ATLANTA, GA: The Appalachian State Mountaineers showcased their defensive prowess and explosive playmaking to secure a commanding 38-17 victory over the Georgia State Panthers in Atlanta. The win marked a standout performance for the Mountaineers, who capitalized on five interceptions, turning defensive stops into points to maintain control throughout the game.
App State set the tone early in the first quarter with Myles Farmer returning an interception 37 yards for the game’s first score just 36 seconds after kickoff. Shortly after, Anderson Castle added to the momentum with a 24-yard touchdown run after a big stiff arm through a Georgia State safety, giving the Mountaineers a 14-0 lead by the end of the quarter.
Georgia State managed to put points on the board midway through the second quarter with a 30-yard field goal by Liam Rickman. However, Michael Hughes answered for App State with a 17-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, extending the Mountaineers' lead to 17-3.
The Panthers showed life in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 17-10 with Freddie Brock’s 4-yard touchdown run late in the period. Despite this effort, Georgia State’s offense struggled to sustain drives against a relentless Mountaineer defense.
App State’s defense truly took over in the fourth quarter. Brendan Harrington intercepted Christian Veilleux and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown with 5:41 remaining. Less than a minute later, Ronald Clarke delivered another dagger with a 65-yard pick-six. While Georgia State responded with a late touchdown—a 7-yard pass from Veilleux to Brock—the Mountaineers capped the night with a 70-yard burst up the middle of the defense from Castle to seal the victory.
Castle led the App State offense with 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. Joey Aguilar provided efficiency under center, completing 11 of 14 passes for 139 yards without a turnover. Defensively, Jordan Favors paced the Mountaineers with 13 tackles, while Harrington, Farmer, and Clarke each recorded game-changing interceptions.
The Mountaineers dominated the turnover battle, converting five interceptions into three touchdowns. This defensive effort masked Georgia State’s advantage in total first downs (21 to 16) and passing yards (251 to 139). App State’s opportunistic play and special teams precision ensured they stayed in control from start to finish.
The win keeps Appalachian State on track for a strong season, with the defense’s ability to force turnovers proving to be their cornerstone. The Mountaineers will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup as they continue to chase down the rest of the Sun Belt.
1st QUARTER
(APP) Myles Farmer, returned interception 37 Yds (Michael Hughes kick), 6:24
(APP) Anderson Castle, 24 Yd run (Michael Hughes kick), 1:25
4th QUARTER
(APP) Brendan Harrington, returned interception 24 Yds (Michael Hughes kick), 5:41
(APP) Ronal Clarke, returned interception 65 Yds (Michael Hughes kick), 4:50
(GAST) Freddie Brock, 7 Yd pass from Christian Veilleux (Liam Rickman kick), 2:56
(APP) Anderson Castle, 70 Yd run (Michael Hughes kick), 2:05
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