BUCKHANNON, W.Va. -- Fairmont State scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to defeat West Virginia Wesleyan, 31-17, on Saturday afternoon at Cebe Ross Field in Buckhannon.
 
The win improves Fairmont's record to 6-0 overall and 5-0 in the Mountain East Conference, matching the best start for the Falcons since the 1981 season. That season the Falcons finished the year 9-2, winning the WVIAC and receiving a berth in the NAIA Playoffs. The Bobcats fall to 1-5 both overall and in conference play.
 
On the second possession of the second half after a fumble recovery by Dalton Inman at the FSU 14, Cooper HIbbs hooked up with Laurence King for a 14-yard touchdown strike, breaking the 10-10 halftime tie with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.
 
Wesleyan quarterback Ryan Deal helped the Bobcats answer late in the third when he found Stephen Rogalski for a 22-yard touchdown, tying the game at 17-17 going into the fourth.
 
FSU was quick to respond on its next possession, as Terrell Charles capped a seven-play, 72-yard drive with a 26-yard touchdown run that broke the tie for good. The touchdown was the second of the day for Charles as junior running back opened the scoring for the Falcons at the 10:04 mark of the opening quarter with a four-yard touchdown run.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Bobcat offense was limited to just 13 yards on 10 plays by the Falcons defense and Deal was picked-off by the Zack Hoover at the 12:45 mark.
 
Jeff Iweh, who recorded his first career 100-yard receiving performance of his career, wrapped up the scoring on the afternoon by hauling in a 17-yard pass from Hibbs with 1:27 left to play.
 
Hibbs finished the day by going 21-of-30 for 291 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Iweh finished the day with 102 yards on four receptions as a down-field threat for the Falcons all afternoon. Laurence King had another solid performance this afternoon with seven receptions for 81 yards and a score through the air.
 
Fabian Guerra finished the day with six receptions for 60 yards, moving past Todd Anderson for second all-time in career receptions at Fairmont State. Guerra needs just seven more catches to pass Jason Trent as the all-time school leader in receptions.
 
In addition to needing just seven receptions to become the all-time leader in school history in receptions, Guerra also needs just 98 yards to move into second in Fairmont State history in receiving yards.
 
After being limited a week ago due to injury, Terrell Charles returned to the lineup and finished the afternoon with 92 yards on 25 carries. Charles also crossed the goal line twice in a game for the third time this season.
 
Deal led the Wesleyan offense by going 13-of-34 for 224 yards and a touchdown. Deal also threw an interception and was sacked twice by the FSU defense.
 
Michael Anderson, who was averaging 154.8 yards on the ground coming into the afternoon, was held 50 yards under his season average with 104 yards on 23 carries. Anderson became the first back all season to record 100-yard rushing against the FSU defense. Anderson also crossed the goal line once for the Bobcats.
 
Ian Waddell led all Wesleyan receivers with three catches for 75 yards in the Bobcat loss.
 
Marcus Porter led the FSU defense with eight total stops in the victory (seven solo). The Wesleyan defense was anchored by Gabe Moultrie with 10 stops. Jabai Weems also added four tackles and an interception for the 'Cats.
 
The Falcons outgained the Bobcats 401-321 in the victory, but were penalized 11 times for 123 yards. FSU also held a 10-minute advantage in time of possession.
 
Fairmont State will return home to prepare for a short week as the Golden Eagles of Charleston visit Duvall-Rosier Field on Thursday evening at 7:10 p.m. in the Mountain East Conference Thursday night "Game of the Week."