CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The Frostburg State football team fell on the road to the University Charleston by a score of 28-25.
The Bobcats won the toss and decided to take the ball to start things off on the road against the Golden Eagles. The Charleston defense forced a three and out to start the game, then UC took to the ground on their first chance with the ball, running three straight times before the Bobcat defense forced a punt. Senior Graham Walker would pick up 32 yards on the opening pass, finding sophomore Jeremiah Gibson. An 18-yard run from sophomore Sean Aaron would eventually set up a 18-yard field goal, as graduate Dayne Koontz would knock through the short kick to put the Bobcats up 3-0 early. The Frostburg defense would again force a three and out after a sack from graduate Jaylen Parks. FSU would capitalize on a short punt and get the first touchdown on the day. Aaron finished the drive off in the endzone, punching it in from a yard out, putting the Bobcats up 10-0 after the made point after. To end the first quarter the FSU defense would force a punt and keep the score 10-0 Frostburg.
The Bobcats would open the second with the ball, working the ball to midfield before having to punt. The Golden Eagles would take to the air to score their first points of the game, with Javonte Howard finding Tae Marrero from 15 yards out. After the UC touchdown the game stood at 10-7 FSU. UC would score again after Walker fumbled on a sack that was picked up for a touchdown, with Charleston taking their first lead of the game at 14-10. Frostburg quickly answered with senior Evan Branch running for a 55-yard score to put FSU ahead at the half 17-14.
The third quarter would see two long possessions for the Golden Eagles. UC would run 25 plays for over 100 total yards, holding the ball for over 10 minutes. During the first long drive for UC the Bobcat defense would hold them to a 47-yard field goal miss. The Bobcats would go three and out, giving the Eagles back the ball. UC would go 63 yards and score on third down from the two, putting the hosts ahead 21-17.
Frostburg started the fourth quarter down and needing a score. Aaron picked up a first down on a 12-yard run, but the offense sputtered and would have to punt. Charleston would pick up great field position on a bad snap from the resulting punt, setting them up for another score and grow their lead to 28-17. FSU, having given the ball back, needed a big play and found one in junior cornerback DJ Denson, picking off a pass and running it back to the Charleston 24-yard line. After the pick the FSU offense and Aaron would score from a yard out, following senior guard Greg Gains into the endzone. Walker would then score on a two-point play running a boot in on his own making the score 28-25 UC. Koontz would attempt an onside kick after the score that was recovered by the Golden Eagles, as they ran the clock down to pick up the home victory.
Aaron and Branch combined for 172 rushing yards on 30 total carries, scoring three touchdowns between the pair. Sophomore Yasir Holmes helped lead the defensive effort, tying for the team lead in tackles with junior Delonta Butler for seven tackles each, while also tallying a combined four and a half tackles for loss.
With the loss Frostburg moves to 6-2 on the season with Charleston going to 7-1. Frostburg will play its final home game next week, facing off against Glenville State on Saturday, November 4, where it will be senior day at 1 PM. For more information visit frostburgsports.com.
