CONWAY, S.C. — Jaquari Lewis powered Appalachian State to a thrilling comeback Friday night, scoring four rushing touchdowns as the Mountaineers overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Coastal Carolina 35-32.
Lewis proved nearly unstoppable around the goal line, finding the end zone on runs of 12, 1, 12 and 3 yards. He finished with 85 rushing yards on 13 carries, providing the scoring punch Appalachian State needed to escape with a Sun Belt Conference victory.
The Mountaineers (4-2, 1-1 Sun Belt) also received a valuable contribution from backup quarterback Henry Hasselbeck, who helped stabilize the offense and delivered a crucial touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
Hasselbeck completed nine of 12 passes for 112 yards and his first passing touchdown of the season, connecting with Sam Pickett III on a 31-yard scoring play that gave Appalachian State a 35-24 advantage with 6:41 remaining. He also ran for 125 yards on 21 carries.
Malachi Singleton started at quarterback and completed 12 of 14 passes for 151 yards before his costly late-first-half fumble gave Coastal Carolina an opportunity to extend its lead.
The Chanticleers (2-5, 1-2) opened the game aggressively. Deuce Bailey connected with Tristian Gardner on a 21-yard touchdown pass to put Coastal Carolina ahead 7-0.
Appalachian State responded with Lewis’ first touchdown, a 12-yard run that evened the score. The Mountaineers then took the lead after Singleton orchestrated an 88-yard drive in eight plays, capped by Lewis’ one-yard plunge for a 14-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Coastal Carolina answered early in the second quarter with a spectacular 71-yard touchdown pass from Bailey to Robby Washington, tying the game at 14-14.
Bailey continued to find success through the air, guiding the Chanticleers on a 13-play, 78-yard drive that ended with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Ben Verges. The score put Coastal Carolina ahead 21-14 with 1:53 remaining in the first half.
The home team added to its lead just before the break. Reggie Jean recovered a fumble by Singleton with 12 seconds left, giving the Chanticleers one final opportunity to score. Bailey completed a 24-yard pass to Colton Hinton to set up Nico Cavanillas Alti, who drilled a career-long 58-yard field goal as time expired.
Coastal Carolina entered halftime with a 24-14 lead and appeared to have control of the contest.
Appalachian State, however, began its comeback after the intermission. Lewis scored his third touchdown on another 12-yard run, cutting the deficit to 24-21 midway through the third quarter.
The Mountaineers’ defense then delivered a critical play when Devin Henderson intercepted Bailey. Appalachian State converted the turnover into points, with Lewis punching in his fourth touchdown from three yards out to give the visitors a 28-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Hasselbeck helped Appalachian State create additional separation when he connected with Pickett for the 31-yard touchdown, stretching the advantage to 35-24 with 6:41 left.
Coastal Carolina refused to surrender. Jaden Allen-Hendrix scored on a two-yard run, and the Chanticleers converted the two-point attempt to pull within 35-32 with 3:11 remaining.
The late rally put pressure on Appalachian State, but the Mountaineers managed the closing minutes and ran out the clock to preserve the three-point victory.
Bailey finished with 298 passing yards, completing 16 of 31 attempts for three touchdowns and one interception. Dominic Lee-Knicely led the Chanticleers’ ground game with 90 yards on 18 carries.
For Appalachian State, Lewis’ four-touchdown performance and the defense’s timely interception proved decisive in a game that featured several momentum swings. Hasselbeck’s dual-threat contribution also helped the Mountaineers finish a comeback after trailing by 10 at halftime.
Coastal Carolina showed its offensive potential, but the late turnover and Appalachian State’s second-half surge ultimately proved costly.
Up Next:
- Appalachian State: Hosts James Madison on Thursday.
- Coastal Carolina: Travels to Georgia State on Oct. 31.
