William and Mary 41-24 defeated Charlotte 41-24 in their season opener last Saturday, Sept. 3. This is the first time in over 12 years that William and Mary has defeated a Bowl Subdivision opponent, pointing to a promising season for the Tribe.
In the first quarter, the Tribe scored first with a 36-yard field goal from sophomore Ethan Chang. Last year, Chang was a redshirt freshman and went 9 of 14 on field goal attempts last season, including a personal best from 46 yards. Later in the quarter, Chang also converted another field goal after the first Tribe touchdown.
Sophomore Tyler Rose scored the first touchdown for the Tribe with 4:28 left in the first quarter on a 31-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Darius Wilson. The Tribe ended the first quarter up by seven, with a score of 10-3.
William and Mary came out strong in the second quarter with another touchdown. This time, it was a 22-yard run by senior Donavyn Lester, with Chang converting on the extra point.
Charlotte pulled ahead at the end of the third quarter with a touchdown to make the score 24-20, but was unable to hold that lead in the fourth.William and Mary was able to secure a 41-24 win with three unanswered touchdowns in the fourth.
William and Mary led the game in total yards (559), passing yards (256), and rushing yards (303), as well as had a greater number of first downs.
The Tribe will host Campbell on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Zable Stadium.