The Pirates came out hot, as Travon Simmons intercepted Western Carolina’s Tyrie Adams’ pass for a turnover at the ECU four-yard-line on the Catamounts first possession. Simmons then returned the pass to the Pirates 11-yard-line for seven yards.
“Defensively, I thought the turnover at the beginning of the game was such a huge play in the game and such a huge play in the season and for the confidence,” said head coach Scottie Montgomery. “That was a great play by that kid.”
Transfer-quarterback Philip Nelson then led the team down the field as he targeted both Isaiah Jones and Anthony Scott on the drive.