West Georgia Stages Late Comeback to Defeat Central Arkansas, 18-17

In a thrilling finish, the West Georgia Wolves rallied to defeat the Central Arkansas Bears 18-17 on October 14, 2023. Quarterback Davin Wydner delivered two crucial touchdown passes in the final six and a half minutes, turning the tide for the Wolves in a game held in Carrollton, Georgia.

Wydner’s Late Surge

Wydner’s performance was pivotal as he first connected with Owen Dupree for a 22-yard touchdown, narrowing the Bears’ lead to 17-12 after a failed two-point conversion with 6:38 remaining. The Wolves’ defense stepped up, limiting Central Arkansas to minus-5 yards on their next possession, forcing a punt that set the stage for West Georgia’s comeback.

Leading a swift six-play, 74-yard drive, Wydner completed all five of his passes for 71 yards. His final connection with Dupree, this time for a 23-yard touchdown, gave the Wolves their first lead of the game with just 1:31 left on the clock. Central Arkansas could not respond, turning the ball over on downs as time expired.

First Half Highlights

Earlier in the game, Austin Myers put Central Arkansas (2-5, 1-2 United Athletic Conference) ahead with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Arlie Lee, giving the Bears a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter. West Georgia (6-2, 3-2) responded with a 33-yard field goal from Tommy Holden to make it 7-3.

Myers led another impressive drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass to Malachi Henry, extending the Bears’ lead to 14-3. Myers finished the game with 190 yards passing and two touchdowns, while running back Landen Chambers contributed significantly with 122 rushing yards on 28 carries.

The victory not only spoils Central Arkansas’ upset bid but also strengthens West Georgia’s position in the conference as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot. This match showcased the resilience and determination of the Wolves, particularly in the closing moments.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance. West Georgia’s next challenge will be crucial in determining their postseason aspirations, while Central Arkansas will seek to regroup and find their footing in the coming weeks.