FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State hosted the University of Charleston at Duvall-Rosier Field on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons fell to the Golden Eagles, 45-35.

Fairmont State opened the first quarter with a strong offensive display. After receiving the kickoff, Fairmont State quickly capitalized on their possession with Nino Marzullo connecting with Davin Driskell for a 75-yard touchdown pass, putting the first points on the board. Emmanuel Richardson added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Continuing their momentum, Fairmont State's offense was efficient on their next drive. Marzullo found Winston Page for a 22-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0 after another successful extra point. The defense then held Charleston to a three-and-out, further maintaining control.

Fairmont State's dominance persisted as Marzullo threw a 61-yard touchdown pass to Fred Highsmith, bringing the score to 21-0 following Richardson's third PAT. Charleston managed a 26-yard field goal to close the quarter, but Fairmont State maintained a commanding 21-3 advantage as the period ended.

The second quarter began with a significant momentum shift as Karron Watties intercepted Matthew Frye's pass, setting Fairmont State up at Charleston's 44-yard line. However, the subsequent drive was halted by an interception, and Charleston regained possession. A crucial defensive stand by Tyrees Smith and Gavin Smith prevented Charleston from scoring on a fourth-down attempt at the Falcons' 9-yard line.

Later in the quarter, Leonard Farrow broke free for a decisive 95-yard touchdown run, extending Fairmont State's lead. Emmanuel Richardson's successful kick brought the score to 28-3. Charleston managed to respond with a late touchdown pass from Frye to Devin Hobbs, narrowing the gap to 28-10 before the half concluded.

Fairmont State began the third quarter with a kickoff to Charleston, who quickly capitalized on their possession with a 41-yard rush by Jaylen Butera, leading to a touchdown that narrowed the home team's lead. Fairmont State responded with a precise drive, highlighted by Nino Marzullo's 39-yard pass to Noah Tucker, culminating in a 16-yard touchdown pass to Winston Page, extending the lead to 35-17.

Charleston answered with another touchdown drive, cutting the gap to 35-24, before Fairmont State regained possession. Despite a setback from a sack early in the drive, Marzullo's consistent passing, including a crucial 13-yard completion to Leonard Farrow. Unfortunately, the Falcons were forced to punt the ball to the visitors. Charleston closed the period with a determined drive, scoring another touchdown to bring the score to 35-31 by the end of the third quarter, keeping the game within reach.

The fourth quarter began with Fairmont State punting to Charleston after a failed third-down conversion. Charleston capitalized on the good field position with a 15-yard touchdown rush by Joshua Donald, taking a 38-35 lead. Fairmont State responded with a promising drive but was halted by a fumble, which Charleston recovered at the Fairmont 42-yard line.

Charleston extended their lead to 45-35 following an interception returned for a touchdown by Denoris Wardlow with 1:20 remaining. Despite a late push by the Falcons, including a 47-yard pass from Nino Marzullo to Fred Highsmith, time expired with Fairmont State unable to find the end zone. The game concluded with the Golden Eagles maintaining a 45-35 advantage.

Leonard Farrow finished with 143 rushing yards on 17 carries and scored one touchdown. Karron Watties contributed defensively with nine total tackles and one interception, which he returned for 11 yards. Highsmith led the receiving corps with seven catches for 166 yards and one touchdown. Marzullo passed for 389 yards and four touchdowns, completing 27 of 41 attempts.

Fairmont State (4-4, 1-4) hits the road of its next two games starting on Saturday, November 1 at West Liberty University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.