BOONE – Appalachian State football snapped its four-game losing streak Saturday afternoon, beating Marshall 26-24 win at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback JJ Kohl started in place of redshirt junior quarterback AJ Swann, who suffered an ankle injury against James Madison University.
Freshman running back Jaquari Lewis was the energizer for the offense, while the defense forced three turnovers, one of which sealed the win.
Head coach Dowell Loggains praised the fans for showing up even when the team is struggling.
“I appreciate our fans sticking with us. It matters, it does,” Loggains said.
Tale of the Tape
Marshall’s offense took the field first and converted a first down on the first play from scrimmage, but the drive was stopped after a sack from redshirt senior defensive lineman Kevin Abrams-Verwayne.
The Mountaineers first drive lasted three plays before a punt. The App State defense forced a three-and-out, giving the offense some momentum.
They recorded their first down of the game with a 11-yard run from Lewis.
A few plays later, freshman kicker Dominic De Freitas put the Mountaineers on the board with a 32-yard field goal.
Back-to-back carries from redshirt junior quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson moved the Thundering Herd across the 50-yard line, but a holding penalty pushed them back.
On the next play, redshirt junior defensive back Emory Floyd came up with an interception.
App State could not muster 10-yards in four plays, giving the ball back to Marshall in plus territory. Marshall moved into the red zone and redshirt junior running back Jo’Shon Barbie punched in a 5-yard touchdown, giving them a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.
A series of carries from Lewis and Kohl moved the Mountaineer offense across the 50 to start the second quarter. A 16-yard run by Lewis set him up for a 18-yard touchdown run on the following play.
Loggains called a strange 2-point conversion which saw redshirt sophomore punter Ian Ratliff attempt a pass which fell incomplete, making the score 9-7.
Marshall put together a four-play 75-yard drive highlighted by a 38-yard pass from Del Rio-Wilson to senior wide receiver Demarcus Lacey. Del Rio-Wilson capped the drive off with a 16-yard touchdown run to reclaim the lead.
After a three-and-out by the Mountaineers, the Thundering Herd took over on their 45-yard line. After an App State penalty and a 19-yard run, Marshall moved to the 5-yard line where Del Rio-Wilson scored his second rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 21-9.
Following uneventful drives from both teams, Kohl found redshirt sophomore wide receiver Davion Dozier for a 21-yard completion, moving them into plus territory.
Loggains called Lewis’ number on fourth and one and he answered with a 20-yard run. Kohl found redshirt senior tight end David Larkins across the middle for the final score of the half.
A 23-yard completion to Lewis got the ball moving for the Mountaineers to start the half. After moving into the red zone, Lewis scored his second touchdown of the day, giving them a 23-21 lead.
Marshall moved into Mountaineer territory with ease, taking the ball to the 10-yard line. After Del Rio-Wilson missed a wide open man in the end zone, they settled for three.
After an App State three-and-out, a 23-yard run from Barbie and a roughing the passer penalty moved Marshall into scoring position. The defense held strong forcing a field goal which was blocked by redshirt freshman DeNigel Cooper.
Once again the offense gave the defense no time to recover with another three-and-out.
Barbie got the Marshall drive started with a 18-yard rush to the 50-yard line. However, the defense made a stand and forced a punt.
The offense continued the pattern with a three-and-out. Ratliff helped the defense by putting Marshall at the 1-yard line. However, redshirt junior quarterback Zion Turner, who replaced an injured Del Rio-Wilson, completed a pass past the sticks.
Marshall then began marching until Turner fumbled into the hand of the App State defense with just over five minutes left in the game. This time, the Mountaineers capitalized.
The offense took over on the 40-yard line. They finally got moving and were able to ride Lewis into the red zone. De Freitas put the Mountaineers up two with two minutes remaining, 26-24.
Marshall took over at the 25-yard line with one more chance. They moved across the 50 with just over a minute on the clock. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Colton Phares came up huge with a forced fumble and the recovery to seal the victory, App State’s first since beating Georgia State 41-20 on Oct. 11.
Key Players for the Mountaineers
Kohl was overshadowed by Lewis, but he played a clean game completing 19 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.
Lewis was the heart and soul of the offense. He had 33 carries for 175 yards and two touchdowns on the ground – 117 of those yards were in the first half. After senior running back Rashod Dubinion went down with injury, Lewis proved he could be a starting running back for years to come.
“Really proud of how he played. He’s a young player that’s got a high ceiling and we’re excited that he’s here,” Loggains said.
Phares was the hero of the game forcing and recovering the game winning fumble. He also tallied 8 total tackles.
Key Players for the Thundering Herd
Del Rio-Wilson was a duel-threat before he left the game with an injury in crunch time. He threw for 146 yards, but truly shined on the ground with 14 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Lacey reeled in 12 receptions for 134 yards.
Redshirt senior linebacker Jayland Parker recorded 15 total tackles and two sacks.
Looking Ahead
The Mountaineers (5-6) will look to become bowl eligible on Senior Day against Arkansas State next weekend. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
Max Schwanz is the sports editor for The Appalachian, the student newspaper at Appalachian State University. A journalism major and digital marketing minor from Cornelius, N.C., you can find more of his work at The Appalachian.
