CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Glenville State University defeated Fairmont State University 36-24 on Saturday at RCB Eagle Stadium. The Falcons' rushing game was highlighted by a 65-yard run, contributing to their 293 rushing yards, but it was not enough to overcome the Pioneers' balanced offensive attack.

Fairmont State began the game by kicking off to Glenville State, who quickly capitalized on their first possession with a 12-yard touchdown pass, taking the early lead at 7-0. The Falcons responded defensively with Jayson Hayes contributing on the punt tackle and Montel Sims recovering a fumble to regain possession at the Glenville 49-yard line. However, the opportunity ended without a score as Fairmont State turned the ball over on a fumble at the Glenville 21.

Later in the quarter, the Falcons' defense recovered another fumble, this time at their own 3-yard line, halting a Glenville State drive that had reached the red zone. Despite the defensive stops, Fairmont State's offense struggled to gain momentum, resulting in a series of incomplete passes and punts. Glenville State extended their lead with a 28-yard field goal, closing the quarter with a 10-0 advantage over Fairmont State.

The second quarter began with a pivotal defensive stand by Fairmont State as Karron Watties intercepted a pass from Glenville State's Anthony Garrett, halting their drive at the Fairmont State end zone. This defensive play set up Fairmont State's offense, which advanced the ball into Glenville territory but ultimately turned the ball over on downs at the Glenville 37-yard line.

Glenville State capitalized on their ensuing possession with a 44-yard pass completion, leading to a touchdown, extending their lead to 16-0. The Pioneers regained possession after a punt and found the endzone once more for a 23-0 advantage. Fairmont State responded with a strong 65-yard touchdown run by Leonard Farrow, narrowing the gap to 23-7 after a successful extra point. Glenville State added a field goal in the closing moments of the quarter, bringing the score to 26-7 at halftime.

The Falcons opened the third quarter with an assertive drive, highlighted by Farrow's 11-yard rush and a 41-yard touchdown run by Nino Marzullo, narrowing the gap to 26-14. Emmanuel Richardson's successful extra point further reduced the Pioneers' lead. The Falcons continued their offensive rhythm with another effective drive, culminating in Marzullo's short touchdown pass to LeJay Hatcher, bringing the score to 29-21.

The Pioneers responded by capitalizing on a blocked punt, leading to a field goal and a touchdown on their subsequent possessions, extending their lead to 36-21. Despite the Falcons' efforts to sustain drives with strong rushing from Farrow and strategic passing from Marzullo, the period closed with Glenville State maintaining the advantage.

In the fourth quarter, the Falcons began with a strong offensive drive, highlighted by Farrow's consistent rushing, leading to a 40-yard field goal by Richardson at 8:45, closing the gap to 36-24. The Pioneers responded with a drive reaching Fairmont's 3-yard line, but a fumble forced by Quadir Lockett-Smith and recovered by Gavin Smith halted their progress.

Fairmont State capitalized on the turnover with Farrow's 22-yard rush, advancing down the field. However, the drive ended with an interception at the Pioneers' 1-yard line. Despite the turnover, the Falcons maintained pressure until the end, as the Pioneers concluded the game with kneel-downs. The final score remained 36-24 in favor of Glenville State.

Farrow led the charge on the ground, rushing for 148 yards on 17 attempts with one touchdown. Marzullo contributed through the air, completing 17 of 37 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown, while also adding a rushing score on nine carries. On the defensive side, Watties made a significant impact with four tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Tyrees Smith anchored the defense with a team-high 10 tackles.

Fairmont State (2-3, 0-3) returns to Duvall-Rosier Field on Saturday, October 11 against West Virginia Wesleyan on Homecoming Weekend. Kickoff is slated for 2:00 p.m.