App State Football secured its second victory of the season, moving to 2-0, by defeating East Carolina 27-24 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C., on Saturday afternoon. The win extends the Mountaineers' perfect record in the FBS series against the Pirates to 4-0.

The Mountaineers established a 24-10 lead early in the second half and maintained a 27-17 advantage before ECU scored a touchdown with just 21 seconds remaining. App State clinched the victory when the subsequent onside kick bounded out of bounds.

Several key plays contributed to the Mountaineers' success. Defensive lineman Caleb Sandstrom recorded two sacks, including a strip sack that led to a crucial turnover. Defensive lineman Aaron Clark scooped up the loose ball, setting up a short-field touchdown for App State. Cornerback Dre Walker sealed a late ECU drive with an interception in the final three minutes, thwarting a potential comeback attempt. The App State defense was impactful, with five Mountaineers registering a pass breakup, as the Pirates completed only 21 of their 37 pass attempts and struggled on third down, converting only 2 of 13 attempts.

Offensively, quarterback Malachi Singleton led a turnover-free effort, completing 20 of 28 passes for 267 yards and rushing for a 4-yard touchdown. Singleton displayed poise in the pocket, benefiting from strong protection from his offensive line, and converted five third downs. Running backs Jaquari Lewis, who carried 17 times for 73 yards, and Treyaun Webb each contributed rushing touchdowns for the second consecutive week. Tight end Darrin Fugitt led the team with seven receptions for 66 yards, while Sam Pickett III added four catches for 86 yards.

Special teams also played a significant role. Kicker James London converted two field goals, including one after heavy pressure from the Mountaineers led to ECU shanking a punt from its own end zone.

The game began with ECU mounting two lengthy drives, but only netting seven points due to a missed field goal. App State responded as Singleton’s 34-yard completion to Pickett set up London’s 41-yard field goal. On the very next ECU series, Sandstrom’s strip sack led to Clark’s recovery at the ECU 12-yard line. Singleton then scored on a 4-yard keeper, putting the Mountaineers ahead after a defensive pass interference penalty negated a third-down incompletion.

After forcing an ECU punt, Singleton orchestrated a seven-play, 83-yard touchdown drive. A trick-play pass from Singleton to receiver Chris Lofton, then back to Singleton, resulting in a 23-yard gain for Fugitt, set up Lewis’s 10-yard rushing touchdown. This pushed App State’s lead to 17-7 midway through the second quarter. ECU managed a 33-yard field goal before halftime.

Opening the second half, App State marched 80 yards on seven plays to extend their lead to 24-10. A 26-yard completion from Singleton to Fugitt was followed by a 16-yard run from Webb, who then scored on a 13-yard touchdown run. ECU quickly countered with a 61-yard touchdown pass.

Later in the third quarter, after App State pinned ECU deep in its own territory with a 34-yard punt from Jaxson Dunn, the Mountaineers’ pressure, highlighted by Syncere Berry nearly blocking the punt, forced another shanked kick. This short field allowed London to kick a 37-yard field goal, restoring a double-digit lead.

App State forced two additional three-and-out punts, with Sandstrom securing his second sack. Despite a late ECU advance inside the Mountaineers’ 25, backfield pressure from Aaron Clark and Jehchys Brown forced an ECU throw that Walker intercepted at the 12-yard line with 2:16 left. ECU scored a late touchdown, but the ensuing onside kick secured the App State victory.

This current four-game series between the in-state programs was agreed upon nearly a decade ago, marking their first meetings as FBS members. App State had previously won home games in 2021 (at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium) and 2023 (at Kidd Brewer Stadium). A 2024 victory at ECU marked App State's first win in Greenville since 1959, and Saturday's triumph continued that momentum.

The Mountaineers are set to host Charlotte for Black Saturday (Under the Lights) next weekend in Boone.