FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Fairmont State held off the University of Charleston, 21-13, on Thursday night at Duvall-Rosier Field to improve to 7-0 on the season. The 7-0 start is the first for the Falcons since the 1967 season, that season FSU went on to win the NAIA National Championship under legendary head coach Deacon Duvall.
In the victory, senior wide receiver
Fabian Guerra hauled in nine receptions for 82 yards, making him the all-time school leader in receptions at Fairmont State, passing Jason Trent, a 2016 inductee in the Fairmont State Athletic Hall of Fame just a few weeks ago. Guerra now has 206 career receptions.
The Falcons (7-0, 6-0 MEC) were able to slow down the Charleston (2-5, 2-5 MEC) rushing attack holding the Golden Eagles to 107 yards. FSU was also +2 on turnovers on the night to help take the victory.
Fairmont State got on the board first with a
Terrell Charles two-yard TD, and then took a 14-0 lead into halftime after
Andre Hall hauled in a touchdown pass from
Cooper Hibbs from 11 yards out.
The Golden Eagles got back into the game late in the third quarter when Anthony Fontana found Joey Augustin in the end zone for a 19-yard TD reception. UC had a chance to tie the game early in the fourth quarter after a blocked punt, but the FSU defense held strong on fourth down inside the red zone.
After a huge red zone stop by the FSU defense, the Falcon offense went 81 yards during an 11-play drive that ended with Charles adding his second touchdown run of the night. Charles now has four multiple touchdown performances this season.
Just over two minutes later, UC drove right down the field to keep its hopes of a comeback alive after Marvin Elam crossed the goal line on a one-yard touchdown run. UC's reliable kicker Brett Benes missed on the extra point though to keep the FSU lead at 21-13.
After a stop by the UC defense on the next FSU possession,
Stephen Turner recorded his second interception of the night to end any hope of a UC rally. Following Turner's pick, the Falcons took three snaps from the victory formation to wrap up the victory.
Hibbs was efficient on the night, completing 27-of-35 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. Charles finished with 80 yards on the ground to go with his two scores.
Marcus Porter and Turner each had nine tackles on the night to lead the FSU defense. Turner also forced a fumble and recorded two interceptions in the win, one in the second quarter and one in the fourth quarter that clinched the victory for the Falcons.
Siddiq Kanneh also recorded an interception for the FSU defense, giving the Falcons three in the game.
Marvin Elam had 59 yards rushing and a touchdown for UC. Anthony Fontana was 13-of-25 with one touchdown against three INTs. Augustin had 54 yards receiving to go with 41 yards rushing. Defensively, Zach Hadlock and Rahkeem Stallings each had 11 tackles on the night.
The Falcons will now prepare for a critical road contest at the University of Virginia's College at Wise next Saturday at 1 p.m at Carl Smith Stadium. UVa-Wise will travel to West Liberty on Saturday afternoon looking to improve to 5-2 on the season.
