FROSTBURG, Md. – The Frostburg State football team opened the 2021 spring season defeating the Wheeling Cardinals by a final score of 27-20 Thursday evening. The Bobcats were led by senior Chad Palmer with one rushing and one passing touchdown throwing 8-13 for 138 yards and rushing for 43 yards.
 
Frostburg received the opening kick and proceeded to go on an 11-play scoring drive, getting on the board first. The drive was capped off with a 38-yard touchdown pass to graduate Kyle Belack, who registered his first touchdown as a Bobcat.  
 
On the very next play, Frostburg senior Zach Strand came up big with a fumble recovery at the Wheeling 29-yard line. The Bobcats used senior Malcom Facey to move the ball down the field before punching in the second touchdown of the evening. Sophomore Dayne Koontz added the extra point to make the score 13-0. The Frostburg defense held the Cardinals to a three-and-out to force a punt.
 
In the second quarter, the FSU defense got on the score sheet with a sack and forced fumble from senior Carl Igweh which was recovered by first-year Ryan Shelton who ran the ball 44 yards for Frostburg's third touchdown. Kootnz kick made the score 20-0 with 8:05 left in the half.
 
Wheeling closed the half by scoring a late touchdown with six seconds left to make the score 20-7 going into halftime.
 
The Cardinals opened the second half scoring a one-yard rushing touchdown to bring the visitors within six points at 20-14.
 
Frostburg increased the lead to 27-14 with a bootleg run from Palmer and an extra point kick from Koontz. Wheeling kept things interesting with a 30-yard touchdown pass. On the ensuing extra point attempt, sophomore Akyian Loney came off the edge to block the kick and keep the Bobcats lead at 27-20 with less then a minute to play. Frostburg capped of the game by securing the onside kick to win the first game of the season.
 
Belack finished the game with six receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown. Igweh recorded two sacks and two forced fumbles with three tackles for loss. Juniors Dylan Culpen and Zachary Willett both led the Bobcats in tackles with nine a piece.
 
The Bobcats return to action Saturday, March 20 as they travel to Ohio to take on the Notre Dame Falcons. Kickoff is set for 2:00 pm. For more information go to www.frostburgsports.com.