FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Fairmont State University football team opened the home portion of its schedule against Bloomsburg University on Thursday evening. The Falcons fell to the Huskies by the final score of 35-13.
The Falcons opened the game with the ball and put together a 10-play drive consisting of runs by
Nino Marzullo,
Joshua Jones and
Rickey Hunt Jr. The drive stalled in Bloomsburg territory as it ended with a punt.
The Huskies started with the ball at their own 20 and was able to pick up a first down on the other side of the 50. However, the Fairmont State defense stood strong and forced the punting unit to come out on the field. The snap on fourth down went over the punters head and was fallen on at the Bloomsburg 24.
With the short field, the Falcons were looking to get on the board first. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to pick up a first down.
Emmanuel Richardson and the field goal unit came out on the field to attempt a 40-yard field goal. Richardson's kick was true as Fairmont State took a 3-0 lead with 3:28 left in the first quarter.
Bloomsburg wasted no time driving the field led by a 48-yard completion to the Fairmont State two. The visitors found their way into the endzone after consecutive rushes. The point after was good as Bloomsburg led 7-3 with 1:22 on the clock.
Fairmont State's next drive spanned into the second quarter but ended quickly as Marzullo was intercepted setting up the Huskies at the Falcons' 49. Two plays later, the Huskies were back in the endzone to lead 14-3.
A punt by the Falcons and a turnover on downs by Bloomsburg set the ball up at Fairmont State 40 for the hosts. Marzullo connected with Jones before rushing for a medium gain to put the ball at the Bloomsburg 45. Marzullo then found
Breon Hardnett for a 44-yard completion to put the ball on the one. However, a rush for no gain followed by a fumble moved the ball back to the 10. The Falcons were ultimately forced to attempt a field goal as Richardson made the 33-yard kick to make it a 14-6 game with 6:19 left in the half.
Neither team was able to get much going on their next drives as the first half came to an end. As both teams headed towards their respective locker rooms, Bloomsburg led 14-6.
The start of the second half was slow for both sides with drives ending with punts and a turnover on downs. Fairmont State began its next drive at its own 38 but a sack fumble gave the Huskies a short field. Two plays later, Bloomsburg found its way into the endzone to extend its lead, 21-6.
Fairmont State's next drive ended with a punt along with two penalties, Bloomsburg took over at the Falcons' 30. Five plays later, the visitors added another touchdown to lead 28-6 and held that lead going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter started with both teams exchanging possessions until the Huskies took over on downs at the Fairmont State 28. Just one play is all they needed to make it a 35-6 score.
Later in the quarter, the Falcons took over at midfield. Fairmont State marched down to the Bloomsburg seven.
Ty'Rek Spikes was handed the ball and was headed to the goal line when the ball was forced out. Fortunately,
Christian Clark recovered the ball in the endzone for the touchdown. Following the extra point game, Bloomsburg led 35-13.
The score remained this way as clock ran out with the visitors taking the game.
Richardson converted both of his field-goal attempts, including a 40-yarder, and added an extra point.
Montel Sims matched the team high with eight tackles. Hardnett had one reception for 44 yards.
Fairmont State returns to the road on Saturday, September 12 as it will face the University of Findlay. Kickoff is slated for 12:00 p.m.
