Head Coach Tim Lester Opening Statement:
"I want to start off my thanking the students and the fans that came out tonight. It was wet and rainy and not the greatest weather but it was great to see our fan support."
"We played a good first half, held on to the ball and played good defense but in the second half we didn't run the ball well enough. We never seemed to get a passing game going but we had a chance to finish the game off up 28-14, but we had a snap over Reece's head and that gave Central an opportunity."
"At the end of the day, we have to hold on to the ball. When they came back it didn't surprise me, I've been a part of a lot of Western-Central games that are really close and we didn't finish the game."
Senior running back Jarvion Franklin’s thoughts on the game:
“Our guys prepared and worked their tails off this week. We still had to go to class and focus on school while getting prepared for this game so I just want to give credit to our guys. We played hard and with heart but along the way we lost our composure.”
“We started chirping and when we do that we lose who we are as a team. When we were up 14 we were on the sideline relaxed and that’s a problem. We are going to go back to the drawing board and have a tough week of practice and come back ready.”
Senior tight end Donnie Ernsberger on the game:
“It’s tough to take a loss no matter who it is against, but I’m proud of the team. It’s not a letdown, it’s a lesson.”
Ernsberger on the CMU fourth quarterback comeback:
“I think the word we are looking for is finish. We didn't finish our blocks, drives and we didn't take care of the ball. It’s all about the details and we didn't finish on any of those. Just because you’re up 14 points doesn't mean you can relax, you got to keep a tight grip and finish.”
Central Michigan Head Coach John Bonamego
Thoughts on the game...
“Wow, credit to Western Michigan as their kids fought hard and that’s the way this rivalry goes. Credit the underclassman who stepped up to help give the senior’s a win against Western since they haven’t beaten them before.”
“Obviously some things went our way and it wasn't smooth sailing in the second half either, we turned the ball over two times. The elements were really a challenge today so it wasn't an ideal day to throw the football. We just stayed after it and kept playing, that’s all you want to see from the kids.”
Senior Quarterback Shane Morris
“We knew this was going to be a fight till the end and our coaches did a great job of keeping us calm and encouraging us that we are going to win this game. I saw something I liked in the defense so I changed up the play and beating a rival is special. I have chills talking about right now and it is an awesome experience for me. I know the seniors haven’t beaten Western and coming out here and to help them get a win made me really happy.”
