BOONE, NC - The Appalachian State Mountaineers secured a solid 24-3 victory over the Georgia State Panthers in a Sun Belt Conference clash at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The Mountaineers, known for their high-altitude resilience, delivered a strong performance on both sides of the ball, holding the Panthers to just a single field goal in the first quarter and shutting them out for the remainder of the game.
Georgia State opened the scoring late in the first quarter when Liam Rickman nailed a 32-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining, putting the Panthers ahead 3-0. However, the lead was short-lived as Appalachian State responded quickly. With just 30 seconds left in the first quarter, running back Kanye Roberts broke free for a 29-yard touchdown run, capping off a well-executed drive and giving the Mountaineers a 7-3 lead after Michael Hughes added the extra point.
The Mountaineers extended their lead in the second quarter with a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Joey Aguilar. The first came with 2:55 left in the quarter when Aguilar found Eli Wilson for an 18-yard score, pushing the lead to 14-3. After a quick defensive stop, Appalachian State's offense struck again just before halftime. Aguilar connected with Wilson once more, this time for a 13-yard touchdown with only three seconds left on the clock. Hughes’ successful extra point sent the Mountaineers into the locker room with a commanding 21-3 lead.
The second half was a defensive battle, with neither team finding the end zone in the third quarter. Appalachian State’s defense, led by Brendan Harrington and Thomas Davis, who combined for 19 tackles, consistently pressured the Panthers’ offense, allowing just 32 rushing yards and forcing two turnovers. The Mountaineers added their final points of the game in the fourth quarter when Michael Hughes split the uprights with a 26-yard field goal, bringing the score to 24-3 with 5:31 left on the clock.
Georgia State struggled to move the ball against Appalachian State’s stout defense. Panthers quarterback Christian Veilleux completed 19 of 24 passes for 173 yards but was unable to find the end zone and was picked off once (in the endzone). Their rushing attack was virtually non-existent, tallying just 32 yards on 21 attempts, with Veilleux being sacked twice.
On the flip side, Appalachian State’s offense was efficient if not explosive. Aguilar completed 9 of 12 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns, while Roberts led the ground game with 81 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Wilson was the standout receiver, hauling in three passes for 49 yards and both of Aguilar’s touchdown throws.
Appalachian State’s special teams also contributed with solid punting from Mitchell Lake, who averaged 46 yards on his lone punt, and consistent kickoffs from Hughes. The Mountaineers’ ability to capitalize on their opportunities and play mistake-free football was the key to their victory, while Georgia State’s inability to convert third downs and their turnover issues sealed their fate.
With this win, Appalachian State continues to build momentum as they head deeper into conference play, showcasing their trademark grit and determination that has become a hallmark of the Mountaineer football program.
Quarter 2
(APP) Eli Wilson 18 Yd pass from Joey Aguilar (Michael Hughes kick), 2:55
(APP) Eli Wilson 13 Yd pass from Joey Aguilar (Michael Highes kick), 0:03
The Georgia State Panthers went on the road to beautiful Kidd Brewer stadium with dreams of a major upset on their minds. The Panthers made a huge stop on defense to force the Mountaineer's to punt the ball. The Panthers drove the ball down to take the lead 3-0. It is believed that this is the first lead of this season for the Panthers. As the excited Panthers were full of pride for scoring in an actual game, App St drove down for a touchdown. Georgia State went back to business as usual losing 24-3. Great Game Holmey, enjoyed it.
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