App State football secured a 26-21 victory over UNC-Charlotte Saturday in a game that marked the latest kickoff in Kidd Brewer Stadium history. After a series of weather delays, the contest began at 9:32 p.m., three hours and 32 minutes later than scheduled, and concluded at 12:32 a.m. The win extends the Mountaineers' streak over the 49ers to five consecutive games and improves App State's season record to 3-0, marking the best start since 2019.
The game saw the 49ers in their Gold Rush uniforms and the Mountaineers in all black. App State's defense made an early impact, forcing a three-and-out on Charlotte's first possession. However, a fumbled punt by senior wide receiver Chris Lofton gave the 49ers possession deep in App State territory. The Mountaineer defense held firm again, stopping Charlotte after a bobbled field goal hold. On its second offensive play, App State's senior quarterback Malachi Singleton connected with freshman tight end Jamel Howse for a 36-yard completion, setting up a 41-yard field goal from senior kicker James London to give App State a 3-0 lead.
After consecutive three-and-outs, Charlotte began to move the ball, with former Mountaineers wide receiver Jaden Barnes and running back Khamani Alexander contributing to their first first down. The 49ers advanced to App State's 30-yard line but failed to convert on fourth and eight. App State's subsequent drive saw a potential 70-yard touchdown pass nullified by a penalty. Despite this, a 14-yard completion to sophomore wide receiver Sam Pickett III and a 13-yard run from sophomore running back Jaquari Lewis moved the Mountaineers into Charlotte territory before they eventually punted to end the first quarter.
In the second quarter, junior quarterback Henry Hasselbeck contributed with 7 yards on two rushes. Following a false start, Singleton found Lofton for a 20-yard completion, then connected with Pickett for a 21-yard reception. App State converted a crucial fourth and one inside the red zone, and two plays later, Lewis scored his third touchdown of the season with a 1-yard run, making the score 10-0. Charlotte responded a few drives later when quarterback Cole Gonzales connected with wide receiver Jaylen Hampton for 33 yards. Alexander then capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the lead. With 35 seconds remaining in the half, Singleton found Lofton for a 29-yard reception, and sophomore wide receiver Alexander Sanchez moved the team into field goal range, resulting in App State taking a 6-point lead into halftime.
Receiving the second-half kickoff, App State's offense continued to push downfield with multiple passes, but a holding penalty and a strong 49ers defense stopped them at the goal line, leading to a turnover on downs. Charlotte's subsequent drive gained little yardage and ended with an interception by junior defensive back Khalil Conley, who observed the quarterback looking upfield and noted he "just had to go make a play." The Mountaineers capitalized on the turnover, with Lofton making a 3-yard touchdown catch. App State's attempt at a two-point conversion was unsuccessful, bringing the score to 19-7. Charlotte's next possession began with a holding penalty and ended in a punt. App State's passing game continued to advance the ball into 49ers territory, maintaining a 19-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, a significant play by Pickett moved the Mountaineers further into the red zone. Senior wide receiver Jackson Grier then caught a 7-yard touchdown, extending App State's lead. Charlotte answered on its next drive, with Alexander powering in a 2-yard touchdown run, making it a two-score game with seven minutes left. App State's ensuing drive concluded quickly with a punt by junior punter Jaxson Dunn, who pinned Charlotte within the 15-yard line. The 49ers picked up the tempo with several impactful plays and benefited from a Mountaineers pass interference penalty, but their drive ended with an interception by senior defensive back Dre Walker. Charlotte remained in contention with a pick-six interception by defensive back Collin Gill off Singleton. The 49ers' attempt at a two-point conversion to cut the lead to three points was stopped by the Mountaineer defense. Head coach Dowell Loggains took responsibility for the interception, acknowledging that he didn't think the team "put Mali in a good spot" for that play. Charlotte's final attempt, an onside kick, was unsuccessful, allowing App State to drain the remaining clock and secure the victory.
The Mountaineers, now with an undefeated 3-0 record, will next face the North Carolina State Wolfpack on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPNU.
