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GAME-DAY PREVIEW
WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
Steve Behr Sports Editor
Win over the Griz a tough act to follow Appalachian State’s 35-27 victory over Montana last Saturday gave the Mountaineers a tough act to follow. They’ll give it a try Saturday when the No. 8 Mountaineers host No. 21 Citadel at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. in the 50th anniversary of the place known affectionately as “The Rock.” The Mountaineers, and 30,856 of their closest friends, ganged up on Montana in part three of the trilogy between the two storied FCS programs. A student, who I’m guessing had a little bit of liquid courage before the game, stopped me while I was on my way to the field to take a few photos. “Steve Behr! Tell me what’s going to happen tonight!” “You’ll see the best game you’ve ever seen in your life,” I replied, before a pretty young woman he knew took his attention away. Game one of the trilogy, a Division I-AA semifinal playoff game played in 2000, kept even the grouchiest sports writer on the edge of his seat. Game two, an FCS semifinal playoff game played in 2009, did the same. Those same seats, as all the seats at Washington-Grizly Stadium were that day, were colder. Game three, played on Saturday, had two teams that wanted to win a nonconference game as much as any I’ve seen. “In 2009, we went up there and I was actually a freshman, so I made the trip there. It was just like revenge so to speak,” All-American cornerback Demetrius McCray said. Oh yeah, this one meant something. ASU has another one that means something today. The Citadel stunned Georgia Southern 23-21 last week, and a win over Appalachian State would shock the FCS world. Not today. I’ll take ASU by seven points.
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Appalachian State true freshman receiver Malachi Jones is second on the Mountaineers with nine receptions for 103 yards. STEVE BEHR | WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
Youth be served Malachi Jones is one of several young App State receivers BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com For a college debut, Malachi Jones didn’t complain. Jones, a freshman receiver, caught five passes for 69 yards, including a 27-yarder, in Appalachian State’s 35-13 loss to East Carolina. He had a couple of drops, but also showed some flashes of the high expectations that have been put on him. “I felt like I did good,” Jones said. “Obviously things, I could clean up on are those two drops. But for the first game, I thought I did pretty good.” Jones was happy to be a part of the
Mountaineers’ rotation. He started in place of Sean Price, who served the first part of a two-game suspension for breaking team rules. Jones followed with four catches for 34 yards in the Mountaineers’ 35-27 victory over Montana on Sept. 8. He’s second on the team in receptions after two games this season. Jones is part of a talented group of freshmen and redshirt freshmen that includes Price, Simms McElfrish, Chris Starks and Oregon transfer Tacoi Sumler. Jones said getting to start in his first college game was an exciting experience. “It was. It most definitely was,” Jones
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said. “I took it all in because the first couple of series, being in Greenville with the crowd in, it was a great experience for me.” McElfrish had two catches for 11 yards against East Carolina, and followed with two more catches against Montana. Sumler caught one pass for nine yards, and a deep pass was thrown to the receiver who clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.24 seconds. Price had even a bigger day against Montana. He caught eight passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. One of Jones’ catches against the Grizzlies was a 17-yarder that picked up a first down. SEE JONES, PAGE 3
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GAME-DAY PREVIEW
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
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WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: THE CITADEL AT APPALACHIAN STATE: TODAY, 3:30 P.M. KIDD BREWER STADIUM
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Citadel grabs Appalachian State’s attention BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com
If Even in the worst of times, The Citadel has been a dangerous team to Appalachian State. There have been some Appalachian State blowouts, especially at Kidd Brewer Stadium. There have also been close games, too. Rarely were both teams ranked in those games. The Citadel’s 23-21 victory over then No. 3 Georgia Southern propelled the Bulldogs into the Top 25 in both major FCS polls. The Bulldogs are No. 21 in The Sports Network Poll and No. 23 in the AFCA coach’s poll. Whether they will stay there depends on what happens Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The Citadel plays Appalachian State, which is No. 7 in the AFCA poll and No. 8 in The Sports Network poll. The Mountaineers are also coming off a major victory, having beaten traditional power Montana 35-27 at Kidd Brewer Stadium last week. Appalachian State head coach Jerry Moore is anxious to see how his young team, which starts just four seniors on defense and one on offense, will react Saturday after such a big win the weekend
Appalachian State’s Steven Miller scores a touchdown against The Citadel last season. STEVE BEHR | WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
before. “I really am. We had similar circumstances the year before,” Moore said. “We beat Georgia Southern and they were the No. 1 team in the country, and we didn’t play
well after that. This is a different team. We didn’t play well after that win, so we’ll see what we’ve got.” The Mountaineers took a 21-7 first-quarter lead on Montana only to see the Griz-
zlies tie the game by halftime. Appalachian State outscored Montana 14-6 in the fourth quarter to pull away. The Citadel got three field goals from Thomas Warren, including a game-winning 37-yarder with 35 seconds left. The Bulldogs opened their season with a 49-14 victory over Charleston Southern. “It was a great win here and Johnson Hagood Stadium,” Citadel coach Kevin Higgins said of the Georgia Southern victory. “Obviously, we did it against a good football team that we have a lot of respect for. They wanted it badly and they executed enough to get the win.” The Bulldogs average 36 points and 323.5 yards rushing per game. Ben Dupree leads the team in rushing with 169 yards and two touchdowns in two games. Dupree completed just one pass in four attempts for 26 yards, but it went for a 26yard touchdown to Domomic Jones against Georgia Southern. “They played hard and they played very opportunistic football,” Moore said. “They made plays when they had to make plays.” Appalachian State made plenty of plays in its victory over Montana. Mountaineers quarterback Jamal Jackson completed 24of-34 passes for 260 yards and ran for 65 more yards.
JONES: Newcomer emerging as one of several key freshmen in Appalachian State’s young receiving corps FROM PAGE 2
After two games, Jones is second on the team in receiving with nine catches for 103 yards. He is tied with Tony Washington in receptions, and is one behind team leader Andrew Peacock, who has 10 catches for 134 yards. Jones, an exercise science major, likes the progress he and his young teammates have made. “We’re doing good. Simms, Sean and I are in the rotation and Chris is coming along and making great progress,” Jones said. “For being so young, we’re actually making great progress. The fact all four of us have four years to play is kind of a dangerous
thought. We’re showing that just because we’re young, we showing we can handle the college experience and the college atmosphere on game day.” Jones does more than play receiver. He also blocks on the corners on the punt return, though he does not return any kicks. Jones says it’s just part of being on the team and has no problem playing special teams. “They put the best athletes they have who are willing to help the team,” Jones said. “I’m always willing to help the team in any way. They asked me to come on punt return this week and I didn’t hesitate. I want
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special teams to become 100 percent and definitely improve from last week.” Jones is from Roswell, Ga., and prepped at Central Gwinnet. He was a two-star prospect by rivals.com after catching 82 passes for 1,059 yards and 14 touchdowns his senior season. Although he is new to Appalachian State, Jones is aware of the football tradition at ASU and at Montana. He remembers watching Appalachian State’s 70-24 victory over Wofford in 2008 at Kidd Brewer Stadium on ESPN2. Going up against Montana was a challenge, but one Jones embraced.
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“Our programs are almost identical,” Jones said. “It makes for a great game. (We’re) two, classic, great teams. We know we’re great on our side of the nation and they’re great on their side of the nation. What other better opportunity to play in Boone.” Mountaineers head coach Jerry Moore felt that Jones and Price are growing into their roles as go-to receivers. “Sean Price reminds you a lot of (Brian) Quick,” Moore said. “He’s growing up. He’s a very talented player, and Malachi is a terrific practice guy. He does all the little things. I feel very good about our receivers.”
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GAME-DAY PREVIEW
WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
tale of the tape NO. 7 AFCA, NO. 8 TSN APPALACHIAN STATE (1-1, 0-0 SoCon)
NO. 23 AFCA, No. 21 TSN THE CITADEL (2-0, 1-0 SoCon)
APPALACHIAN STATE .....................................................................vs. ................................................................................THE CITADEL Boone, N.C. .............................................................................. Location ....................................................................... Charleston, S.C. 17,344 .................................................................................. Enrollment ................................................................................... 2,139 1899 ....................................................................................... Founded ...................................................................................... 1842 Mountaineers/Black and Gold........................................... Nickname/Colors .......................... Bulldogs, Cadets/Citadel Blue and White Southern Conference ..............................................................Conference ............................................................. Southern Conference Kidd Brewer (23,150) ..................................................... Stadium (Capacity) ..............................................Johnson Hagood (21,000) Jerry Moore (Baylor, 1961) ................................................... Head Coach .......................................Kevin Higgins (West Chester, 1977) 208-84 (23rd season) ................................................Coach’s Record at School ............................................... 33-47 (Eighth season) 235-132-2 (30th season) .............................................Coach’s Overall Record................................................ 89-72-1 (15th season) 1-1 .....................................................................................Overall Record.................................................................................... 2-0 0-0 .......................................................................Conference Record (Standing) .............................................................1-0 (t-1st) No. 8 (Sports Network) No. 7 (AFCA) ............................... National Ranking............................No. 21 (Sports Network), No. 23 (AFCA) Multiple Spread ....................................................................Basic Offense........................................................................Triple Option 24.0 (t7th/53th)......................................Points Per Game (Conference/National Rank)......................................36.0 (3rd/20th) 138.0 (8th/59th)..............................Rushing Yards Per Game (Conference/National Rank)...............................323.5 (3rd/5th) 280.0 (1st/16th) ..............................Passing Yards Per Game (Conference/National Rank) .............................66.5 (8th/110th) 418.0 (3th/28th)................................ Total Yards Per Game (Conference/National Rank) ...............................390.0 (7th/39th) Multiple (3-4 base)...............................................................Basic Defense.................................................................................. 4-2-5 31.0 (6th/66th)...............................Points Allowed Per Game (Conference/National Rank) ..............................17.5 (4th/38th) 162.0 (7th/63rd) .....................Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game (Conference/National Rank) .....................240.5 (9th/89th) 274.5 (8th/98th)...................... Passing Yards Allowed Per Game (Conference/National Rank) ......................... 73.0 (1st/3rd) 436.5 (8th/82nd) ........................Total Yards Allowed Per Game (Conference/National Rank).......................313.5 (4th/42nd)
2012 appalachian state SCHEDULE DATE Sat, Sept. 1 Sat, Sept. 8 Sat, Sept. 15 Sat, Sept. 22 Sat, Sept. 29 Sat, Oct. 6 Sat, Oct. 13 Sat, Oct. 20 Sat, Oct. 27 Sat, Nov. 3 Sat, Nov. 10
OPPONENT at East Carolina MONTANA THE CITADEL* at Chattanooga * COASTAL CAROLINA ELON * at Samford * WOFFORD * at Western Carolina * at Georgia Southern * FURMAN *
TIME/RESULT (TV) L. 13-35 W. 35-27 3:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3 p.m. (2 p.m. CT) 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
SERIES RECORD (ASU-OPP.)/NOTES Pirates score 14 points in fourth quarter ASU beats Grizzlies for first time in program history Mountaineers play first Southern Conference game ASU managed close win last season vs. Mocs Chants return after losing 45-27 in 2006 playoffs Appalachian State has not lost to Phoenix since 1964 Mountaineers have won all four SoCon games with Bulldogs Terriers broke three-game losing streak with ASU in 2011 Mountaineers dominate series 57-18-1 ASU upset No. 1 Eagles 24-17 in Boone last season Paladins snapped six-game skit to Mountaineers in 2011
ALL CAPS denotes a home game, * denotes Southern Conference game, kickoff times are subject to change.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
SoCON STANDINGS
TEAM THE CITADEL SAMFORD WOFFORD APPALACHIAN STATE ELON WESTERN CAROLINA CHATTANOOGA GEORGIA SOUTHERN FURMAN
CONFERENCE 1 0 .000 1 0 000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 1 .000 0 1 .000
OVERALL 2 0 .000 2 0 .000 2 0 .000 1 1 .000 1 1 .000 1 1 .000 0 2 .000 1 1 .000 0 2 .000
SEPT. 8 GAMES: COASTAL CAROLINA 47, FURMAN 45 THE CITADEL 23, GEORGIA SOUTHERN 21 APPALACHIAN STATE 35, MONTANA 27 ELON 34, NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL 14 WOFFORD 82, LINCOLN (PA.) 0 JACKSONVILLE STATE 27, CHATTANOOGA 24 MARSHALL 52, WESTERN CAROLINA 24 SAMFORD 34, WEST ALABAMA 6 SEPT. 13 GAME: GLENVILLE STATE AT CHATTANOOGA, LATE SEPT. 15 GAMES: SAMFORD AT GARDNER-WEBB, 3 P.M. WEST VIRGINIA STATE AT ELON, 3 P.M. FURMAN AT CLEMSON, 3 P.M. THE CITADEL AT APPALACHIAN STATE, 3:30 P.M. WESTERN CAROLINA AT WOFFORD, 7 P.M. SEPT. 22 GAMES: FURMAN AT PRESBYTERIAN, NOON SAMFORD AT WESTERN CAROLINA, 3:30 P.M. APPALACHIAN STATE AT CHATTANOOGA, 6 P.M. THE CITADEL AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE, 6 P.M. ELON AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN, 6 P.M. SEPT. 29 GAMES: WESTERN CAROLINA AT FURMAN, 1:30 P.M. WOFFORD AT ELON, 1:30 P.M. COASTAL CAROLINA AT APPALACHIAN STATE, 3:30 P.M. CHATTANOOGA AT THE CITADEL, 6 P.M. SAMFORD AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN, 6 P.M. OCT. 6 GAMES: FURMAN AT WOFFORD, 1:30 P.M. THE CITADEL AT SAMFORD, 3 P.M. ELON AT APPALACHIAN STATE, 3:30 P.M. GEORGIA SOUTHERN AT WESTERN CAROLINA, 3:30 P.M. OCT. 13 GAMES: CHATTANOOGA AT FURMAN, 1:30 P.M. WESTERN CAROLINA AT THE CITADEL, 2 P.M. APPALACHIAN STATE AT SAMFORD, 3 P.M. WOFFORD AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN, 6 P.M.