In a game marred by lengthy weather delays, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons showcased their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, cruising to a convincing 42-10 victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts in Week 2 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. The win improves Wake Forest to 2-0 on the young season, while Western Carolina falls to 0-2.
Wake Forest vs. Western Carolina 2025: Week 2 Recap
The contest, which kicked off at 2:03 PM ET, didn’t conclude until 8:01 PM due to two significant lightning delays. This first was a 2-hour, 18-minute stoppage just three minutes into the game. The second was a 42-minute delay before the start of the second half. As a result, the fourth quarter was shortened to 10 minutes by mutual agreement.
Despite the disruptions and a total game duration of nearly six hours, Wake Forest maintained focus. The Demon Deacons outgained Western Carolina 542-238 in total yards. They also forced key turnovers while limiting the Catamounts to just 34 net rushing yards.
Wake Forest Explodes Out of the Gates
The Demon Deacons wasted no time asserting dominance after the initial delay. On their first possession, redshirt senior quarterback Robby Ashford orchestrated a five-play, 62-yard drive. He capped it with a 41-yard touchdown run to put Wake Forest up 7-0 with 5:57 left in the quarter.
Wake Forest’s defense then stepped up, forcing a punt and setting up another quick score. Ashford connected with redshirt freshman wide receiver Chris Barnes for a 25-yard gain, followed by senior running back Demond Claiborne’s 33-yard touchdown run. That touchdown would push the lead to 13-0 (extra point missed) at the 2:59 mark.
The Deacons’ momentum continued unabated. On Western Carolina’s ensuing play, sophomore cornerback Zamari Stevenson intercepted a pass from Catamounts quarterback Bennett Judy, returning it to the WCU 27-yard line. Claiborne capitalized immediately with a 27-yard touchdown scamper on the next snap, extending the advantage to 19-0 (two-point conversion failed) with 2:47 remaining.
The quarter ended with more misfortune for Western Carolina. A botched snap on a punt attempt rolled out of the end zone for a safety, giving Wake Forest a commanding 21-0 lead after just 15 minutes of play.
Catamounts Show Life, But Deacons Hold Firm
Western Carolina mounted their longest drive of the game in the second quarter, a 17-play, 74-yard march that consumed 9:10 off the clock. It culminated in a 23-yard field goal by kicker Christian Lowery, putting the Catamounts on the board at 21-3 with 5:46 to go before halftime.
Wake Forest’s offense stalled somewhat in the period, but the defense remained stout. The unit recorded multiple tackles for loss and kept Western Carolina out of the end zone. The half ended with the score unchanged, as the teams headed into the locker room amid the looming second weather delay.
Claiborne and Ashford Shine in Blowout
The Demon Deacons came out firing after the break. On their second play of the half, Claiborne broke free for an 85-yard touchdown run – the longest of his career – boosting the lead to 28-3 just 2:31 into the third quarter. Yet Wake Forest wasn’t done.
After a defensive stop, Ashford launched a 51-yard touchdown bomb to sophomore wide receiver Sterling Berkhalter, making it 35-3 with 7:16 left in the quarter. Sophomore quarterback Deshawn Purdie entered the game late in the quarter, engineering a three-play, 30-yard drive that ended with a 27-yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman Jeremiah Melvin, pushing the score to 42-3 at the 1:52 mark.
Claiborne, who had been nursing a ribs injury from Week 1 and was limited in practice, was pulled after his third touchdown to preserve his health.
Western Carolina Scores Late in Shortened Period
With the game well in hand and the quarter reduced to 10 minutes, Western Carolina pieced together a 14-play, 75-yard drive, finishing with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by running back Markel Townsend. Kicker Marcus Trout added the extra point, finalizing the score at 42-10 with 6:49 remaining (adjusted time).
Wake Forest Week 2 Standout Performances
Demond Claiborne
Claiborne was the star of the show. He rushed for 193 yards on 10 carries, averaging 19.3 yards per carry, third-highest single-game average in program history. He also had three touchdowns (85, 33, and 27 yards). His explosive runs set the tone early and highlighted Wake Forest’s ground dominance.
Robby Ashford
Ashford accounted for 293 total yards, completing 13 of 22 passes for 227 yards and one touchdown while adding 66 rushing yards and a 41-yard score. His dual-threat ability overwhelmed the Catamounts’ defense.
Chris Barnes
The redshirt freshman hauled in six receptions for 149 yards, including four explosive plays and 81 yards after the catch.
Wake Forest Defense
The unit posted 14 tackles for loss, one interception, and a forced fumble recovery. Linebackers Davaughn Patterson, Lardarius Webb Jr., and Aiden Hall each tallied seven tackles, while the group held Western Carolina to 1.0 yard per rush.
Team Statistics Overview
Wake Forest controlled the game statistically, amassing 21 first downs to Western Carolina’s 17. In terms of yardage, Wake Forest led with 273 rushing yards (8.8 avg.) to 34 (1.0 avg.), and 269 passing yards to 204. The Deacons averaged 9.5 yards per play on 57 snaps, compared to Western Carolina’s 3.1 on 76 plays.
Turnovers were even at one apiece, but Wake Forest capitalized more effectively. This defensive effort marks the fewest points allowed by Wake Forest in back-to-back games (10 total over two weeks) since 2017.
What’s Next for Wake Forest?
Western Carolina returns home to host Elon next Saturday, seeking their first win.
Meanwhile, Wake Forest faces a quick turnaround, hosting in-state rival North Carolina State on Thursday night in a key ACC matchup. With the short week, recovery and preparation will be paramount for the Demon Deacons.
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