FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Wheeling defeated Fairmont St. 35-28 on Saturday at Duvall-Rosier Field. The Falcons scored consistently across all quarters, with three passing touchdowns and one rushing score, but the Cardinals outpaced them with a strong second half, highlighted by a 20-point third quarter.

The first quarter commenced with Fairmont St. establishing control through a consistent offensive drive led by Nino Marzullo, who connected with Davin Driskell for a crucial 20-yard pass. Leonard Farrow's rushing ability was highlighted as he contributed significantly with a 12-yard touchdown run at 7:57, capitalizing on the offensive momentum. Following Emmanuel Richardson's successful extra point, the Falcons took a 7-0 lead, while their defensive efforts, including a sack by Nemo Roberts, stifled the Cardinals' progress.

The second quarter began with Wheeling capitalizing on a pass interference penalty to score a touchdown, tying the game at 7. The Falcons responded with a swift 68-yard drive, highlighted by Marzullo's 43-yard touchdown pass to Driskell at 10:37, regaining the lead. Under five minutes left in the second quarter, the Falcons had to punt the ball away as Ethan Vargo-Thomas launched a program record tying 77-yard kick. Despite a turnover and an interception late in the quarter, Fairmont State maintained a 14-7 lead going into halftime, with strong defensive plays, including a blocked punt by Josiah DeMoss.

The third quarter opened with a flurry of activity, as Connor Mollohan's 65-yard kickoff resulted in a touchback. Wheeling quickly capitalized with a touchdown, but the Falcons responded with a methodical drive led by LeJay Hatcher and Farrow, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Marzullo to Hatcher at 8:05. Despite a blocked punt that set up another Wheeling score, Fairmont State's defense made a critical play by blocking the extra point attempt, with Larrey Williams III preventing the conversion to keep the game within one score.

The fourth quarter began with Fairmont State driving the ball with a series of successful plays, including a crucial 12-yard rush by Marzullo, advancing to Wheeling's 31-yard line. However, a turnover on downs gave the Cardinals the ball. Despite a touchdown by Wheeling extending their lead, the Falcons responded with a late-game touchdown, as Marzullo connected with Winston Page on a 29-yard pass with 29 seconds remaining, closing the gap to a final score of 35-28.

Quarterback Marzullo completed 25 of 43 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns, despite two interceptions. Farrow contributed on the ground with 61 rushing yards on 14 carries, including a touchdown. Tight end Driskell recorded five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Karron Watties led the team with 10 tackles and forced a fumble. 

Fairmont State (2-1, 0-1) hits the road on Saturday, September 27 to face the Yellow Jackets of West Virginia State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.