INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University surged past Fairmont State University 60-39 on Saturday at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium. The Falcons capitalized early with a balanced offensive attack but struggled to contain the Yellow Jackets' rushing game, which totaled 327 yards and five touchdowns. 

Fairmont State opened the game by allowing West Virginia State to start on their own 26-yard line following a 26-yard kickoff return. The defense held strong, forcing a quick three-and-out, which set up the Falcons at their own 47-yard line after a short punt. Despite an early setback with a sack, the offense capitalized on a defensive penalty and moved the ball efficiently, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown rush by LeJay Hatcher. Emmanuel Richardson's extra point extended the lead to 7-0.

West Virginia State responded with a field goal after a drive that benefited from a pass interference penalty against Fairmont State. Tony Hornbuckle converted a 30-yard attempt, bringing the score to 7-3. The Falcons maintained possession as the quarter closed, unable to add more points, but holding onto a 7-3 advantage.

The second quarter began with West Virginia State extending their lead with a 74-yard touchdown pass from Kaleb Jackson to Amare Ary, despite a missed extra point attempt. Fairmont State responded decisively as Hatcher broke through the defense for a 51-yard rushing touchdown, and Richardson added the extra point to secure the lead at 14-9.

However, the Yellow Jackets regained momentum with a sustained drive ending in a 1-yard touchdown run by Nasean Hill, followed by another successful extra point, shifting the score to 16-14. The Falcons' subsequent possession ended in a turnover on downs, giving the Yellow Jackets a short field. The home team capitalized with a 26-yard touchdown run by Devin Cox, followed by a field goal at the quarter's end, widening their lead to 26-14 as the half closed.

Fairmont State opened the third quarter with a determined drive, highlighted by a 16-yard pass from Nino Marzullo to Jolann Alston. However, the momentum shifted when a punt was blocked by West Virginia State, leading to a short field and a touchdown for the home team, pushing the score to 33-14. The Falcons responded with a steady offensive push, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Hatcher, narrowing the gap to 40-22.

Despite the efforts, the Yellow Jackets quickly extended their lead with a 75-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 47-22. The Falcons continued to battle, advancing down the field and capping a drive with a 41-yard field goal by Richardson, closing the quarter, 47-25.

The Yellow Jackets extended their lead with a rushing touchdown by Jojo Restall, making the score 53-25 after a failed PAT attempt. West Virginia State scored once more on a 38-yard to lead 60-25. The Falcons then embarked on a drive that saw Marzullo connect with Joey Ramsey for an 11-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 60-32 following a successful extra point by Richardson.

Continuing to push forward, the Falcons' offense showed resilience with a 55-yard rush by James Borbor, setting up a scoring opportunity. Marzullo capitalized with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Fred Highsmith. Richardson's PAT brought the score to 60-39. Despite the late surge, the Falcons were unable to overcome the deficit, concluding the game with a final score of 60-39 in favor of West Virginia State.

Hatcher rushed 17 times for 129 yards and scored three touchdowns. Marzullo completed 30 of 50 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Montel Sims recorded 10 total tackles. Highsmith contributed four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.

Fairmont State (2-2, 0-2) remains on the road as it faces Glenville State University on Saturday, October 4 from Robert C. Bryd Eagle Stadium in Clarksburg. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m.