Title: App State Football Comes Back Strong in Season Opener, Defeats Gardner-Webb 45-24
BOONE, N.C. – The App State Football team kicked off their 2023 season with an impressive comeback victory against Gardner-Webb, winning 45-24 in front of a large cheering crowd at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Saturday. The game showcased the team’s depth and the outstanding performance of new and non-starting players.
The Mountaineers faced an early setback when starting quarterback Ryan Burger left the game with a finger injury after throwing an early touchdown pass. However, his replacement, Joey Aguilar, stepped up to the challenge and delivered an exceptional performance. Aguilar completed 11 of his 13 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns, including a touchdown on his first play, setting a new school record for the most touchdown passes by a quarterback in his App State debut. Head coach Shawn Clark praised Aguilar’s impact, stating, “Joey came in, his first collegiate pass for App State is a touchdown, and that gave us the spark we needed.”
The offensive firepower wasn’t limited to the quarterbacks, as several other players made significant contributions. Eli Wilson, Kaedin Robinson, Dalton Stroman, Dashaun Davis, and Christan Horn each caught a touchdown pass. Additionally, Nate Noel rushed for 117 yards and one touchdown on a career-high 24 carries.
The turning point of the game came in the third and fourth quarters when the Mountaineers forced three turnovers within eight minutes. These turnovers allowed App State to gain separation from the Gardner-Webb team, who had led 24-21 earlier in the game. Led by defensive end Michael Fletcher’s relentless pressure, veteran safety and team captain Jackson Greene made an interception, returning the ball 25 yards to the Gardner-Webb 23. Noel capitalized on this opportunity, scoring a touchdown to extend App State’s lead. The defense continued to shine, with Kevin Abrams-Verwayne forcing a fumble that was recovered by newcomer Montez Kelley, and Aguilar connected with Horn for another touchdown, cementing the victory.
App State’s quarterbacks made an impact in the first half as well, with both Burger and Aguilar throwing touchdown passes. After Burger’s touchdown pass to Wilson, Gardner-Webb scored ten points to take the lead temporarily. However, when Aguilar took the field, he promptly found Robinson open for a touchdown, putting App State back in the lead.
The resilient Mountaineers never let up and continued to build their lead. Aguilar’s touchdown pass to Davis and a 43-yard touchdown pass to Stroman down the right sideline secured the win for App State. Kicker Michael Hughes’ successful field goal, Nate Johnson, and Fletcher’s strong defensive plays all contributed to the victory.
On the defensive end, Nick Ross led the team with 12 tackles, while Andrew Parker Jr. and Tyrek Funderburk added six tackles each. The defense’s exceptional second-half performance, which included three takeaways, played a crucial role in securing the victory.
App State’s thrilling win in their season opener showcased the team’s depth and resilience. With the strong leadership of head coach Shawn Clark, the Mountaineers look ready to make a statement in the 2023 season.
As the team celebrated their victory, injured teammate Anderson Castle, a Watauga High School graduate, joined the jubilant sideline scene, showing the strong bond and camaraderie within the team.
The Mountaineers will look to build on this success as they continue their season, facing new challenges and aiming for further victories.