When Gardner-Webb fell behind 35-7 in the first half at nationally ranked Western Carolina, it looked like a long night for a program picked near the bottom of the OVC/Big South preseason poll. Instead, the Runnin’ Bulldogs delivered one of the most unforgettable wins in school history — and earned this week’s NC Football News Team of the Week honor.
Cris Reisert’s GWU team stormed back for a 52-45 victory, the largest comeback in school history, behind a record-setting offensive outburst. The Bulldogs piled up 631 yards of total offense on 88 plays, averaging 7.2 yards per snap — the most yards gained by any North Carolina team so far this season.
Graduate quarterback Nate Hampton powered the rally, accounting for 395 total yards and six touchdowns. He threw for 263 yards and two scores while rushing for 132 yards and four more TDs, earning OVC/Big South Offensive Player of the Week, Stats Perform National FCS Player of the Week and NC Football News Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Behind the scenes, offensive coordinator Tyler Johnson was recognized nationally as well, named the Week 1 G5 Offensive Coordinator of the Week by Our Coaching Network for orchestrating the Bulldogs’ explosive turnaround.
It wasn’t just Hampton and Johnson. Linebacker Jamari Young (OVC/Big South Defensive Player of the Week) had 11 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Kicker Charlie Viorel booted a 21-yard field goal to give GWU a late lead after a fumble recovery by Antonio O’Berry. And defensive back Josiah Harris iced the win with a clutch interception that set up Hampton’s final touchdown — a 26-yard sprint to the end zone with 1:48 remaining.
The victory snapped a run of frustration for Gardner-Webb, which finished just 3-9 last season. It also marked the program’s first road win over a ranked opponent since 2016. The Bulldogs (1-0) are the only FCS team in North Carolina to notch a victory in Week 1, and they will carry momentum into Saturday’s trip to face ACC foe Georgia Tech.
Is this just the beginning of something special in Boiling Springs?
Honorable Mention – Team Performances Across North Carolina
- Appalachian State – First-year coach Dowell Loggains enjoyed a strong debut as the Mountaineers dominated Charlotte 34-11 in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium.
- Johnson C. Smith – Shined on a national stage, routing Morehouse 45-9 in an HBCU showcase game at Harvard University. The Golden Bulls host reigning Division II runner-up Valdosta State this weekend in Charlotte.
- Catawba – Welcomed Ferrum to Division II football with a 45-13 win, piling up 495 yards of offense. Newcomer Kevin Lalin rushed for 132 yards while defensive lineman Evan Simons earned SAC Defensive Player of the Week.
- Duke – Wore down Elon with three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 45-17 win. The Blue Devils trailed 10-7 in the second quarter and were tied at halftime before pulling away late.
- Chowan – The Hawks are off to a 1-0 start with a 28-14 win over Elizabeth City State, a positive turn for a program that’s endured multiple conference changes since reaching the CIAA title game in 2022. QB Maurice Smith and DB Isaiah Fulton both earned Conference Carolinas weekly honors.
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