A late push by the Panthers wasn’t enough as the Kentucky Wesleyan College football team lost their homecoming game 23-17 to Walsh University.
Walsh (1-3, 1-1 G-MAC) started a drive with a 23-10 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Kyle Hurt forced a fumble that was recovered by Drew Mason to give the Panthers (2-3, 1-2) the ball. Quarterback Mike McGee connected with Trey Waltermire for the touchdown a few plays later with 5:00 to play.
The KWC defense was able to force a punt for one last chance to take the lead with less than a minute to go. The Panthers got to midfield before Walsh recorded a strip-sack and regained possession.
The Panthers fought from behind the entire game after falling into a 17-0 deficit. Walsh got a field goal and a pair of lengthy touchdown runs in the first quarter.
The first scoring drive for Wesleyan took only 35 seconds and went for 68 yards. McGee hit Derek Barnes for a 30-yard touchdown on the second play. Walsh added a field goal before halftime.
Each team scored a field goal in the third quarter to keep the lead at 13 points heading into the final 15 minutes. Neither team was able to break through until the Panthers capitalized off the turnover.
McGee finished with 206 yards on 21 completions for two touchdowns. Barnes gained 89 yards and two touchdowns on four catches, and Waltermire tallhadied 20 yards and a touchdown on two catches.
Hurt recorded 10 tackles and forced a fumble.
The Panthers have a bye week before returning to action Oct. 13 when they travel to take on conference newcomer Tiffin University.
