SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by explosive plays and relentless defensive pressure, Gardner-Webb outlasted Southeast Missouri State 27-24 on a last-second field goal Saturday at Ernest W. Spangler Stadium.

The contest, a back-and-forth affair that saw four lead changes, was ultimately decided by the right foot of Gardner-Webb kicker Charlie Viorel, who connected on a 22-yard field goal with just 1 minute and 55 seconds remaining to break a 24-24 tie.

The victory improved Gardner-Webb’s record to 6-4 on the season, while Southeast Missouri State fell to 3-7. The outcome defied the pregame spread, which had installed the Redhawks as a 3.5-point favorite, though the total score of 51 did fall under the over/under line of 60.5. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a higher-scoring affair with Gardner-Webb winning 40-36, and its ELO system gave the Runnin’ Bulldogs a 73.7 percent probability to win.

Gardner-Webb quarterback Cole Pennington was the catalyst for the home team, delivering a dynamic performance through the air and on the ground. The Versailles, Kentucky, native completed 15 of 32 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown, while also leading his team in rushing with 58 yards and another touchdown on nine carries. His primary target was Chris Lofton, who hauled in six catches for 125 yards.

Southeast Missouri State quarterback Jax Leatherwood put up impressive numbers in a losing effort, completing 21 of 39 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. However, the 6-foot-8, 253-pound signal-caller from San Diego was under constant duress, being sacked numerous times for significant losses that repeatedly stalled Redhawks drives. His favorite target was Cam Pedro, who caught six passes for 141 yards, including a critical 59-yard reception in the fourth quarter.

The game began at a frantic pace, with both teams finding the end zone twice in the opening quarter. Gardner-Webb struck first, capping an efficient opening drive with a 36-yard touchdown scramble by Pennington. Southeast Missouri State answered immediately, with Leatherwood engineering a 75-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Andrew Civey.

Pennington and the Runnin’ Bulldogs responded with another scoring drive, this one culminating in a 31-yard touchdown pass from Pennington to tight end Elvin Fofanah, giving Gardner-Webb a 14-7 lead late in the first quarter.

The second quarter devolved into a defensive struggle, dominated by punts and negative plays. Southeast Missouri State’s offense managed to get into field goal range just once, with Justin Keller converting from 25 yards out to cut the deficit to 14-10, a score that held until halftime.

The only scoring in the third quarter came from Gardner-Webb, as Viorel connected on a 48-yard field goal to extend the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ lead to 17-10 heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter erupted with three touchdowns in a six-minute span. Southeast Missouri State finally broke through with a 22-yard touchdown strike from Leatherwood to Kalvin Gilbert, tying the game at 17-17. Gardner-Webb answered right back, reclaiming the lead on a 2-yard touchdown run by Carson Gresock, who finished with 64 yards on 10 carries.

Undaunted, the Redhawks needed just one play to tie the game again, as Leatherwood found Gilbert for another 22-yard touchdown pass, knotting the score at 24-24 with just over six minutes to play.

That set the stage for the game-winning drive. Pennington methodically moved the Runnin’ Bulldogs down the field, mixing runs by Quasean Holmes, who had 70 yards on 20 carries, with key completions. The drive stalled at the Southeast Missouri State 5-yard line, setting up Viorel’s decisive chip-shot field goal.

Southeast Missouri State had one final chance, but Leatherwood was sacked for a 10-yard loss on first down, effectively killing the drive and any hope of a comeback.

Special teams played a significant role, with both punters putting on a show. Gardner-Webb’s Jackson Dorr averaged 41.0 yards on eight punts, while Southeast Missouri State’s Ryan Kingston was a workhorse, booting 11 punts for 454 yards, a 41.3-yard average.

Gardner-Webb will look to continue its winning ways on the road next Saturday at Tennessee State. Southeast Missouri State will travel to face Western Illinois.