ATHENS, W.Va. — Fairmont State University defeated Concord University 31-17 on Saturday at Callaghan Stadium. The Falcons capitalized on a strong rushing attack, amassing 263 yards on the ground and scoring three touchdowns. The team consistently moved the ball, achieving 24 first downs and converting 7 of 16 third downs.
Fairmont State started strong after receiving the opening kickoff, quickly advancing downfield with a series of no-huddle plays.
Nino Marzullo connected with
Joey Ramsey for a 12-yard gain, followed by consecutive 10-yard rushes by
Leonard Farrow. The drive concluded with Marzullo's 24-yard touchdown pass to
Davin Driskell, and
Emmanuel Richardson's successful extra point gave Fairmont State a 7-0 lead.
Concord responded with an efficient drive of their own, highlighted by Tyler Mizzell's 33-yard touchdown pass to Rodney Mike, evening the score at 7-7 after Kenyon Bowyer's extra point. Fairmont State's subsequent drive was halted by an interception, but their defense held strong, forcing Concord to punt after a sack by
Matt Pack. The quarter ended with both teams tied at 7-7.
The second quarter began with the Mountain Lions advancing into Fairmont State territory, but the drive ended with a missed 36-yard field goal by Bowyer. The Falcons took over and executed a strong series, highlighted by a 31-yard rush from
LeJay Hatcher. This drive culminated in Farrow's 4-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 14-7 after Richardson's successful extra point.
Concord attempted to respond and moved the ball effectively, reaching the Falcons' 8-yard line. However, a crucial defensive stop by
Karron Watties resulted in a turnover on downs. Fairmont State capitalized on this momentum, with Marzullo connecting on several passes to move down the field. Despite the progress, a missed 44-yard field goal attempt by Richardson as time expired kept the score at 14-7, closing the period with Fairmont State maintaining the lead.
Fairmont State capitalized on a short field early in the third quarter after a Concord punt and penalty. Farrow's ground efforts helped advance the ball, but the drive stalled, resulting in a missed 41-yard field goal attempt by Richardson. Concord responded with a drive ending in a successful 35-yard field goal by Bowyer, narrowing Fairmont's lead to 14-10.
Midway through the quarter, Fairmont State's offense was initially set back by penalties, but Marzullo's passing connected with Driskell for a 12-yard gain. Marzullo then completed a 13-yard pass to
Kimothy Massie, setting up his own 33-yard touchdown run to extend the lead. Richardson's extra point solidified a 21-10 advantage.
Concord attempted to mount a comeback in the closing minutes of the third, moving into Fairmont territory with a series of rushes and short passes. However, they could not convert further as the period ended with the Falcons maintaining their 21-10 lead.
The fourth quarter began with the Mountain Lions narrowing the gap, as Rashad Luckey Dowdy rushed for a touchdown, bringing the score to 21-17. Fairmont State's defense then halted Concord's momentum with an interception by
Nick Longo, sparking a productive offensive drive. Richardson extended the lead with a 35-yard field goal, pushing the Falcons ahead 24-17.
Fairmont State capitalized further when Hatcher broke through for a 30-yard run, followed by a 4-yard touchdown rush, extending the lead to 31-17. Concord attempted to respond, but Fairmont State's defense solidified the win with a late interception and a fumble recovery. The game concluded with the Falcons securing a decisive 31-17 victory.
Farrow led Fairmont State with 114 rushing yards and one touchdown on 20 carries. Hatcher contributed with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding three receptions for 22 yards. Quarterback Marzullo threw for 198 yards and a touchdown on 17-of-31 passing while also rushing for 56 yards and a score. On defense,
Nick Longo recorded an interception and five tackles.
Fairmont State (6-4, 3-4) wraps of the regular season on Saturday, November 15 against Frostburg State University. Start time for senior day is set for 12:00 p.m.