A New Chapter Begins
Western Carolina football kicked off its preseason campaign on Saturday, stepping onto the practice field in shoulder pads for the first time. The session, held under cloudy skies in Cullowhee, North Carolina, lasted nearly two hours and blended individual drills, team work, and special‑teams exercises, setting a tone of intensity and preparation.
Head coach Kerwin Bell made it clear that the squad is operating with a heightened sense of urgency. With a roster reshaped by newcomers and transfers, Bell emphasized that no starting positions have been locked in, urging every player to earn his spot through competition and execution.
Standout Moments Emerge
The practice produced several eye‑catching plays. True freshman defensive lineman Malachi Hill delivered a decisive run stuff off‑tackle, while defensive end Caleb Turner‑Allen and rookie defensive back Jermiyah Douglas each intercepted passes during 7‑on‑7 skelly drills. Tailback Noah Best capped the day with a touchdown on a screen pass, and safety AJ Mintze added an interception after pressure forced a quarterback to scramble.
On the offensive side, quarterback Isaac Lee showcased his dual‑threat ability, rushing for a long touchdown and later connecting with wide receiver Marcus Striggles for a major gain. Transfer running back Derrick Davis Jr. also contributed strong runs as the offense rotated skill positions, hinting at depth and versatility.
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener
The Catamounts will continue to layer their preparation with additional padded sessions and scrimmages before officially opening the season on August 29 against Eastern Kentucky. The early work under Bell’s guidance aims to forge chemistry, solidify roles, and build the momentum needed to compete at the highest level when the schedule begins.