CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Golden Eagles keep the Kanawha Classic trophy in Charleston, after soaring over rival West Virginia State on Saturday. Charleston finishes undefeated in the Southern Division of the MEC and will play next weekend for the MEC title.

THE BASICS
LOCATION: Charleston, W. Va. - University of Charleston Stadium
SCORE: Charleston: 39, West Virginia State: 10
RECORDS: Charleston (3-0, 3-0 MEC), West Virginia State (2-2, 2-2)

HOW IT HAPPENED
Led by Senior quarterback Guy Myers' four touchdown day, the Golden Eagles surpassed 545 yards of total offense, while the UC defense held the Yellow Jackets to just 141 total yards.

Both offenses struggled on their opening possessions. West Virginia State gave up a sack to defensive lineman BJ Faniran on their second possession on third down. The Yellow Jackets were 2 of 11 on third down for the entire contest. On Charleston's second offensive possession, Senior receiver Gerron Fryer hauled in a 45 yard strike from Guy Myers; which two plays later led to a Josh Brown touchdown run from 12 yards out.

Early in the second quarter the Golden Eagles muffed a punt snap in their own territory. The Yellow Jackets would capitalize just four plays later by hitting a field goal to make the score 6-3 in favor of the Golden Eagles. After the Yellow Jacket score, the UC offense responded with a 14 play, 73 yard drive that ended with a Guy Myers' touchdown run from four yards out.

The Golden Eagle defense would be tough to handle for the Yellow Jackets. A defensive performance led by linebacker Michael Perry; who ended the day with eight tackles, two for loss, and a sack to finish a career day for him.

Late in the second quarter of play, Josh Brown would again find the endzone for the Golden Eagles. This would be his second of the day for the running back from Knoxville, Tennessee.

On the next possession, senior defensive back Kei Beckham would intercept a long pass from the Yellow Jackets to give the Golden Eagles the ball back quickly before halftime.

First possession for the UC offense to begin the third quarter was finished off by another Guy Myers' touchdown run from ten yards out.

Yellow Jackets would score their lone touchdown of the day in mid-third quarter on a touchdown run from quarterback Donovan Riddick.

The UC offense would come right back to end the third quarter with a long drive that ended with a touchdown grab from receiver Marquis McCoy from 25 yards out. McCoy would finish the day with ten catches, 143 yards, and a touchdown. The Golden Eagle defense would shut out the Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter to finish the day.

Final score of the day from Guy Myers' on a one yard run to put the score at 39-10, in favor of the home team.

The Golden Eagles will play next Saturday, April 17 at Notre Dame College for the Mountain East Conference Championship.

--UC--