BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Detrez Newsome's 84-yard touchdown run just before halftime gave Western Carolina a 21-10 lead, and the Catamounts used an early burst in the third quarter to spark a 42-27 win over Gardner-Webb.

Gardner-Webb (0-3) pulled within 14-10 on Tyrell Maxwell's 34-yard sprint into the end zone with 1:15 to play before halftime, but Newsome ran through a big hole on third-and-19 from his own 16-yard line and sprinted down the far sideline to pay dirt with just 39 seconds left before the break.

The Runnin' Bulldogs added to the hectic finish to the half on the ensuing drive, as Maxwell carried twice for 46 yards to get Gardner-Webb within field goal range. Paul Schumacher drilled a career-long, 44-yard field goal as time expired to regain momentum for the home squad – and trimmed Western Carolina's lead to 21-13 at halftime.

After picking up 14 yards on its first play in the third quarter, Gardner-Webb stalled on two consecutive drives – allowing Western Carolina (2-1) to pad its lead.

The Catamounts seized control of the game on their second drive of the half, marching 92 yards on just seven plays to go up 28-13. Newsome had key runs of 14 and 21 yards on the drive and Tyrie Adams hit Steffon Hill for a 39-yard touchdown with 7:25 on the clock to stretch the lead to 15 points.

Gardner-Webb went three-and-out to follow, and Adams connected with Terron Robinson on a 39-yard gain to set the Catamounts up inside the GWU 10-yard line. Adams found Robinson on a nine-yard scoring play for a 35-13 edge with 3:24 left in the third.

Maxwell and Jonathan Blackmon carried Gardner-Webb into Western Carolina territory as the 'Dogs tried to catch up, but the drive stalled just over midfield and GWU punted.

The Gardner-Webb defense made a play, however, with Thomas Adams stepping in front of an Adams' throw at the 31-yard line – and returning the pick all the way to the Western Carolina two. Blackmon barreled in on first down, and the extra point cut the Catamounts' lead to 35-20 with 13:40 to play in the game.

The Runnin' Bulldogs forced a fumble on second down inside the Catamounts' 30-yard line, but the drop was recovered by WCU before a punt. Gardner-Webb found some success through the air, and Jayln Cagle's 10-yard run pushed the ball inside Western Carolina territory – but a fourth-down pass was picked off over the middle to thwart the chance.

Western Carolina effectively sealed the game on its next drive, chewing up 5:55 on the clock and driving 45 yards on eight plays to go up 42-20. A pass interference penalty set the Cats up inside the GWU 10-yard line and Corey Holloway finally capped the drive with a one-yard run with just 1:25 to play in the game.

Gardner-Webb didn't quit, and Maxwell had a pair of first down completions to get the 'Dogs into WCU territory once again. He was sacked for a nine-yard loss on first down inside the 30, but came back to hit receiver/backup quarterback Brody Rollins on a scramble and throw for a 35-yard score with four seconds left.

Maxwell finished with 111 yards rushing and a touchdown on just 16 carries – despite being sacked three times – and passed for 139 yards and a score. Kerry Bernard (41 yards) and Blackmon (38) yards supplemented a rushing attack that managed a season-high 229 yards on 45 carries.

Gardner-Webb had a season-high 368 yards of total offense in the game. Rollins had two catches for a career-high 40 yards and a score and Braylin Collins had a career-best 35 yards on two catches in his first extended action of the season.

Kenyatta Dunbar finished with another strong performance at linebacker, collecting nine stops, 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Jeffrey Pegues (eight tackles) and Corey Horne (six tackles) also had good evenings at linebacker for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

Western Carolina finished the game with 435 yards of total offense, paced by Newsome's 146 yards rushing and two scores on 16 carries (9.1 yards per rush). Adams finished with 37 yards on 10 carries and completed 14-of-23 passes for 224 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Robinson caught five balls for 102 yards and a score and Hill was targeted four times for 90 yards and a score. Connell Young also caught a touchdown pass for the Catamounts.

JerMichael White (12 tackles) and Daniel Riddle (10 tackles) paced the Western Carolina defense.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will face another very difficult test next Saturday, traveling to face No. 9 Wofford at 1:30 pm in Spartanburg, S.C. The Runnin' Bulldogs and Terriers (2-0) will play on ESPN3 (WatchESPN).