PEMBROKE, N.C. – Fairmont State picked up its first win of the season in a thrilling 30-27 defeat over UNC Pembroke Saturday afternoon.
 
The Braves held a four-point lead over the Falcons going into the second half, but freshman Joshawn Lewis scored a touchdown on a 77-yard pass from redshirt freshman Connor Neal in the third quarter to set Fairmont State on the path toward redemption. Freshman Jeremiah Taylor kept the momentum going, scoring on a 22-yard pass from Neal to give Fairmont State a three-point advantage. UNC Pembroke's Tyshawn Carter answered with a touchdown on a 34-yard pass from Josh Jones to put the Braves back in control heading into the fourth quarter.
 
Fairmont State senior Javon Hayes (on a 19-yard pass from freshman Michael Floria) and UNC Pembroke's Joseph Early each found the endzone in the fourth quarter, leaving the Braves back on top with four and a half minutes to play. With just over one minute left on the clock, Floria completed a three-yard touchdown pass to freshman Donovan Washington, sealing the victory.
 
The Falcons finished the game with 81 rushing yards and 378 passing yards.
 
Fairmont State will host Concord University at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 2 for the University's annual Maroon Madness game.