MARS HILL ó Demario Zachery caught a 69-yard pass from Ricky Spradling with 9:10 remaining in regulation to lead the Mars Hill Lions to a 28-23 comeback victory over West Liberty State College last Saturday afternoon at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium.

MHC remained undefeated (4-0) while WLSC suffered its first loss (3-1) of the season.

Following Spradlingís scoring pass to Zachery, the Lions defense, which played well in the second half, came up big on the Toppersí next possession.

After driving 79 yards on 10 plays, WLSC quarterback Amedro fumbled at the MHC four-yard line and Jeff Pell recovered the ball to stop an almost certain Hilltoppers score with just 4:47 left in regulation.

After George Washington had several strong runs, MHC was able to run out the clock and remain undefeated.

Pell had two fumble recoveries on the day, his first ended a WLSC drive in the third quarter at the Mars Hill 30 yardline which may have halted another Topper score.

MHC recorded a season high 464 yards of total offense, 282 yards in the air.

Washington led the ground attack with 105 yards and one score on 26 carries. Spradling was 10-for-14 for 211 yards and one touchdown pass. Zachery caught three passes for 137 yards and the game winning score as well as throwing for 71 yards and one touchdown. Pell led the defense with six solo tackles, two fumble recoveries and a quarterback hurry. Nathaniel Smith (Georgetown, SC) recorded 10 tackles, a tackle-for-loss, a forced fumble, and a sack.

Banks led WLSC with 10 receptions for 204 yards and two scores. Amedro completed 20-of-30 passes for 292 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Nick Harding had a game high 17 tackles in the loss.

Mars Hill will play at Catawba College on Thursday, September 27 at 8:05 p.m. The game will be televised live on national TV.