TROY, AL – In a rain-soaked showdown at Veterans Memorial in Troy, Alabama, the first three quarters of the Sun Belt conference championship game was a gritty battle between the visiting App State Mountaineers and the Troy Trojans. Despite the inclement weather, a crowd of 20,183 ardent fans braved the elements to cheer on their teams, their roars echoing through the stadium. The atmosphere was electric, the stakes high, and the players on both sides gave it their all on the field, but it was the Trojans who rattled off twenty-eight points in the final quarter to win 49-23.

How it Happened

After a scoreless first quarter, both offenses finally found their rhythm. Troy’s junior running back Kimani Vidal, the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for two touchdowns, one for 7 yards and another for 36 yards, giving the West Division champions a 14-0 lead. The Mountaineers responded with a quick drive and one-yard touchdown rush by Kanye Roberts, narrowing the gap to 14-7.

In the third quarter, Kanye Roberts scored another rushing touchdown for the Mountaineers, tying the game at 14-all. The Trojans responded with a fifty-one-yard touchdown pass from Gunnar Watson to Chris Lewis. The Mountaineers added a 41-yard field goal by Michael Hughes, making the score 21-17 in favor of the Trojans. This was the closest the Mountaineers would be the rest of the night.

In the fourth quarter, the Trojans extended their lead with a 2-yard touchdown rush by Kimani Vidal and a 10-yard scoop and by Don Callis. The Mountaineers fought back with a 6-yard touchdown rush by Joey Aguilar, but the PAT rush failed. The Trojans sealed their victory with two more rushing touchdowns by Kimani Vidal, one for 6 yards and another for 49 yards, making the final score 49-23 in favor of the Trojans.

Top Performers

For the Mountaineers, quarterback Joey Aguilar completed 28 of 39 passes for a total of 275 yards. On the ground, Kanye Roberts led the rushing attack with fifty-three yards and two touchdowns on thirteen carries, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Anderson Castle and Nate Noel also contributed to the rushing game with forty-seven yards each. In the receiving corps, Kaedin Robinson led with seventy yards on six receptions, followed by Christen Horn with forty-two yards on five receptions. On the defensive side for the Mountaineers, Nick Ross, EJ Jackson, Ethan Johnson, and C. Sullivan each recorded six tackles. Andrew Parker Jr. also contributed with five total tackles.

For the Trojans, Kimani Vidal had an outstanding game, rushing for 233 yards and five touchdowns on twenty-six carries, averaging an impressive nine yards per carry. On the defensive side, Dell Pettus led with eleven total tackles and one sack, followed by Javon Solomon with eight total tackles and two sacks. Reddy Steward and Irshaad Davis also made significant contributions to the defense.

BOONE – Senior Day at The Rock turned into a celebration of milestones and triumphs as the Appalachian State Mountaineers clinched the East Division title with a commanding 55-27 victory over arch-rival Georgia Southern. The win secured their spot in the Sun Belt Championship Game against West Division champion Troy, setting the stage for a championship pursuit.

Despite falling behind 14-3 in the opening quarter, the Mountaineers orchestrated a remarkable comeback, fueled by the arm of quarterback Joey Aguilar, who threw four touchdown passes in the game. Aguilar’s performance not only propelled App State to victory but also etched his name in the program’s history as the single-season record-holder with an impressive 33 touchdown passes heading into the postseason.

The turning point of the game came in the second quarter when App State, trailing 14-10, launched a relentless offensive assault, scoring 38 unanswered points over 16 minutes. The Mountaineers’ defense played a crucial role, capitalizing on turnovers, including three interceptions. Tyrek Funderburk was instrumental in the defensive effort, contributing two interceptions that set the stage for immediate scoring opportunities.

The halftime ceremony added extra flair to the Mountaineers’ resurgence, as the legendary No. 14 jersey of Hall of Fame quarterback Armanti Edwards was officially retired. Edwards, whose short and direct message to the crowd was a resounding “Thank you! Go App!” witnessed his beloved team transform an 11-point deficit into a commanding 41-17 lead by the end of the third quarter.

The Mountaineers’ five-game winning streak to close the regular season, including an overtime victory against James Madison, showcased their resilience and determination to earn a spot in the Sun Belt title game for the fourth time since 2018.

App State’s offensive prowess was on full display, with Aguilar’s 296 passing yards and a balanced rushing attack that accumulated 236 yards on the ground. Kanye Roberts, Anderson Castle, and Maquel Haywood each contributed rushing touchdowns, showcasing the team’s versatility.

The defense, led by standout performances from Tyrek Funderburk and Jordan Favors, played a pivotal role in shutting down Georgia Southern and forcing turnovers that translated into crucial points for the Mountaineers.

As the final whistle blew, App State had not only secured a convincing victory but also established themselves as a force to be reckoned with as they head into the Sun Belt Championship Game, fueled by a perfect blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

SALEM, VA – In a thrilling showdown for the CIAA Championship, Virginia Union took down Fayetteville State, 21-10, at Salem Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The first quarter set the tone for the game, with Virginia Union taking an early lead. Jada Byers led the charge with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, putting Virginia Union ahead 7-0. The extra point by Brady Myers was successful. Virginia Union continued to dominate in the second quarter, with Christian Reid adding another touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0 after Myers' successful extra point. However, Fayetteville State quickly responded with a spectacular 91-yard kickoff return by Barry Elliott, bringing the score to 14-7 after Jacob Meneses's extra point.

Fayetteville State clawed its way back into the game in the third quarter. Jacob Meneses kicked a field goal, closing the gap to 14-10. However, Virginia Union's Jada Byers showcased his skills again with a 16-yard rushing touchdown, and Myers' extra point extended their lead to 21-10, the final margin for the day.

Key Statistics:

For the Panthers, Jada Byers rushed for an impressive 135 yards and scored two touchdowns. Christian Reid threw for 64 yards and rushed for a touchdown. Reginald Vick led in receiving with 42 yards. The Virginia Union defense, led by Armonii Burden and Jabrill Norman, made crucial plays, including sacks and tackles for loss. Barry Elliott's 91-yard kickoff return gave Fayetteville State a jolt before the half. Julian Milligan contributed 28 rushing yards with Kameron King leading the Broncos in receiving with 74 yards. The Fayetteville State defense, spearheaded by Shi Gaskin and Kobe Oldfield, held Virginia Union to 6-15 on third down.

Final Thoughts:

With this victory, 2023 CIAA Coach of the Year Dr. Alvin Parker earned his first championship title, the school’s first since 2001. The Panthers and Fayetteville State await Sunday’s Division II selection show to see their playoff fate.

 CHARLOTTE – Both the Clemson Tigers and North Carolina Tar Heels came into Saturday night’s ACC Championship Game off losses to their rivals and looking for a big win to secure a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Clemson's streak of six straight conference titles was snapped in 2021 and the Tigers were looking to reclaim their spot atop the conference. North Carolina was making its second trip to the conference title game and looking for its first title since 1980. The two schools met in the 2015 championship game with Clemson taking the title, 45-37. The 2022 edition of this matchup would not have the same fireworks with the Clemson Tigers overcoming a slow start to eventually blow away the Tar Heels, 39-10, in front of a raucous crowd of 64,115.

North Carolina opened the game strong, forcing a three-and-out on defense and then marching seventy-eight yards on eleven plays to land on the scoreboard first with a Drake Maye three-yard keeper. The Tar Heels were unable to maintain the early upper hand, though, as the UNC offense could only muster three more points the rest of the evening.

Former Weddington standout RB Will Shipley stretches for the pylon. Photo Credit: ACC Media Services

Dabo Swinney’s decision to swap quarterbacks paid dividends for the fifteenth-year head coach. After starting sluggishly on offense, Cade Klubnik came into the game on the third drive and the Tigers’ offense began to roar. Completing his first ten passes, including a one-yard touchdown toss to Davis Allen, catching a pass to set up a Phil Mafah rushing touchdown, and taking one in himself for another score, the freshman signal caller paced the Tigers to a three-score halftime lead.

Just when it looked like the Tar Heels were about to get back in the game in the third quarter, Clemson quarterback Nate Wiggins stepped in front of a pass at the two-yard line and raced the ninety-eight yards to the end zone for the spectacular pick-six. At this point, the rout was on and the only enemy of the Tigers was the clock.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Maye (Myers Park) – the redshirt freshman passed for 268 yards and rushed for the Tar Heels’ lone touchdown

Will Shipley (Weddington) the sophomore running back scored a touchdown in the third quarter.

Trenton Simpson (Mallard Creek) the junior linebacker had eight tackles, including 1.5 for a loss and two quarterback hurries.

Up Next

Clemson (11-2) will represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl while North Carolina (9-4) will learn its bowl assignment on Sunday afternoon.

BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb and North Carolina A&T both came into the last week of the regular season with a perfect Big South conference record, setting the stage for a winner-take-all matchup for the conference’s autobid into the FCS playoffs.

Both defenses started the game strong, combining for two forced fumbles, three punts, and an interception. The offenses were only partially able to take advantage of the turnovers, though. After recovering a punt on the first play of the game, the Aggies went thirty-three yards in three plays to take an early lead on a twenty-three-yard pass from Jaylen Fowler to Zach Leslie. A fumble at the A&T ten-yard-line helped the Runnin’ Bulldogs get on the scoreboard with a short Jay Billingsley field goal.

A Gardner-Webb block of  NC A&T punt seemed to awaken everyone in the stands, including both teams' offenses, who combined for twenty-eight points in the second quarter. Gardner-Webb was finally able to find the end zone when Bailey Fisher hit Cutrell Haywood on a slant play and the graduate receiver raced twenty-three yards to give the Runnin’ Bulldogs their first lead of the game. Just when it looked like North Carolina A&T would seize the momentum for the day after Bhayshul Tuten broke free and rumbled for a sixty-one-yard score, the Runnin’ Bulldogs rattled off fourteen unanswered points to end the half. Jayden Brown scampered nineteen yards around the left side of the line for one score and linebacker Jamari Brown’s scoop-and-almost-score set up a two-yard Narii Gaither touchdown run.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs started the second half strong as well, forcing an Aggie punt and then extending their lead to seventeen with Narii Gaither’s second touchdown of the day. North Carolina A&T finally got on the scoreboard again late in the third quarter with Andrew Brown’s forty-yard field goal. By the time the third quarter ended, the home team held a two-score lead and was looking to add to their advantage. A fourth quarter Jayden Brown, his second of the day, closed the scoring and secured the victory for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

With the win, Gardner-Webb (6-5, 5-0) secured their first conference title since 2003 and first FCS playoff bid ever. The Runnin’ Bulldogs will find out their opponent on Sunday’s selection show.

LAFAYETTE, La. — Playing in the third Sun Belt Championship Game, App State made a push for a third title before 20th-ranked Louisiana finished off a breakthrough victory.

The Mountaineers trailed by seven points entering the fourth quarter and closed to within eight on Chase Brice's 24-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Hennigan with 5:06 left, but the Ragin' Cajuns milked most of the remaining time and posted a 24-16 victory in front of 31,014 fans Cajun Field.

With a 10-win regular season — and playing Saturday in only the second game between two Sun Belt teams with double-digit victories ¬— the Mountaineers (10-3) will learn their bowl destination Sunday. Since making its FBS debut in 2014, App State has earned a bowl berth in each of its seven postseason-eligible seasons and posted an FBS-best 6-0 bowl record.

Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year D'Marco Jackson had 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and four first-half quarterback hurries, and Nick Hampton's four tackles included 2.5 tackles for loss and two first-half sacks. Kaiden Smith led the team with 12 tackles, Trey Cobb contributed nine and Demetrius Taylor added a sack.

Offensively, Camerun Peoples scored App State's first touchdown on a 43-yard run late in the first half to highlight a 61-yard outing, and Chase Brice rushed for a season-high 52 yards, with his eight scrambles gaining 75 yards. Hennigan had a team-high 71 receiving yards.

App State faced a fourth-and-10 scenario from the Louisiana 24 when Brice avoided pressure and threw a pass over the middle to a leaping Hennigan, who then broke three tackles inside the 15 to reach the end zone on a reception for the 23rd time in his career.

A two-point pass failed, and Louisiana (12-1) registered three first downs on its final drive. A fourth-down pass from the App State 36 fell incomplete with 29 seconds left, but Louisiana clinched the win with a forced fumble on a sack near midfield with 20 seconds remaining.

Down by 10 at halftime, App State opened the third quarter with a 15-play drive that ended with a 36-yard field goal from Chandler Staton. Louisiana followed that with a 12-play drive and went for a first down on a fourth-and-2 play from the App State 20, but Jackson and Kaiden Smith stuffed a run for a 1-yard loss.

App State wasn't able to put together a game-tying drive on its next two possessions, and Louisiana extended its lead to 24-10 early in the fourth quarter when Emani Bailey ran for a 35-yard touchdown on a third-and-8 play. Earlier in the drive, in a third-and-13 situation, Levi Lewis completed a 16-yard pass to the Louisiana 41.

The Mountaineers went into the break trailing 17-7, as Camerun Peoples used a block from tight end Henry Pearson to break loose for a 43-yard touchdown that cut App State's deficit to 14-7 with 2:28 left in the first half.

App State forced a three-and-out punt and appeared to move into Louisiana territory on a Chase Brice scramble late in the half, but a holding penalty put the Mountaineers in a behind-the-chains position that led to the Ragin' Cajuns using timeouts.

Gaining possession at its 46 with 32 seconds remaining before halftime, Louisiana completed a pass for 30 yards to reach field-goal range and then converted a 33-yard kick in the closing seconds of the half.

App State's defense pressured Levi Lewis throughout the first half, as Hampton recorded two early sacks and Jackson had one sack to go along with four QB hurries, but Lewis' nine completions on 18 attempts before the break gained 142 yards, and he added a 56-yard touchdown run.

Lewis avoided the heavy pursuit from Taylor to complete a fourth-and-3 pass for 10 yards on the opening drive, and Lewis sidestepped up-the-middle pressure from Jordon Earle on a 27-yard touchdown pass. A penalty for a lineman illegally downfield wiped out a 46-yard pass to Corey Sutton on App State's second play from scrimmage.

Hampton and Jackson combined for three sacks over the next two Louisiana possessions, but Lewis' long touchdown run with 9:22 left in the second quarter capped a seven-play, 92-yard drive and increased the margin to 14-0. App State answered with a six-play, 75-yard march.

Story courtesy of App State Athletics Strategic Communications

Worth Noting

Notable North Carolinians

Next Week