MACOMB, Ill. — Nathan Lamb had an impressive game, passing for 352 yards and tossing two touchdown passes as Western Illinois snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating Gardner-Webb with a score of 45-28 in both teams’ season finale on Saturday.

The Leathernecks (4-8, 3-5 Big South-OVC Association) secured the lead for the final time when Lamb connected with Elijah Aragon on a 23-yard touchdown pass with 10:45 remaining in the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 35-28.

Just under two minutes later, Torrance Farmer Jr. made a significant play with a 1-yard touchdown run that extended the lead to 42-28, marking the largest advantage of the game for either team. Gardner-Webb (4-8, 3-5) had initially taken the lead early in the game, going up 7-0 after Tyler Ridell completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Shields with 8:52 left in the first quarter.

Ridell ended the game with 234 passing yards and three touchdown passes for the Bulldogs, showcasing his skill amid the competitive matchup.

The win for Western Illinois was crucial in ending their season on a positive note after a challenging stretch, while Gardner-Webb also concluded their season without additional victories.