardman and Ketut Sudipo ... Has a younger sibling, Kimora Sudipo ... Was born in Boca Raton, Fla., and lists Pompano Beach, Fla., as his hometown ... Attended high school in Wake Forest, N.C.

2 Days Until WCU Football Kickoff - Branson Adams / Micah Nelson

It's now 2 days until the kickoff of Catamount Football on Thursday, August 29, 2024, against the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC 

 

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we will highlight two players that wear #2, one on offense and one of defense: 

#2 Branson Adams

Position Running Back
Height 5-9
Weight 190
Class Junior
Hometown Greensboro, N.C.
High School Dudley HS










2023 (Junior): Played in all 11 games with four starts at running back coming in the final four games of the regular season … Rushed 89 times for 539 yards with three touchdowns, averaging 49 yards per game … Eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark one time with a career-best 110 yards against ETSU (Nov. 11) … Added 36 receptions out of the backfield for 266 yards with four touchdowns … Recorded his first collegiate touchdown on a game-winning 8-yard TD reception at Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 16) … Scored his first touchdown on the ground at Chattanooga (Oct. 7) with a 37-yard romp late in the third quarter … Twice went over 100 all-purpose yards in a game with 101 – 51 rushing, 50 receiving – at Wofford (Nov. 4) and a career-high 183 yards – 110 yards rushing and 73 receiving yards – in the home win over ETSU … Led the purple squad in WCU’s annual Spring Game with five rushes for 27 yards.

2022 (Sophomore): Played in four games as an offensive reserve and on special teams … Credited with an unassisted tackle in the road win at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) … Recorded one rush for three yards and one reception at Georgia Tech (Sept. 10) ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2021 (Freshman*): Played in 10 of the team’s 11 games on the season between special teams and an offensive reserve, finishing the season with 94 all-purpose yards … Rushed 13 times for 41 yards with four receptions for 17 total yards … Recorded a career-high three rushes three times including at Oklahoma (Sept. 11), at Gardner-Webb (Sept. 25) and at Wofford (Oct. 30) … Caught a career-best two passes at Chattanooga (Oct. 2) … Posted four kickoff returns for a combined 36 yards.

2020-21 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Named to the 2020-21 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year varsity letter winner … Began his prep career at Northern Guilford while also playing at Page HS before finishing at Dudley HS … Rushed for 1,211 yards over his final two seasons as a prep, scoring 21 touchdowns on the ground … Made 32 career receptions for 503 yards and three receiving scores … Added 150 yards on kickoff returns and 17 on punt returns for 1,881 career all-purpose yards … Defensively, tallied 59 tackles as a senior including 36 solo stops and 1.5 sacks with three interceptions as a senior … Rushed for 183 yards and two TDs while catching two passes for 44 yards as a sophomore at Page HS … Four-year, A-B Honor Roll as a prep while also running track … Joined the WCU football team as a walk-on.

#2 Micah Nelson

Position Defensive End
Height 6-3
Weight 265
Class Redshirt Senior
Hometown Murphy, N.C.
High School Murphy HS










2023 (Redshirt Junior): Selected first-team preseason All-Southern Conference by the league's head coaches ... Missed the season due to injury ... Named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2022 (Redshirt Sophomore): One of seven players including four defenders to start all 11 games on the season, doing so from his defensive end position … Recorded 35 tackles on the year with 14 solo stops and three tackles for loss coming on sacks … Credited with four quarterback hurries and a pass breakup … Posted three-or-more tackles in seven games on the year including a season-best seven tackles at Samford (Sept. 24) … Had four tackles including a sack and a half against VMI (Oct. 1) … Posted three tackles with a sack against Wofford (Nov. 5) … Named to the 2022 Fall Academic All-Southern Conference team ... Selected to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and Received a SoCon Commissioner's Medal.

2021 (Redshirt Freshman*): Started all 11 games along the defensive line as a stand-up defensive end ... Finished with 33 total tackles on the year including 15 solo stops and three tackles for loss ... Had at least one tackle in all 11 games with four-or-more stops in five games including a season-high six against Samford (Sept. 18) ... Recovered a fumble against Furman (Nov. 6) ... Credited with three quarterback hurries and two pass break-ups ... Was a fourth-team All-Southern Conference selection by Phil Steele ... Named to the 2021 Fall Academic All-Southern Conference team ... Named to the 2021-22 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll. 2020-21 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all nine of the team’s games with four starts … Recorded 27 total tackles including 13 solo stops and 1.5 tackles for loss … Credited with two quarterback hurries and one pass break-up … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Liberty (Nov. 14) … Recorded his first collegiate tackles including half a tackle for loss at North Carolina (Dec. 5) … Tallied seven tackles at Furman (Feb. 20) … Recorded a career-high nine tackles including seven solo stops with a TFL against The Citadel (March 13) ... Named to the 2020-21 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and was named Academic All-Southern Conference.

2019 (Freshman): Did not see game action and is eligible for a redshirt ... Named to the 2019-20 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joins the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on after a stellar prep career at Murphy High … Was a two-time state champion (2016 & 2018) and three-time Smoky Mountain Conference champion as a prep … Twice named all-conference and All-Western North Carolina … Played wide receiver, defensive back, and quarterback as a senior during his prep career … Credited with 128 career tackles including seven tackles for loss while totaling 17 pass break-ups and 10 career interceptions … Finished with 57 career receptions for 907 yards, while also passing for 1,130 yards and rushing for 261 – recording 28 career total touchdowns ... High school coach was David Gentry.

Personal: Full name is Micah Thomas Nelson … Is the son of Becky and Thomas Nelson … Was born in Bristol, Va. … Has two younger siblings, Grace and Tyra … Father, Thomas, was an All-American football player at Emory & Henry College (1998) and a 2011 inductee into the Emory & Henry College Sports Hall of Fame.

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