GREENSBURG, Pa. -- The Fairmont State University football team kicked off the 2025 season against Seton Hill University. After jumping out to a 17-point lead, the Falcons were able to hold on for a 24-21 victory.

Seton Hill (0-1) received the opening kickoff as it was able to pick up a first down. However, a Nick Longo sack put the Griffins behind the sticks which eventually led to a punt.

Fairmont State's (1-0) first possession was a combination of rushes from Leonard Farrow along with passes by Nino Marzullo led the team to a first and goal at the SHU seven. Unfortunately, the Falcons were unable to get the ball across the goal line as Emmanuel Richardson converted the 22-yard field goal. With 7:01 left in the first, FSU led 3-0.

The Griffins next drive stalled from the start with a holding penalty and concluded on third down when Tristen Williams intercepted the ball at the Fairmont State 41. The Falcons continued their presence on offense. On third down, Marzullo completed a short pass to Farrow, who sprinted down the sideline for the 32-yard score. The extra point by Richardson was good as FSU increased its lead to 10 (10-0) with 2:23 to go in the first quarter.

Seton Hill once again was able to pick up a first down on its next drive but the Fairmont State defense stepped up and forced a punt. However, the Falcons started from their own 12 following a 47-yard punt.

Penalties hurt Fairmont State's next drive as it struggled to get near midfield. A punt from Ethan Vargo-Thomas put the Griffins at their own 24 but a holding penalty moved the ball back to the 14.

Another punt from Seton Hill followed by missed field goals by both kickers gave the Falcons the ball at their 31 with 4:35 left in the half. Following a seven-yard gain, Farrow took the next carry 62 yards to the house to make it a 17-0 game with just under four minutes left in the second.

The Griffins responded with big plays of their own with a 33-yard run before a 32-yard pass to the endzone. After the extra point, Fairmont State led 17-7.

Special teams were on display on the next two drives as Vargo-Thomas kicked a 51-yard punt to the Seton Hill seven. However, Seton Hill's punter launched his next attempt 75 yards. The Falcons ran one play before the end of the half. Going to the locker room, the Falcons held a 10-point advantage (17-7).

To open the second half, Fairmont State started with the ball at the 21-yard line. Farrow picked up nine yards on two rushes before Marzullo connected with LeJay Hatcher for an eight-yard gain to move the chains. On the next play, Farrow bounced off a couple of tacklers before going 62 yards for the touchdown. The PAT was good as the lead was stretched back to 17 (24-7).

For the remainder of the third quarter, the two squads traded punts as the Falcons held the ball going to the fourth.

Unfortunately, the first play of the final quarter, Marzullo was stripped in the backfield as Seton Hill recovered the loose ball with a short field. A 15-yard rush by the SHU quarterback, Ky'Ron Craggette punched the ball in from eight yards out to make it a 24-14 game with 14:08 left in regulation.

On the next Fairmont State drive, Farrow had a couple carries over 10 yards but penalties kept the ball near midfield. Facing a fourth and seven, the team went for it but Marzullo was stripped once again as the Griffins recovered the ball at the FSU 37.

The hosts chipped away at the yardage and clock before finding the endzone. The extra point was good with the Falcons clinging to a three-point lead (24-21) with 5:02 to go.

FSU's next drive was filled with rushes by Farrow. A mix of penalties on both sides kept the ball on Fairmont State side of the ball. The offense was unable to convert on third down and punted the ball back to the Griffins with 1:45 on the clock.

On the first play of the new drive, Saumir Deshields got the quarterback for a sack. A penalty against Seton Hill made it 2nd-and-26. Three-straight incompletions including pressures by the line forced a turnover on downs.

Fairmont State took two knees to secure the 24-21 victory on the road.

Farrow led the way for the Falcons with 274 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He also caught one pass for 32 yards and a score. Marzullo finished the night 14-24 for 134 yards and the lone touchdown. As a team, FSU ran for 321 yards on 44 attempts.

On defense, Montel Sims led the team with 10 tackles and two tackles for loss. Tyrees Smith added nine tackles with one going for loss.

Fairmont State will open the home schedule on Thursday, September 4 against Bloomsburg University. Kickoff from Duvall-Rosier Field is slated for 7:00 p.m.