Elon University’s football squad delivered a performance to remember on Saturday, September 13, 2025, as they edged out Western Carolina 37-31 in a high-octane clash that had fans on the edge of their seats in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The victory, led by quarterback Landen Clark’s spectacular 377 total yards and four touchdowns, marked the Phoenix’s first win at Western Carolina since 2011 and their first visit to Cullowhee since 2013. For Elon, this was more than just another game—it was a statement of resilience, grit, and timely execution.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams came to play. Elon wasted no time making their intentions known, as Zimere Winston hauled in a 78-yard touchdown pass from Clark on the very first drive. Talk about setting the tone! That explosive start gave the Phoenix an early lead and sent a jolt through the Catamounts’ faithful in the stands.
But Western Carolina wouldn’t be rattled so easily. After Landyn Backey extended Elon’s lead with a 35-yard touchdown reception late in the first quarter—putting the Phoenix up 14-7—the Catamounts began to claw their way back. Quarterbacks Isaac Lee and Bennett Judy split time under center for Western Carolina, each tossing a touchdown pass and combining for 246 passing yards. Lee completed 19 of 31 passes for 132 yards, while Judy went 17-of-24 for 114 yards. Their steady play kept Western Carolina within striking distance throughout the contest.
The second quarter saw the Catamounts show flashes of brilliance. Dominic Dutton, a true spark plug for Western Carolina, caught a touchdown pass and later electrified the crowd with a jaw-dropping 97-yard kickoff return for a score to open the second half. That return cut Elon’s lead to 23-20 and injected new life into the home crowd. Dutton’s impact was undeniable—his ability to shift momentum with a single play kept the Catamounts in the thick of things all afternoon.
Just when it seemed like Elon might pull away, Western Carolina’s defense came up with a huge play. Early in the third quarter, James Tyre scooped up a fumbled ball and dashed 62 yards for a touchdown, flipping the script and giving the Catamounts a 28-23 lead. The stadium erupted, and suddenly, the pressure was back on the Phoenix to respond.
Landen Clark, however, proved to be unflappable. The Elon quarterback put together a masterful performance, finishing 11-of-28 passing for 305 yards with two touchdowns through the air, and adding 72 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. Clark’s dual-threat ability kept Western Carolina’s defense guessing all game long. In the second quarter, he broke free for a 10-yard touchdown run—his first of two on the day—and later, with about five minutes remaining, he repeated the feat with another 10-yard dash to the end zone. That score, followed by a successful two-point conversion connection to Isaiah Fuhrmann, capped Elon’s scoring and gave them a crucial late-game cushion.
Fuhrmann was a reliable target for Clark all afternoon, hauling in five catches for 105 yards. His sure hands and knack for finding open space made him a constant threat in the passing game. As the game’s final minutes ticked away, Western Carolina mounted one last-ditch effort to reclaim the lead. But with just 49 seconds left on the clock, Elon’s Asher Cunningham stepped up and intercepted Isaac Lee at the Western Carolina 37-yard line, effectively sealing the victory for the Phoenix.
“We just kept believing in ourselves, no matter what happened,” Clark said after the game, his jersey still streaked with grass stains and sweat. “Every time they made a big play, we answered. That’s what good teams do.”
For Western Carolina, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite a valiant effort and several highlight-reel plays, the Catamounts fell to 0-3 on the season. Head coach’s postgame comments reflected both disappointment and a sense of optimism. “Our guys fought hard. We made some mistakes, but we never gave up. We’ll learn from this and get better,” he remarked, looking ahead to the next challenge on their schedule.
The game itself was a microcosm of college football’s unpredictable nature. Momentum swung wildly from one side to the other, and just when it seemed like one team had seized control, the other would respond with a big play. Elon’s offense showcased explosive potential, with Clark’s 78-yard strike to Winston and Backey’s 35-yard touchdown providing plenty of fireworks. Meanwhile, Western Carolina’s special teams and defense delivered game-changing moments, from Dutton’s dazzling kickoff return to Tyre’s fumble recovery touchdown.
Fans in Cullowhee witnessed a contest that had just about everything—long scoring plays, defensive heroics, and late-game drama. The Phoenix’s ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the closing minutes, was the difference. Cunningham’s interception in the waning moments was the final nail in the coffin, sending the Elon sideline into celebration mode.
Looking at the broader picture, this result could serve as a turning point for Elon as they seek to build momentum in the coming weeks. The win not only snapped a long drought in Cullowhee but also demonstrated the team’s ability to overcome adversity on the road. For Western Carolina, the challenge now is to regroup and address the lapses that allowed Elon to capitalize at key moments.
“We’re going to take this one on the chin, but we’ll be back,” said Dutton, whose individual heroics were a bright spot for the Catamounts. “There’s a lot of football left to play.”
As the dust settles on this thrilling contest, both teams will look ahead—Elon eager to build on their hard-fought victory, and Western Carolina determined to turn lessons learned into future success. For now, the Phoenix can savor a win that was as dramatic as it was historic, while the Catamounts regroup and prepare for their next opportunity to shine.
