CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Golden Eagles opened the season strong by defeating the visiting Fairmont State Falcons by a score of 27-6. This win was the third straight opening win for the Golden Eagles since 2019.

THE BASICS
LOCATION: Charleston, W. Va. - University of Charleston Stadium
SCORE: Charleston: 27, Fairmont State: 6
RECORDS: Charleston (1-0, 1-0 MEC), Fairmont State (1-1, 1-1 MEC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Golden Eagles opened up the season Thursday night by handily defeating the Fairmont State Falcons. The defense shined in their first test of the season, holding the Falcons to only two field goals. The defensive line played a large part in thwarting the offensive game plan of the Falcons.

Fairmont State was able to hold a first quarter lead on the back of solid defense. The kicker for Fairmont State was able to hammer home a field goal from 20 yards and it would be the only scoring of the quarter. The Golden Eagles tried to spark the running game with their quarterback Guy Meyers. The Falcons needed to just keep the dynamic quarterback from making progress on the ground and they would hold the Golden Eagles.

The story of the second quarter was special teams. Throughout the night the Golden Eagle special teams would set up the defense for success by pinning the Falcons deep in their own territory. Tim McCutchen nailed a 51-yard field goal and a 41-yard field goal to give the Golden Eagles the lead in the second quarter. From there, the Golden Eagles would add a touchdown from quarterback Guy Meyers punching the ball in on a 1-yard run after an 11 play drive.

The third quarter showcased much of the same as the first quarter with only one touchdown coming at the hands of a Josh Brown from the redzone. The third quarter would be a quarter dominated by the Charleston defense. Fairmont only attempted seven rushes and would not gain positive yards for the quarter. With pressure from the veteran Keon Freeman who would end his night with two sacks and nine tackles.

In the fourth quarter the Golden Eagles would play another solid quarter of defense only allowing a field goal early in the 4th quarter. A fumble in the fourth quarter by Charleston was their only offensive miscue. Running back, Tyreik McCallister shouldered most of the carries early in the game. Josh Brown tallied two touchdown runs on the night with his last coming in the fourth quarter. The Golden Eagles would hold their 27-6 lead all the way to the finish running out the last two minutes of the clock after a fourth down stop.

UP NEXT:
The Golden Eagles will play their first away game of the year against a well regarded Frostburg State team next Thursday. The Golden Eagles will look to continue their winning ways next week at 7 pm in Maryland.

--UC--