BOILING SPRINGS N.C. – Graduate quarterback Nate Hampton connected on 13-of-22 passes for 206 and a pair of scores, while junior kicker Charlie Viorel knocked in three field goals as Gardner-Webb (2-1) football took care of The Citadel (1-2) by the final of 23-13 on Saturday evening at Spangler Stadium.
Running back Quasean Holmes led the ground game for the Dawgs, chewing up a team-high 90 yards on 17 carries. Carson Gresock added tough yards up the middle, posting 33 yards on just six carries.
Chris Lofton finished the contest with 90 yards receiving on three catches, including a 67-yard strike while Anthony Lowe hauled in a game-high four passes. The defense was anchored by Cahari Haynes, who collected nine tackles, including seven solos. Robert Holtz tallied a sack to go along with two tackles for loss.
Gardner-Webb made a statement early on defense, forcing the Bulldogs into a three-and-out on the opening possession of the game. Antonio O'Berry set the tone with a sack on the first snap leading to the punt.
On the ensuing drive, the Dawgs used a mix of the run and pass to push the ball down inside the 10-yard line. However, Lowe was stopped short of the line to gain on 3rd-and-11, but Viorel helped put points on the board with his first of three field goals.
Another quick drive by The Citadel allowed GWU to pad its lead, this time reaching pay dirt following an 8-play, 79-yard drive, capped by a Borders 11-yard pitch-and-catch from Hampton. Borders also had a big 30-yard catch on the drive that set the Dawgs up inside the red zone.
After a series of stalled drives by both sides, Gardner-Webb used the homerun ball to extend its lead to 17-0 with 6:15 remaining in the second quarter. Following a short gain on first down, Hampton found a streaking Lofton down the left sideline for a 67-yard score.
The Citadel started its first possession of the second half on its own 38-yard line but went backwards quickly as Holtz made his way to the quarterback, picking up a sack and forced fumble before O'Berry landed on the loose ball, setting GWU up in prime field position.
A pair of incomplete passes on the drive pushed Gardner-Webb to settle for a 33-yard field goal by Viorel, extending the lead to 20-0 early in the third.
The Citadel was finally able to break through on the scoreboard with just over a minute to play in the period following an 8-play, 72-yard drive that was finished off by a Sebastien Boyle two-yard plunge.
Lowe put together a stellar return on the ensuing kickoff, allowing the Dawgs to set up shop at the 32-yard line. Holmes was the feature back on the drive, rushing for 34 yards on five carries but an incomplete pass on third-and-seven left the Runnin' Bulldogs with a 27-yard field goal by Viorel and a 23-7 lead.
The Citadel tried to make things interesting down the stretch, adding a late touchdown, but a failed two-point conversion and onsides kick sealed the 23-13 win for Gardner-Webb during the home opener.
The Runnin' Bulldogs will return to action on Saturday, September 20, traveling to Athens, Ohio to face the Bobcats of Ohio. Kickoff for that game is set for 3:30 p.m.
