Gonzales throws for a program-record 620 yards, 5 TDs to lead Western Carolina over Furman 52-20

GREENVIEW, S.C. — Cole Gonzales threw five touchdown passes and a program-record 620 yards to lead Western Carolina to a 52-20 victory over Furman on Saturday.

Gonzales completed 35 of 55 passes and connected with Isaiah Johnson, De’Andre Tamarez, Zion Booker and Branson Adams for scores. Johnson caught six passes for 117 yards with two touchdowns. Booker and Boyd each broke 100 yards receiving for the Catamounts (4-3, 3-0 Southern Conference).

Gonzales' 62-yard TD pass to Johnson gave Western Carolina a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter, and his 48-yard scoring throw to Adams stretched the lead to 45-13 with 5:40 remaining.

Taron Dickens added a late 32-yard touchdown pass to Malik Knight for the Catamounts.

Gonzales surpassed David Rivers, who threw for 474 yards against Wofford in 2000. Gonzales completed 26 of 45 passes for 475 yards through three quarters.

Trey Hedden was 22-of-34 passing for 239 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Furman (2-5, 1-2). Colton Hinton returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown midway through the second quarter for the Paladins. Hinton made nine catches for 114 yards receiving.

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