EDINBORO, Pa. — Fairmont State edged Edinboro 35-30 on Saturday at Sox Harrison Stadium. The Falcons capitalized on their ground attack with four rushing touchdowns, including an 86-yard run, contributing significantly to their victory. The Fighting Scots responded with three touchdowns and three field goals, but the Falcons' defense held strong, securing two interceptions to seal the win.

Fairmont State began the game with a strong offensive drive, starting at their own 25-yard line. Leonard Farrow and Nino Marzullo were instrumental, with Farrow rushing for 26 yards and Marzullo adding a 28-yard run, culminating in Marzullo's 2-yard touchdown run. Emmanuel Richardson's extra point was good, giving the Falcons an early 7-0 lead.

On the subsequent possession, the Fighting Scots managed a field goal after advancing to the Falcons' 15-yard line, cutting the deficit to 7-3. The Falcons responded with another meticulous drive from their own 25-yard line. Marzullo and Farrow continued to push the offense forward, with Marzullo eventually scoring on a 1-yard rush. After Richardson's successful PAT, the Falcons extended the lead to 14-3 as the first quarter concluded.

The second quarter was marked by pivotal moments that shifted momentum in favor of the Falcons. Early in the quarter, Leonard Farrow's 9-yard rush secured a first down, setting the tone for the period. Despite two incomplete passes by Marzullo, Ethan Vargo-Thomas' 58-yard punt followed by a 50-yard return from the Fighting Scots placed the Falcons' defense in a challenging position. However, the defense held strong, with Matt Pack sacking Edinboro's Nico Marchitelli for a 4-yard loss, forcing them to settle for a field goal, cutting the lead to 14-6.

On the ensuing drive, the Falcons methodically advanced downfield, with Fred Highsmith catching a 9-yard touchdown pass from Marzullo, extending the lead to 21-6. The defense continued to excel, highlighted by Gavin Smith's interception near the goal line, halting the Fighting Scots' progress. The first half concluded with the Falcons maintaining a 21-6 advantage, demonstrating control on both sides of the ball.

The Fighting Scots opened the third quarter with a swift scoring drive, capped by a 4-yard touchdown rush by Caron Robinson, narrowing the score gap to 21-13 at 12:28. The Falcons responded as Leonard Farrow led a ground attack with an 11-yard rush, but the drive eventually stalled, resulting in a punt. 

Following a defensive stand, the Falcons regained possession and orchestrated a 21-yard pass play from Marzullo to Farrow, advancing into Edinboro territory. However, the drive ended on a turnover on downs after an incomplete pass on fourth down. As the period ended, the Falcons held a 21-16 lead, maintaining a narrow advantage.

In the fourth quarter, Fairmont State quickly regained momentum with Leonard Farrow's remarkable 86-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead at 28-24. The defense then forced the Fighting Scots into a three-and-out, highlighted by Nemo Roberts' sack. Following a turnover, Gavin Smith's interception set up another scoring opportunity, which the Falcons capitalized on with Marzullo's 8-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 35-24.

The Fighting Scots responded with a touchdown drive of their own, narrowing the gap to 35-30. However, Fairmont State maintained control, executing a strategic punt recovered by Jevonte Wilson after a muffed catch by the Fighting Scots. The team closed the game with a series of kneel-downs to secure the victory. The final score was Fairmont State 35, Edinboro 30.

Leonard Farrow rushed for 195 yards on 21 carries and scored one touchdown, despite losing one fumble. Marzullo completed 14 of 22 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown while adding 74 rushing yards and three touchdowns on nine carries. Defensively, Gavin Smith made two interceptions, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. Fred Highsmith caught two passes for 33 yards and one touchdown, and returned one punt for 42 yards.

Fairmont State (4-3, 1-3) returns to campus on Saturday, October 25 to face the University of Charleston. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.