WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Fairmont State edged past West Liberty 45-44 in a thrilling matchup on Saturday at Russek Field. Leonard Farrow had a career day as the Falcons were able to secure the win in overtime.

The game commenced with Fairmont State capitalizing on the opening kickoff, initiating a drive from their own 25-yard line. Leonard Farrow's 13-yard rush and Nino Marzullo's pass to Davin Driskell for 27 yards set up a scoring opportunity. Marzullo connected with Fred Highsmith for a 5-yard touchdown, followed by Emmanuel Richardson's extra point, putting the Falcons ahead 7-0.

West Liberty quickly responded, driving 72 yards in four plays, culminating in Antevious Jackson's 48-yard touchdown pass to Osama Hurst. With the extra point, the game was tied at 7-7. The Falcons then managed a modest drive but were forced to punt, shifting momentum.

The Hilltoppers took advantage in the final minutes, executing an 11-play, 85-yard drive. Hunter Patterson's 2-yard run into the end zone, followed by a successful PAT, gave the Hilltoppers a 14-7 lead going to the second.

The Falcons began the second quarter by advancing into West Liberty territory, powered by Marzullo's passing to Winston Page and Davin Driskell. Farrow's 16-yard rush was a highlight, but a penalty pushed the team back. Although the Falcons reached the 5-yard line, the drive ended on a turnover on downs, keeping the Hilltoppers' lead intact.

After West Liberty's offensive possession stalled, the Falcons quickly responded with a 75-yard touchdown run by Farrow, followed by Richardson's successful extra point, leveling the score at 14-14. However, a pivotal interception returned for a touchdown by West Liberty's Justice Lawrence shifted the momentum, giving them a 21-14 lead. The quarter concluded with the Falcons unable to capitalize on their final drive, entering halftime with a 7-point deficit.

The third quarter began with a significant defensive play for Fairmont State, as Nick Longo intercepted a pass in the end zone, resulting in a touchback. This turnover shifted momentum, allowing Farrow to capitalize with an 80-yard touchdown run on the very next play, tying the game at 21-21 after Richardson's successful extra point.

West Liberty quickly responded with a 55-yard touchdown pass, regaining the lead. Despite a subsequent 60-yard touchdown rush by the Hilltoppers, the Falcons continued to battle as Marzullo connected with Highsmith for a 9-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 35-28 following another Richardson extra point.

The fourth quarter began with the Falcons' defense applying pressure as Tyrees Smith and Tristen Williams combined to stop a critical drive by West Liberty. Despite the Hilltoppers' field goal early in the quarter, the Falcons responded effectively. Farrow and LeJay Hatcher spearheaded an offensive push, with Hatcher's 29-yard run setting up a 2-yard touchdown pass from Marzullo to Joey Ramsey, narrowing the gap.

Following a strategic kickoff, the Falcons' defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs at their 3-yard line. This defensive stand set the stage for an impressive drive, highlighted by Marzullo's 35-yard pass to Noah Tucker, advancing the ball into West Liberty territory. A 21-yard field goal by Richardson tied the game at 38-38 with only seconds remaining.

The Falcons maintained defensive composure in the final moments, as Jolann Alston broke up a potential Hilltoppers score, ensuring the quarter closed with the score deadlocked at 38-38.

In overtime, Fairmont State seized control with a decisive start, as Marzullo connected with Ramsey for a 10-yard gain, setting up a promising position. Despite a brief setback with a 1-yard loss on the ground, the team quickly regained momentum. Marzullo found Page in the end zone with an 11-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Falcons ahead. Richardson added the extra point to extend the lead to 45-38.

The Hilltoppers responded on their possession, advancing the ball to the 5-yard line with a 20-yard pass completion. Jackson then scored on a 5-yard rushing touchdown, narrowing the gap. However, their attempt to win the game with a two-point conversion failed as Jackson's pass was unsuccessful, sealing the Falcons' 45-44 victory in overtime.

Farrow recorded an impressive 277 rushing yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns. His 277 yards in the third best single-game mark in Falcon history. Marzullo completed 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and threw four touchdowns. Page contributed with five receptions for 65 yards, including a touchdown. On defense, Montel Sims led the team with 15 total tackles.

Fairmont State (5-4, 2-4) remains on the road on Saturday, November 8 at Concord University. Kickoff from Athens, West Virginia is set for 1:00 p.m.