Phoenix win shootout against Catamounts, 38-31

Josh Cockrell had 2 catches for 127 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and a TD. Photo: Doug Powell

Senior wide receiver, Josh Cockrell had two receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown for Western Carolina, but it was not enough as the Elon Phoenix handed the Catamounts their third straight loss of the season on Saturday night, 38-31.

Elon finished the game with four rushing touchdowns and 153 yards rushing led by senior tailbacks, A.J. Harris and Dontay Taylor.

The SoCon’s top two passing offenses were on display, but neither could get into a rhythm all night. Both teams finished under 300 yards passing.

The Western Carolina defense started the game with a great defensive effort, intercepting Elon quarterback, Thomas Wilson, twice.  The Catamounts would take a 14-10 lead to the locker room.

The second half would be a different story as the Phoenix would score 14 unanswered points with touchdowns by Harris and Taylor.

Penalties and critical interceptions by sophomore quarterback, Brandon Pechloff, would eventually lead to the downfall of the Catamounts.

Western Carolina is now on a nine-game losing skid in conference play dating back to last October.

Western Carolina trails Elon in the head-to-head series all-time by a count of 16-23-2 and The Phoenix have now won six-straight over the Catamounts.

The Catamounts will hit the road next Saturday and take on the Chattanooga Mocs in Tennessee at 6 p.m.