BOONE, NC - In a tough showdown at Kidd Brewer Stadium, the Appalachian State Mountaineers fell to the Old Dominion Monarchs, 34-23, in a game that saw both teams battling fiercely until the final whistle. Despite a strong showing from Joey Aguilar and the Mountaineers' offense, the Monarchs capitalized on key moments, sealing the game with a late touchdown in the final minute.
The first quarter was a slow start for the Mountaineers, as Old Dominion took an early lead with a 28-yard field goal from Ethan Sanchez at the 2:15 mark, putting the Monarchs up 3-0. Appalachian State struggled to find their rhythm, ending the first quarter scoreless.
The Mountaineers responded early in the second quarter with a 20-yard field goal from Michael Hughes, tying the game at 3-3 with 6:20 left. However, Old Dominion quickly answered back when Grant Wilson connected with Isiah Paige on a 34-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Monarchs ahead 10-3. Not to be outdone, Appalachian State's Kanye Roberts broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 10-10 with just under two minutes remaining in the half.
Old Dominion regained momentum in the third quarter with a 9-yard touchdown run by Aaron Young, edging ahead 17-10. But the Mountaineers were not ready to back down. With just seconds left in the quarter, Aguilar found Eli Wilson for a 22-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Mountaineers back into the game and tying it at 17-17.
The fourth quarter turned into a decisive battle, with Old Dominion striking first. Devin Roche dashed into the end zone from 21 yards out, giving the Monarchs a 24-17 lead with just over three minutes remaining. A quick field goal by Sanchez extended the lead to 27-17 with under two minutes left, putting the pressure on the Mountaineers. Hughes managed to narrow the gap to 27-20 with a 26-yard field goal with only 33 seconds on the clock. However, the Monarchs delivered the knockout blow when Wilson hit Paige for a 14-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 34-20 with just 24 seconds remaining. Hughes added a 45-yard field goal in the final moments thinking it was only a 10 point game, but it was too little too late, and the game ended with Old Dominion on top, 34-23.
Joey Aguilar had a solid performance, completing 15 of 22 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown (one called back after booth review), though his two interceptions proved costly. The last interception was a poor attempt at a throw away that ended up being a lob pass to the defenders hands. The Mountaineers’ ground game was led by Roberts, who rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Eli Wilson was Aguilar’s favorite target, hauling in three catches for 71 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side, Thomas Davis led the Mountaineers with nine tackles and two tackles for loss, but despite a strong showing from the defense, the Monarchs managed to find gaps when it mattered most. Appalachian State's inability to force turnovers ultimately played a crucial role in the outcome, as Old Dominion played a clean game, protecting the ball and capitalizing on their opportunities.
The loss drops Appalachian State to 5-3 (2-2), as they look to rebound in their next matchup. The Mountaineers showed flashes of their potential but will need to tighten up on both sides of the ball if they hope to turn things around as the season progresses.
QUARTER 1
(ODU) Ethan Sanchez 28 Yd FG, 2:15
QUARTER 2
(APP) Michael Hughes, 20 Yd FG, 6:20
(ODU) Isiah Paige 34 Yd pass from Grant Wilson (Ethan Sanchex kick), 3:37
(APP) Kanye Roberts, 39 Yd Run (Michael Hughes kick), 1:52
QUARTER 3
(ODU) Aaron Young, 9 Yd run (Ethan Sanchez kick), 2:07
(APP) Eli Wilson, 22 Yd pass from Joey Aguilar (Michael Hughes kick), 0:02
QUARTER 4
(ODU) Devin Roche, 21 Yd run (Ethan Sanchez kick), 3:10
(ODU) Ethan Sanchex, 37 Yd FG, 1:55
(APP) Michael Hughes, 26 Yd FG, 0:33
(ODU) Isiah Paige 14 Yd pass from Grant Wilson (Ethan Sanchez kick), 0:24
(APP) Michael Hughes, 45 Yd FG, 0:07
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