Western Carolina welcomes back spectators with 30-16 win over The Citadel

CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Cole Gonzales threw for 294 yards and a score, Jalynn Williams rushed for three touchdowns and Western Carolina welcomed their fans back to E.J. Whitmire Stadium in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene with a 30-16 win on Saturday.

The Catamounts (3-3, 2-0 Southern Conference) beat Wofford at home last Saturday without spectators in the stands because of rescue and recovery efforts taking place around western North Carolina.

The Catamounts debuted a “Prayers for Western Carolina” helmet sticker while also promoting a “Fill the Truck” effort to load the team equipment truck with fan donations of goods.

Gonzales' 18-yard touchdown pass went to Zion Booker to open the scoring. Booker finished with 102 yards receiving. Williams capped two long drives with second-quarter touchdowns and the Catamounts led 21-7 at halftime.

Gonzales was 28-of-38 passing.

Johnathan Bennett rushed for 155 yards on 22 carries with a score for the Bulldogs (2-5, 0-4). He also had 155 yards passing but was intercepted twice, including Samaurie Dukes' pick at Western Carolina's 1-yard line late in the game.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

The Associated Press