BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (AP) — Quarterback Carson Carswell threw for two touchdowns and added a rushing score in Western Illinois’ 29-24 win over Gardner-Webb on Saturday afternoon in the final regular season game for both teams.

Carswell threw both scores in the first quarter, a 49-yard throw up the seam for Brandon Lainer and a 17-yard catch by Alex Williams. The freshman quarterback’s 1-yard rush put the Leathernecks (4-8, 3-5 OVC/Big South) up 21-10.

Markell Holman added a 1-yard score for Western Illinois to extend their lead to 29, finishing the day with 137 yards on 33 attempts.

Carswell threw for 203 total yards.

Cole Pennington’s first touchdown pass of the game was a 26-yard pass to Caleb Borders. Gardner-Webb (7-5, 5-3) completed the 2-point conversion to close the gap to 11 h

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