September 14, 2018 (Inside the Huddle)

HURRICANE FLORENCE COVERAGE PG. 2 Sept. 14 2018

THE APPALACHIAN

Inside the Huddle

News

Emergency management braces for Hurricane Florence, prepares for “worst-case scenario”

Sept. 14, 2018

Moss Brennan । @TheAppalachian । News Editor

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urricane Florence is expected to make landfall off the coast of North Carolina between Thursday and Friday as a Category 4, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Jason Marshburn, director of environmental health, safety, and emergency management for App State, said they are monitoring the storm closely and are prepping for the worst-case scenario.

Classes and all academic obligations are canceled beginning Sept.

12 at 5 p.m. to Sept 16. Condition 1 will be in place for employees, according to an email sent to all App State students from the university.

“With preparedness for Florence we actually started some internal discussions last Wednesday, on a small scale,” Marshburn said.

“We’re doing our normal preparedness measures when we start looking at weather events.”

Measures include clearing drains of debris, an inventory of food by Food Services and making sure supplies are in stock and that everyone is up to date on the latest forecast.

“We’re working with University Communications and various departments to make sure we are getting good communication plans put together,” Marshburn said.

“The chancellor and her cabinet is engaged in the process, as well and we are briefing that group on a regular basis, as well.”

The main group that deals with emergency preparedness is the Emergency Management Task Force. The group includes members from athletics, the chancellor’s of-

fice, academic affairs, health services and housing. In total, EMTF has 17 groups around campus represented.

The 52nd Session Cabinet of the Student Government Association gave a statement on Hurricane Florence Tuesday afternoon.

“The Student Government Association is here to give you any support that is needed during this natural occurrence,” the statement said. “We encourage you all to prepare accordingly and make any necessary arrangements. Remember, we have gone through these situations before and have come out the other side as an even stronger Appalachian family.”

The statement also encouraged students to reach out to campus resources and that they urge everyone to “prepare, remain calm and rest up during your time off from your

Hurricane Florence is expected to make landfall Friday morning. // Photo screenshot from NASA

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normally scheduled week.”

In the event of a power outage on campus, Marshburn said there is protocol for students in dorms.

“Either housing staff or security would come in and supplement that electronic access so there would be someone there to help control access into and out of the building,” Marshburn said.

The biggest concern with this storm is the potential heavy rainfall.

“They’re predicting between 1 inch to double-digit rainfall,” Marshburn said. “There is a chance we could see some impacts but the biggest concern will be rain.”

Marshburn said they are looking at places that flood around campus like Durham Park, which is designed to flood, and areas around Boone Creek. Areas around town that tend to flood include the Boone Mall parking lot and the Walmart parking lot.

“I think the question is the degree to which those (areas) flood and that will just depend on the track of the storm,” Marshburn said.

App State has contingency plans to house staff considered “mandatory employees,” whose work is necessary to maintain mandatory operations around campus.

Mandatory employees stay on campus even if most operations are closed.

Marshburn said that the housing options for those employees may be on campus or in area hotels.

Marshburn said mandatory staff members include workers at the physical plant, police department and student health.

There are on-campus options for students living off campus who cannot get back home.

“We can have the option, depending on need, to house on campus, especially for off campus students,” Marshburn said. “We will also work with our community partners to make sure that there are housing options.”

Marshburn also said the university does provide assistance if a worst-case scenario happens and living places around Boone are destroyed.

“The level of assistance may vary so we would basically help coordinate that assistance process and help make sure they’re getting the resources that they need,” Marshburn said. “We would work to provide the accommodations that we can but we would also work with those students to make sure they’re getting the support they should be getting from their landlord and working with our community partners to identify other options as well.”

For more information on App State emergency plans and how to prepare for an emergency visit emergency.appstate.edu.

Feature

Sept. 14, 2018

ONE MOORE SHOT AT GLORY Shane Harvell । @harvell3_shane । Sports Reporter

Redshirt senior running back Jalin Moore returns this season as only one of six FBS backs in the country with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. // Photo by Mickey Hutchings

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ith only 11 returning seniors suiting up for the 2018 campaign, the relatively young Mountaineers must rely on key senior leadership in hopes of reaching the Sun Belt promise land once again.

One leader worthy of attention is experienced senior running back from Shelby, North Carolina, Jalin Moore.

Returning to the High Country for the final time, he is one of only six featured Football Bowl Subdivision running backs to enter the year with backto-back 1,000-yard seasons. His 3,296 career rushing yards are seventh-most in App State history and second-most among all current FBS players. Only

running back Myles Gaskin from the Pac-12 Washington Huskies possesses more with 4,183 yards.

NFL scouts from across the nation are also keeping a watchful eye on Moore as a possible NFL prospect.

Moore is ranked as the No. 62 overall player on the NFL.com “Top 150 FBS Players to Watch” list. After rushing for a Sun Belt-leading 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns in only 11 games just a season ago, he is also listed as No. 11 among current FBS running backs.

Numerous preseason accolades such as the Maxwell Award watchlist, the Doak Walker Award watchlist and the Reese’s Senior Bowl watchlist have been attached to Moore’s resume as

par for the course.

“I’ve never really actually been that guy,” Moore said. “So, it is different and it’s exciting. I can’t wait to actually be that person that the team can rely on and actually be that one guy, that leader. The younger guys look up to me now. It’s the detail stuff that’s going to help you. I’m trying to teach them how a 2-yard gain instead of a 5-yard loss is important too.”

The coaching staff implemented the famed #10Strong initiative this season to cultivate necessary leadership qualities. In the spring, every position had a group leader meet once per week with the staff about different aspects of vocal leadership.

It was then up to that leader to apply it back within their very own position group. Moore was destined to be the sole leader of this year’s running back group.

“I think it has helped him and I think it has helped everybody,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “I think in particular him because when we had meetings throughout the spring, he’s opened up and shared a lot. So, basically what we were trying to do was to create leadership within those guys and show them how to use it.”

Not only was Moore a student under this year’s #10Strong initiative, he was a witness to the ins and outs of App State’s all-time leading rusher, Marcus Cox. App State’s legacy and esteemed culture flows from one generation of players to the next.

“I was behind Marcus and he was great at (outside zone patience),” Moore said. “It was just natural to him. I would just watch his path and listen to what he told me and it came along. I was still rushing it a little bit.

As a running back group, we see and watch the play from the sideline, treating it as if we were in there. We gave each other feedback when we got off the field.”

Attention to detail and dedication to the weight room pays off.

Moore is the only active FBS running back who has rushed for at least 235 yards in four career games. He averaged an astounding 94.3 yards per game during the 2017-2018 campaign. Moore capped off 2018 by posting 125 yards and three touchdowns in the 34-0 Dollar General Bowl win against Toledo.

“He’s strong and very hard to bring down,” running backs coach Stu Holt said. “He’s different in terms

of his strength and speed combination with his size. A lot of times, guys his size do not run as well as he does or break out in the open field and not get caught. He has always worked so hard and certainly hasn’t slacked off any.

He takes his preparation very seriously and he also takes his role as a leader on the team very seriously.”

Moore is right on schedule in leading the Mountaineers to this promised land one last time after coming off of the heartbreaking loss at No. 10 Penn State with 18 carries for 88 yards and the late go-ahead rushing touchdown.

Moore’s maturity as a player showed as he hauled in five crucial receptions on swing passes in the backfield for 36 yards that helped to keep the offense ahead of the chains. In fact, he totaled only five catches for 32 yards back in the 2016 season when he won the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year Award.

“It’s going to be a lot to look back on and I never would want to go through it again with anybody else,” Moore said. “I was just blessed to be here, because my scholarship came so late. Every time I put the uniform on and every time I see the ‘A,’ it reminds me of that. I just want to give my all for Appalachian State every Saturday.”

“...I can’t wait to actually be that person that the team can rely on...”

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Features

Sept. 14, 2018

DUCK

EMBRACES LEADERSHIP

ROLE I

Zack Antrum । @zantrum17 । Sports Reporter

f you were to ask most incoming freshmen football players what their goals are, the majority would be content with avoiding being redshirted, which means they are able to see game time right away instead of having to stay on the sidelines. This wasn’t the case for Clifton Duck.

Despite an excellent prep career, he was overlooked by most schools.

App State gave him the chance he needed and he took advantage of that opportunity and hit the ground running.

“Somebody always has something to say,” Duck said. “I look at my weaknesses and turn them into my strengths.”

Not only did he start all 13 games in his debut season, but he was a key component of the defense that finished sixth in the country in interceptions with 20. Duck claimed five of them himself, which was good for second in the Sun Belt and 13th in the country.

Duck capped off the season by being named first-team All-Sun Belt and Sun Belt Freshman of the Year.

He was also listed as both a USA Today and Football Writers Association of America freshman All-American.

After his debut year, there was concern about whether or not he would be able to live up to his outstanding performances the previous year. Duck didn’t let the pressure get to him. He started all 13 games for

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the second straight year and led the Sun Belt in interceptions with six.

He also tied the school record for most interceptions in a game with three on the same day as his counterpart Tae Hayes, senior cornerback, also finished with three in a 45-31 win against New Mexico State.

Going into his junior season, Duck was named to the College Football America Yearbook Dream Team and was Sun Belt Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named to the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist for the season.

“It was a blessing. Just getting national attention is also a blessing,” Duck said. “I realized that it’s just doing what I do every day. Just putting in the work and doing what I can do for the team and everything will work out for itself.”

Not only has Duck become a stronger player, he has also embraced his role as an upperclassman.

He uses his experience to help his younger teammates become better players.

“My freshman year was just focusing on my assignment and not messing up,” Duck said. “Now it’s helping the other guys and and helping read the offense to make it easier for other guys and myself as well.”

Duck looks to help lead the team to a third consecutive Sun Belt regular season championship along with an overall Sun Belt championship, which was introduced this year.

Junior cornerback Clifton Duck was named Sun Belt Preseason Defensive Player of the Year after leading the Sun Belt with six interceptions in 2017. // Photo by Mickey Hutchings

Features

Sept. 14, 2018

HAYES LEADS IN CONFIDENCE, INTELLIGENCE Chase Frick । @TheAppalachian । Sports Reporter

Senior cornerback Tae Hayes was named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist for the best defensive player in the country after intercepting four passes, forcing a fumble, and adding 53 tackles in 2017. // Photo by Brendan Hoekstra

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he 2018 Mountaineers come into the season with one of the most experienced defensive backfields in the conference. One of the players making up this backfield, senior Tae Hayes, looks to go out with a bang as a Mountaineer.

Hayes is coming off a 2017 campaign where he logged four interceptions, 16 passes defended and 53 tackles. He said he looks to back it up this season. He is on the preseason second All-Sun Belt Team and an early candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to best defensive player in the nation.

“I’m really just trying to lead in

everything and try to be the best player I can be. I feel like I haven’t had my best game yet,” Hayes said.

Hayes, who had a three-interception game last sesaon, said he still feels he can have a better performance. He also said that he will need to be a leader this year after losing former safety AJ Howard, a significant on-field presence a year ago. This is one of the challenges that comes with being a senior who not only has high expectations from the media, but high expectations for himself.

“His knowledge of the defense and our concepts, he has studied a lot of film and sets to where it helps him

play a little faster,” Byran Brown, defensive coordinator, said.

Hayes has also turned heads on the coaching staff this offseason where he has received praise for his mental capacity and dedication to the film room.

Hayes pointed to his biggest improvements as being on the field.

He said he feels more comfortable when playing man-to-man coverage and freeing up the defense to different packages if he proves capable of being on an island. He also points to his hands as a great improvement this season. Dropped interceptions have plagued him in the past, but he said he feels this should

be a nonissue today.

“He has tremendous confidence in everything he does, and whatever his limitations are, he understands that and plays to his strengths,” head coach Scott Satterfield said.

This high praise from Satterfield exemplifies the amount of confidence the coaching staff has in Hayes. They know going in they are going to get his best and that he isn’t going to beat himself on any play because he knows what he can and can’t do as an athlete.

Hayes exudes confidence while on the field, leaving a message for all opposing quarterbacks thinking about throwing his way this season.

A player with this confidence, knowledge of the game and skill-set makes him a threat to opposing teams in the season to come.

2018 looks as if it could be another strong year for the Mountaineers and much of that success will be determined by how players such as Hayes perform. The defensive backfield will be a point of strength this coming year and Hayes will be looked at to effectively lead this unit and the team. This will be a new role for him, but one he and the coaching staff believe he is ready for. Don’t be surprised to see another big year from the App State corner as he makes his final run in Boone.

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Features

Sept. 14, 2018

STOUT MOUNTAINEERS READY TO LEAD THE

Silas Albright । @silasalbright । Sports Reporter

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edshirt senior defensive end Myquon Stout has been a classic system player for the Mountaineers since his arrival in Boone.

Stout has one of the most important intangibles that a football player can possess; he has the respect of his teammates and he knows how to lead them in the right direction. He has been through a lot both on and off the field and has learned from his experiences. Stout embodies the mentality of a leader and keeps the whole defense in order from the nose tackle slot, head coach Scott Satterfield said.

“He’s been around, he’s been through a lot of different things, ups and downs, adversity, playing a lot and not playing a lot,” Satterfield said.

“He’s been a great leader for us in the offseason.”

Stout is from Salisbury, North Carolina, and attended Jesse C. Carson High School, where he was a three-sport star for the Cougars. He was a standout three-year starter on the varsity basketball team and a 3A state champion in shot put. Stout was

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named to the 3A all-state first team by NCPreps.com for his performance on the football field. He also played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas as a senior for the North Carolina squad.

After his redshirt year, he saw his first action for the Mountaineers in 2015. He finished that year with six tackles.

In 2016, Stout started in 12 of App State’s 13 games and missed his only start on senior day. Stout emerged in an early-season away game against the then No. 9 Volunteers of the University of Tennessee, registering three tackles including one for loss to go along with a quarterback hurry. He finished the year with 20 tackles, including four for losses and two sacks.

Last season, Stout was named a captain before the start of the season and showed his teammates, coaches and fans that he deserved the title. He started all 13 games and was named an All-Sun Belt Conference honorable mention. He finished the year with 41 tackles and 1.5 sacks. The Mountaineers’ defense was one of the hardest to move the ball against. They were

Redshirt senior Myquon Stout returns to lead the defensive line group after being named Preseason All-Sun Belt second team. // Photo by Brendan Hoekstra

the only team in Football Bowl Subdivision to win their bowl game while holding the opposing team scoreless.

The Mountaineers joined Clemson University and the University of Alabama as the only schools since 2010 to shut out an opponent in a postseason bowl game.

Before the 2018 season, Stout was named to the preseason All-Sun Belt Conference second team and is one of four captains on this year’s squad. Stout said he has never been content with coming in second.

“It’s a lot of motivation. Everybody wants to be first team,” Stout said. “Just got to put the work in now and play hard on Saturdays.”

When asked about his personal

success, Stout puts his teammates in the spotlight.

“We got a lot of guys that have played a lot,” Stout said. “We got Okon Godwin who started the last six games when Tee (Sims) was out, (Demetrius Taylor) got a lot of snaps, Elijah Diarrassouba and a lot of the boys got a lot of snaps under their belts.”

Satterfield said he expects Stout to have an above average year and to continue to be irreplaceable on and off the field.

“He works his tail off outside of the football field, so that shows these young guys how to work in the weight room,” Satterfield said. “He’s a vocal leader on the field and in the media rooms. Our guys listen to him, they

respect him and I think that’s huge.”

The defensive line for the Mountaineers is undersized in comparison to other D-lines across the country.

Stout is listed at 6 feet, 1 inch tall and 280 pounds and many of the offensive tackles he goes up against are taller and heavier than he is.

It just shows how players like Stout are able to come to App State, develop and hone their skills and come together to form an effective and dominating unit.

“Size ain’t nothing. They put on their shoes the same way we do ours,” Stout said. “At the end of the day, it’s who is willing to work the hardest out there on the field.”

Features

Sept. 14, 2018

N E W C O O R D I N AT O R B R O W N TA K E S O V E R O F F E N C E Chase Frick । @TheAppalachian । Sports Reporter

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fter a strong 2017 campaign that resulted in App State gaining a share of the Sun Belt title for the second straight year, they look poised yet again for a successful season. The sustained run of success can be attributed on a large part to the coaching staff who have led one of the most successful transitions to Division 1 football.

Head coach Scott Satterfield has been the lead dog in this transition with a career coaching record of 41-23 and three consecutive bowl victories.

“It’s one thing to have a bunch of four and five stars that look good, are tall and strong but to make them play hard and do what they’re supposed to do is another thing,” Satterfield said.

“It’s one thing to have a bunch of four and five stars that look good, are tall, and strong but to make them play hard and do what they’re supposed to do is another thing...”

Satterfield said he understands there is an element of coaching to the game that can’t be equaled with just sheer talent. To get the most out of a player you must get inside his head, find out what motivates him and make him desire to be the best.

Satterfield has excelled at this, year in and year out, getting the most out of his players even when they are not the highest-rated recruits.

“It really depends on position and player. It’s a week by week basis.

Maybe this week you’re on the inactive list but next week you’re called up and ready to go,” Satterfield said.

Strategy has never been more important, especially now that the National Collegiate Athletic Association implemented a rule that a player can play up to four games and still be eligible for redshirt status, giving them an extra year of eligibility. These four games can be played at any point during the season, leaving coaches with a decision to make.

Satterfield said he plans to attack this head-on by sending his players the message early that the best man will play. He said he will not hold someone back that is ready and playing time will be determined on a weekly basis. He is creating a competitive atmosphere that will get the most out of his players.

New defensive coordinator Byran Brown takes over a unit loaded with talent and experience all over the field and said he has high expectations to be one of the best in the conference.

Looking at his defense, Brown said he wants to start with the front seven, which he said he believes is the strength of his defense. If he can instill a physical mentality in the front seven, it will help his experienced back end in the turnover battle.

Offensive coordinator Shawn Clark has the challenge of scoring points this year to complement his experienced defense. It may prove difficult trying to score points consistently without an experienced quarterback leading the offense.

“We expect to pick up where we left off last year, run the football and pass when we have to,” Clark said.

Clark said he has supreme confidence in Thomas because of his familiarity with the system. Although Thomas has little game time experience, he understands the offense and can throw when needed.

New defensive coordinator Byran Brown graduated from Ole Miss in 2006 and has been the Mountaineers’ cornerback coach since 2012. // Courtesy of Appalachian State Athletics

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Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

THOMAS LEADS STRONG Q UA RT E R B A C K G R O U P T Garrett Wold । @g_dub1000 । Sports Reporter

he Mountaineers are back in their most favorable situation: as college football’s underdog. There are a lot of holes in the roster after last season, but the one that could be the most concerning is the starting quarterback.

Now that previous quarterback Taylor Lamb has finished his career, the Mountaineers have options for the man under center.

Head coach Scott Satterfield made it clear during the spring of last year that out of the players ranging from four-year seniors to true freshmen, redshirt sophomore Zac Thomas was the front-runner for the position.

Thomas, a Trussville, Alabama, native, has been on the radar of App

State fans since his debut last season as Lamb’s backup.

“Being a strong quarterback is hard to do,” Thomas said. “But [the coaching staff] are great role models and even better at supporting me.”

Thomas had his first career start for the Mountaineers’ opener on Sept.

1 against Penn State.

During his debut, Thomas went 25 for 38 in pass attempts for a total of 270 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed a total of 15 times for 43 yards and a rushing touchdown.

In a performance comparable to his predecessor, Thomas displayed the ability to make smart plays and stay cool under the pressure of national attention.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love Taylor. He was the leader of our team for

sure,” sophomore receiver Thomas Hennigan said. “But Zac is our guy now and he’s going to be our guy for a while.”

In the next game, Thomas went 14 for 14 in passes totaling 295 yards and three touchdowns against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Thomas now has two career starts under his belt, one being an overtime thriller against the No. 2 team in the Big 10 conference and another being a dominant performance against Charlotte, where he threw a perfect game.

The first two games are not a bad start for a young player lacking experience as the offensive shot-caller.

Thomas will start his first career home game Sept. 15 against Southern Miss.

Other than Thomas, App State has plenty of talented quarterbacks.

Their roster includes three underclassmen quarterbacks, including a true freshman from Winston-Salem.

Peyton Derrick, a redshirt freshman quarterback out of Conway, South Carolina, finished his high school career with 77 passing touchdowns, 17 rushing touchdowns and almost 10,000 yards of total offense.

During the Penn State game, Derrick was called in for a single fourth down play. With Thomas on the sideline being checked by medical staff, Derrick threw a pass 22 yards down field to secure the first down.

A safe play would be to have your untested backup quarterbacks hand it off to their star running back. Derrick stood in the pocket, scanned the field

Quarterback Zac Thomas prepares to launch the ball across the field at Saturday’s game against Charlotte. // Photo by Mickey Hutchings

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and threw an impressive pass to his receiver to keep his team’s hopes alive.

“Our job is to help out the team as much as we can. Those guys (on offense) are a talented group and are really good at what they do,” special teams coach Stu Holt said.

Although it is still early in the season, the performance given by Thomas and Derrick so far have been more than impressive.

Thomas’ stats have improved each game so far, which is not a bad habit to have in the inaugural season of the Sun Belt championship playoff game. With the first conference game of the year quickly approaching against South Alabama, App State can continue to utilize their talent to claim their first undisputed Sun Belt championship.

Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

OFFENSIVE RELIES ON RUSHING ATTACK Brooks Maynard । @BrooksMaynard । Sports Editor

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he running game has always been a point of emphasis for App State football. Starting with legendary App State running back John Settle, who rushed for over 1,600 yards in 1986, according to 247Sports.com, running the football has been essential to Mountaineer offenses and the program has produced a number of talented backs since then.

Kevin Richardson, who played for App State from 2004-2007 and was a member of all three national championship teams rushed for 4,804 yards in his career while Marcus Cox (2013-16) is the school’s all-time leading rusher with 5,103 yards, which also ranks No. 16 in all-time in Football Bowl Subdivision history.

Returning to lead the group this season is the 2016 and 2017 leading rusher for the Sun Belt Conference, redshirt senior Jalin Moore. As a redshirt junior last season, Moore rushed for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns while missing two complete games due to injury. Including the Penn State and Charlotte games, he has rushed for 3,296 yards so far in his App State career and 28 touchdowns.

“He’s strong and very hard to bring down,” running backs coach Stu Holt said. “He’s different in terms of his strength and speed combination with his size.”

While sophomore backup Daetrich Harrington has been sidelined with an injury so far this season, the Mountaineers still have a slew of talented backs ready on the sidelines.

Redshirt sophomore Darrynton Evans is listed as a receiver but has primarily been a running back so far in his career. As a true freshman in 2016, Evans rushed for 217 yards on 48 carries while adding 563 kick return yards and 34 receiving yards for a total of 814

all-purpose yards before redshirting in 2017 due to injury. So far in 2018, Evans has nine carries for 33 yards and three kick returns for 130 yards.

“The only thing I have over Jalin is maybe more speed,” Evans said.

“Playing receiver and running back, I probably have a little more of an edge over him in the receiving aspect.”

Redshirt sophomore Marcus Williams, Jr. made eight appearances in 2017, including three starts while Moore was injured. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry on 97 attempts for 500 yards and two touchdowns. He made his 2018 debut against Charlotte, getting four carries and picking up 31 yards, including a long 27-yard pickup.

“We want to get the tailbacks going. We want to get Jalin going, all of our running backs,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “We have some really good running backs, maybe five deep.”

The Mountaineers have a number of pieces waiting in the wings, such as Louisburg College transfer junior Nakendrick Clark, who rushed for 438 yards and four touchdowns in seven games at the junior college level last season. Sophomore Demarcus Harper was a walk-on in 2017 who appeared in five games and had eight carries for 46 yards. Redshirt freshman D’Andre Hicks, who played defensive back, running back, quarterback and wide receiver for Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, Florida, is the most versatile player in the group.

Overall, the 2018 running backs corps is as capable as any other App State team, perhaps even more capable than previous years in their ability to contribute at positions other than running back. But only as the season unfolds will we find out which of these players, if any, are ready to carry on the legacy that former Mountaineer greats have left behind.

Redshirt senior running back Jalin Moore was the Sun Belt’s leading rusher in 2017 with 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns. // Photo

by Dallas Linger

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Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

The Mountaineers’ defense was one of the best in the country in 2017, allowing an average of 20.2 points per game. // Photo by Anothony Flory

LINEBACKERS

MAKE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES

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nly four jersey numbers have been retired by App State. Two of those numbers, 32 and 38, belong to former Mountaineers’ linebackers Dexter Coakley (1993-96), who played 10 NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams, and Dino Hackett (1982-85) who played six NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks.

Linebacking excellence is a tradition for the Mountaineers. In more recent years, other players carried the torch, such as former inside linebacker John Law (2012-16) who amassed 291 tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss and seven interceptions in his career. Eric Boggs (2013-17) received an invitation to the New York Jets training camp in 2018 after posting

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Brooks Maynard । @BrooksMaynard । Sports Editor 347 tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks in his career at App State.

The 2018 lineup sees the loss of several key Mountaineers from 2017.

In addition to Boggs’ departure from Boone, App State lost outside linebackers Rashaad Townes, who had 51 tackles with seven for losses and five sacks last season, and Devan Stringer, who produced 217 tackles with 19 for a loss and 6.5 sacks during his career as a four-year starter.

The 2018 linebacking corps doesn’t appear to be much different from 2017 but most of last season’s starters are gone. Returning from last season are redshirt freshmen D’Marco Jackson, Jermaine McDaniel, Jr., Tanner Ellenberger and Matthew McQuinn, sophomores Tim Frizzell and Blythe Hall, redshirt sophomore

Devonte Harrison, juniors Jordan Fehr, Akeem Davis-Gaither and Noel Cook and senior Anthony Flory.

While this seems like a hefty group, only Flory and Davis-Gaither saw significant time at linebacker in 2017. Flory ranked second on the team in tackles last season with 87, according to appstatesports.com, earning an All-Sun Belt honorable mention for 2017 and a preseason All-Sun Belt first team selection for 2018. Davis-Gaither appeared in all 13 games but recorded only 33 tackles for the season.

“We are a young football team heading into the fall,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “But we do have a lot of talent, and we do have a lot of guys that are coming back that have played.”

Several players already stepped up in the new season. Davis-Gaither and Fehr follow up Flory as the team’s leading tacklers so far this year with 14 and 11 respectively with Fehr only four tackles away from tying his total number for 2017. Cook also opened some eyes after posting seven tackles with two for losses, one sack and one quarterback hurry in App State’s contest with the Charlotte 49ers.

“We’re young, but we have guys that play hard, that’s the key,” co-defensive coordinator Dale Jones said.

“They run to the football and they make some mistakes at this point but we’re really excited about them.”

With so many unknown names in the mix, and in some cases guys who have never played a down of

college football before, it is interesting to see which players made enough of a case for themselves in practice to earn time on the field during a game.

“No. 1: With what we do, we have so many adjustments. So you look for a kid who can come in and get concepts – that’s the key,” Jones said. “What are we doing in a particular call? Knowing how to make that adjustment in all the different formations. So that’s the number one thing, a kid that is very intelligent and has a knack for the game.”

The less-experienced members of this group will have to learn fast in order to pick up where former Mountaineers left off. But with strong performances against both Penn State and Charlotte, the linebackers appear poised to carry the torch.

Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

DEFENSIVE BACKS LOOK TO ANCHOR

MOUNTAINEER DEFENSE IN

2 0 1 8 Silas Albright । @silasalbright । Sports Reporter

T

he defensive backs unit is one of the most experienced and talented groups on App State’s roster. The group has even adopted the nickname “The Legion of Boone,” after the Seattle Seahawks group of superstar defensive backs who were called the “Legion of Boom” for their hard hitting-style of play.

The combination of talent as well as experience the Mountaineers have returned in their secondary is any football coach’s dream.

“That allows you to do a lot of different things up front. We can get after quarterbacks,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “We’re excited about those guys. They just got to continue to be consistent. That’s the main thing.”

It’s no secret that the Mountaineers’ defensive backs can play. Junior safety Josh Thomas is just as aware about their talents as anyone else.

“I’m excited for the season. We got a lot of good guys in our group.

We’re deep, we’re talented,” Thomas said. “The expectations are just to be the best in the conference and best in the nation. We’ve got the guys to do it, we just got to go out there every Saturday and prove it.”

The “Legion of Boone” is led by preseason Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year junior cornerback Clifton Duck. As a true freshman in 2016, Duck started all 13 games for the Mountaineers and caught five interceptions, defended

13 passes and made 57 tackles. For his efforts, he was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, made the first team All-Sun Belt squad and earned a spot on the USA Today Freshman All-America team.

Duck was the epitome of consistency in his sophomore season, again starting all 13 games in 2017 and catching six interceptions on his way to being named first team All-Sun Belt for the second year in a row. He caught three interceptions in a home game against New Mexico State, while fellow returning defensive back Tae Hayes caught three picks of his own in that contest.

Hayes finished the year with four interceptions, 16 passes defended and 53 tackles on his way to earning second team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Hayes has also been reliable, playing in 13 games in each of his three seasons with App State. He was also named the preseason All-Sun Belt Conference second team heading into this year.

However, second isn’t good enough for Hayes.

“I mean, I got preseason second team, so that’s kind of disrespectful,” Hayes said. “That’s really putting a chip on my shoulder. I’m trying to be first team, I feel like I can be first team.”

Satterfield said he has been happy with what he’s seen from Hayes during the offseason.

“Tae has had a great camp.

He’s got tremendous confidence in

Defensive back Desmond Franklin returns an interception 46 yards in the third quarter against Charlotte. Franklin fumbled the ball for a touchback for Charlotte. // Photo by Mickey Hutchings

what he’s doing,” Satterfield said.

“Whatever his limitations are, he understands that and he plays to his strengths. He’s really good.”

Even after a productive junior year, Hayes has worked to better himself as a player.

“He’s continued to work on his hands,” Satterfield said. “Earlier in his career he would knock balls down instead of intercepting them and now he’s picking them off, so we’re excited about both of them.”

Along with his play on the field, Hayes said he has embraced his role as a senior and as a leader.

“I’m really just trying to lead in everything,” Hayes said. “I’m trying to be the best player I can be. I feel like I haven’t had my best game yet.”

Yes, that includes the New Mexico state game in which he racked up three interceptions.

“I could’ve had four that game, so I‘m really just trying to push and push and be the best player I can be,” Hayes said.

Hayes is a hard worker, but Satterfield said he also has a lot of personality and is great for the chemistry inside the Mountaineers’ locker room.

“He’s fun to be around, he’s got

a great attitude. Him and Duck feed off each other and I think they’re a great one-two punch at corner,” Satterfield said.

All of the defensive backs are close friends and Thomas says it helps them both on and off the field.

“We’re all boys out there so us being friends it really helps on and off the field so when we get out here, our chemistry is really high and we know exactly where each other is gonna be,” Thomas said. “It makes Saturdays really easy for us.”

Satterfield said he expects the starting cornerback pair to build on what they’ve been able to accomplish leading up to this season.

“We’ve got two of the better corners out there in the country and they’ve shown it all camp and have done great,” Satterfield said.

Thomas is another starter at the safety position and has been named one of the four captains on the squad. Thomas started the first three games and played in the fourth game for the Mountaineers a season ago before missing the remainder of the year with an injury.

“It was a learning experience.

I definitely got better over those first four games, starting and getting a

lot of playing time,” Thomas said.

“When I got hit with the injury, it allowed me to see the game from a different perspective and it helped me become a smarter player. Now I know exactly what to do and when to do it.”

Although casual App State fans might know the names Duck and Hayes better than they know Thomas, Satterfield said he has confidence in Thomas’ skill.

“He’s phenomenal. He’s a great leader but a good football player, too,” Satterfield said. “He’s a great tackler.”

Senior Austin Exford, junior Desmond Franklin and sophomores Shemar Jean-Charles and Kaiden Smith should also be key contributors out of the secondary for the Mountaineers in 2018.

Hayes also has a final message for opposing offenses and quarterbacks.

“Don’t throw my way. I feel like I’ve gotten so much better this offseason in all my techniques,” Hayes said. “I’ve learned the game a lot more, so this season I’m really about to be on it. I feel like I’m really growing into myself right now, so it’ll be fun.”

11

Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

Sophomore receiver Thomas Hennigan returns for 2018 after being the Mountaineers’ second leading receiver in 2017 with 585 yards and seven touchdowns. // Photo by Mickey Hutchings

12

Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

A CONFIDENT RECIEVING AND TIGHT END CORPS LOOK TO HELP BOLSTER APP STATE Franklin Bogle । @theappalachian । Sports Reporter

“W

e can’t be double teamed. Not with the talent we have.” Corey Sutton spoke with the belief that there is no better receiving corps in the Sun Belt Conference than the one at App State.

Sutton stands at 6 feet, 4 inches tall and has the talent to turn every play into a big play. He is a redshirt sophomore wide receiver who transferred from Kansas State and is expected to put up big numbers this year alongside returning sophomore wide receiver Thomas Hennigan. Hennigan logged 45 catches, over 500 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman for the Mountaineers’ last season. His seven touchdowns were second most in all of Division 1 football for true freshmen.

Hennigan said he believes “there is no better one-two punch”

than himself and Sutton in the conference. He also said he knows that while he did many good things on the field last year there was a lot more he could have done.

“I need to get off the ball quicker and work better against press coverage,” Hennigan said. “I watched a lot of film and noticed that I really needed to work on those things.”

Joining the two sophomore standouts are slot receivers sophomore Malik Williams and graduate transfer Dominique Heath. Williams is a former high school running back and quarterback who rushed for over 4,000 yards and threw for over 2,000 more in his high school career.

Last season at App State, Williams appeared in all 13 games for the Mountaineers and started the first four games at the slot position.

Williams rushed for a touchdown

in the fourth quarter of last year’s blowout win against Toledo in the Dollar General Bowl.

Dominique Heath is also a transfer from Kansas State like Sutton. The senior compiled over 90 receptions and nearly 1,000 yards from 2015 to 2017 with the Wildcats. A valuable weapon with the ball in his hands, Heath also ran back several punts in his time with the Wildcats including a 75-yard touchdown in early 2016. At 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 175 pounds, Heath will see a lot of time this year at the slot position.

“Heath has that kind of speed that is special. A real weapon in the slot,” Sutton said.

The Mountaineers’ receivers this year will miss Ike Lewis, who graduated this past season. Lewis led the team in every receiving category. In 2017, Hennigan said Lewis “was faster than anyone and a

big loss.” However, Hennigan knows that other guys are ready to step up and do big things this season, especially Sutton, Williams and Heath.

Also joining the wide receivers are several talented tight ends. Colin Reed returns for his junior year after having a successful sophomore campaign. Reed totaled five touchdowns last year and was voted by coaches and media members as a preseason All-Sun Belt first team selection. Reed is a huge red zone presence and a reliable blocker.

Henry Pearson joined the Mountaineers as a true freshman and looks forward to seeing a lot of playing time at the tight end position. At 6 feet, 4 inches tall and 243 pounds, Pearson is a sizable target for App State. Also returning for his junior year is Devin Papenheim, who excelled last year as a blocker.

Pepenheim appeared in 11 games last year and started two of them,

one of those starts being the Dollar General Bowl win over Toledo.

This year, the wide receivers and tight ends will not have the ball thrown to them from four-year starter and fan favorite, Taylor Lamb, who graduated this past season.

This year, redshirt sophomore Zac Thomas is primed to start, a guy who Sutton said “developed a lot of chemistry with last year.”

Hennigan said he was also excited despite how great Lamb was. He said he knows the shoes are big to fill but believes Thomas has the arm and legs to be something special.

“Zac has one of those arms that can turn 40-yard plays into 60-yard plays, and 60-yard plays into touchdowns,” Henningan said.

“Everyone has heard about that big arm – but he can fly too, we really think he will help expand the running game.”

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13

Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

OFFENSIVE LINE

RETURNS DEPTH AND EXPERIENCE

S

ince App State’s jump to the Sun Belt Conference in 2014, offensive line has been a major strong point on their team.

Former walk-on Jesse Chapman was First Team All-Sun Belt as an offensive lineman in 2015, as was Parker Collins in 2016 before he signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in May 2017. The Mountaineers’ excellence at offensive line can be traced back more than 75 years, with tackle George Watts becoming the first App State player ever selected in the NFL Draft, going in the 17th round to the Washington Redskins in 1942, according to 247Sports.com.

The Mountaineers lost several key starters from a year ago, including right guard Colby Gossett, who earned back-to-back First Team AllSun Belt honors in 2016 and 2017 and was drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings, the fourth offensive lineman ever drafted out of App State, according to 247Sports.com. Right tackle Beau Nunn also departed following last season after earning First Team All-Sun Belt honors for 2017 and Second Team All-Sun Belt for 2016.

Nunn signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Detroit Lions in May 2018.

Even with these losses, the Mountaineers still have a lot of experience at offensive line. Returning this season for App State will be sophomore Noah Hannon, redshirt sophomores Matt Williams, Ryan Neuzil, Weston Gillespie, Ivan Reyes, Will Hardin, Baer Hunter, Logan Wright, Cole Garrison and Nate Haskins, redshirt junior Victor Johnson and redshirt seniors Tobias Edge-Campbell and Chandler Greer. Redshirt freshman Gage Blackston and true freshmen Cooper Hodges, Anderson Hardy, Josh Headlee and Luke Burnette are all eligible for the first time this season.

“There’s no question, we lost two outstanding linemen with Beau and Colby who went on to the NFL,” co-offensive coordinator Shawn Clark said. “The good thing now is we have

14

Brooks Maynard । @BrooksMaynard । Sports Editor

numbers and we have depth. We have guys who have been in our system since I’ve been here going into year three.”

Several members of this group saw significant time in 2017. Hannon started all 13 games for the Mountaineers at center and had zero bad snaps in almost 900 plays, according to App State Athletics. Johnson, a left tackle, also started all 13 games last season and joined Gossett and Nunn with First Team All-Sun Belt honors. Greer

and Edge-Campbell appeared in nine and eight games respectively and both made four starts. Neuzil appeared in seven games last season, starting five of them. With so much experience returning and a lot of fresh talent on the bench, the offensive line has made multiple rotational changes so far in 2018.

“That’s the thing I think we have good in the O-line room: everybody’s pulling for each other,” Greer said.

“It’s the best five guys, and we trust

coach Clark to put the best five guys out there, and we’re going to support each other.”

Clark said he has confidence in the group as a whole, even the ones who have seen little to no playing time so far in their App State careers.

“But those guys, they’re young, they’re athletic, they’re eager to learn,” Clark said. “We have guys competing for spots. It’s wide open and we’re trying to find the best eight guys we can find to fill those spots,” Clark said.

“The good thing now is we have numbers and we have depth...”

The offensive line returns several starters from 2017, including sophomore Noah Hannon, junior Victor Johnson and senior Chandler Greer. // Photo by Lindsay Vaughn

Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

L ACKI N G I NDEFENSIVE SIZE, BUT NOT TALENT

LINE

Gage Haga । @theappalachian । Sports Reporter

O

n many defenses, the defensive line is the engine that makes the unit run and the Mountaineers’ defense is no exception. A 3-4 defensive line may not pile up stats, but they do the dirty work that powers the defense.

By having a strong group up front to handle the dirty work, the rest of the defense is allowed to capitalize and flourish in their own roles.

Led by preseason All-Sun Belt Second team defensive tackle, senior Myquon Stout, the defensive line for the Mountaineers expects to be a formidable unit despite losing multiple starters from last season.

“It’s not a lot of change, to start doesn’t really matter. We got a lot of guys that played a lot and got a lot of snaps under their belt,” Stout said, not fazed by the loss of starters on the line.

“The people that were young last year, now they can step-up and follow the older guys that we had before is a good thing. I don’t think there’s going to be a drop-off at all,” senior defensive end Okon Godwin said.

Godwin started the last six games of the season last year and also racked up 5.5 tackles for a loss and hopes to improve on that performance this year.

“My goal is to get first team conference. I’ve just got to stay in the film room and work on my craft,” Godwin said. “Just do my job on the field and not try and make big plays. I’m going to just take care of my assignments.”

Stout also has high expectations for the season and is using the All-Sun Belt Honor as motivation.

“The goal for everybody is to make first team, I just gotta put the work in on Saturday and do what coach tells me to do,” Stout said.

Stout put up a dominant year last year, recording 41 tackles while anchoring the middle of a defense that was ranked No. 29 in the nation, giving up only 342.5 yards per game last season and recorded 38 sacks, good for 17th in the nation.

One obstacle that some may con-

sider to be an issue for the line is the lack of size. With most of the linemen ranging between 250 and 280 pounds, one could say that they are traditionally undersized for the position as a whole. However, neither Godwin nor Stout expect this to be a problem for the unit.

“We got the heart of a lion. We’re all small. Just the heart we got on our team and the work that coach has put us through to get us prepared for the bigger guys,” Godwin, who is listed at 6 feet, 1 inch tall and 250 pounds, said.

Stout, listed at 6 feet, 1 inch tall and 275 pounds, was also unconcerned about the size that the line may give up.

“Size ain’t nothing. They put their shoes on the same way we do. It’s about who’s willing to work the hardest out there,” Stout said.

While they may be missing starters from last year’s defensive line, the Mountaineers’ defensive line still projects to be a force to be reckoned with for opposing offensive lines. Sophomore defensive end Demetrious Taylor is expected to be a key contributor once again after being one of three true freshmen to play on the defense last year and recording three sacks and five and a half tackles for loss. Besides Taylor, fellow sophomore Markell Clark returns to provide support at defensive tackle, joining Taylor as one of the three true freshman to play last year and recording three tackles for a loss of his own.

Despite the perceived lack of size and experience, only Stout and Godwin are seniors, the defensive line should be able to handle any issues that come their way, allowing the rest of the defense to clean up the damage that the boys up front cause for them the way that only a strong defensive line can.

Godwin’s goal for the unit was straight forward.

“Our goal is to have the best defensive line in the country and get a lot of sacks,” Godwin said.

The defensive line returns a large group of talent from 2017, including seniors Okon Godwin and Myquon Stout. // Photo by Halle Keighton

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Position Breakdown

Sept. 14, 2018

SPECIALTEAMS D START OFF HOT Garrett Wold । @g_dub1000 । Sports Reporter

efense wins championships, and offense sells the tickets.

App State has spent the offseason building a particularly speedy special teams unit.

New players at key positions throughout the unit have created opportunities for big plays during field goals, kickoffs and punts; the plays that are not very flashy but make or break a team’s chances of winning.

App State knows this all too well, considering not even a season ago they lost to Wake Forest because of two missed kicks.

Since then, special teams coach Stu Holt said he made adjustments to minimize mistakes and give the team the best chance of winning they can possibly have.

“We had some problems with special teams in the past,” Holt said.

“We have had some competition in the offseason, changed some things around, and I think we will be ready.”

Redshirt sophomore running back Darrynton Evans returned to his former position as the kickoff return specialist following his 2017 injury redshirt year.

Evans started his first year back by taking the first kickoff sent his way 100 yards for a touchdown. It is very reminiscent of the end of his 2016 season, when he returned a kickoff 94 yards against Toledo in the Camellia Bowl.

Sophomore wide receiver Thomas Hennigan is also in the backfield returning punts as the auxiliary return man. He returned a punt 59 yards for a touchdown against Charlotte, making App State the only team in the nation to have scored a punt and kickoff in the first two games of the season.

Since the Wake Forest game last season, sophomore kicker Chandler Staton has been the starting kicker for field goals.

Staton finished his 2017 season eight for nine in field goal attempts, kicking a perfect six for six in the final five games. He also posted a perfect 31 extra point opportunities.

On the other side of the kicking game, Michael Rubino has been steadily producing impressive yards as the kickoff specialist for App State.

Rubino was the original kicker for the

Mountaineers last year; however, following a handful of missed attempts, he was benched, and the job was given to Staton. Since Staton’s promotion, he has been the sole kicker off the tee and has helped to limit the possibilities of big returns.

“We’re in a good place right now,” Hennigan said. “Our special teams kept most of our guys and I think we’ll be more than ready this year.”

Rubino has averaged 61.3 yards per kickoff and earned 29 touchbacks in 81 attempts since moving to kickoff specialist.

Punting is another area where the Mountaineers have looked to improve in the offseason.

Xavier Subotsch, a native of Perth, Australia, was App State’s starting punter last season. Subotsch averaged 39.9 yards a punt and forced fair catches on 22 of his 55 punts.

He also had five punts for a net total of 50 or more yards last year with a season high of 58 yards against Texas State.

While he has been a consistent member of the App State special teams unit, redshirt freshman punter Clayton Howell said he was not satisfied sitting on the bench last season.

Howell, a High Point native, spent last season redshirting as a reserve punter. He was a two-time Piedmont Triad 4A Conference punter of the year and was named to the All -Northwest team his senior year by the Winston-Salem Journal.

During the offseason, Howell impressed his coaches with his ability to kick the long ball and work ethic.

“Clayton is really kicking these balls. He’s been fun to watch,” Holt said. “Xavier has been great and we love his ability, but we’ll go with whoever we think can do the job best.”

In his App State debut, Howell had a handful of kicks that gave the Mountaineers’ defense incredible field position, such as a punt downed at the 4-yard line by senior cornerback Tae Hayes that resulted in a three and out.

With players returning to roles and other players making their debut, the App State special teams unit is a healthy mix of youth and experience that could be a scoring threat all season long.

Redshirt sophomore kicker Chandler Staton earned the starting job midway through the 2017 season, making eight of nine field goal attempts. // Photo by Mickey Hutchings

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Sept. 14, 2018

GAME DAY

Saturday, September 15, 2018 / 2:30 p.m. / ESPN+ / Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, N.C.

Appalachian State (1-1, 0-0 Sun Belt)

VS

Southern Miss (1-1, 0-0 CUSA)

Game Notes:

After going 1-1 through their first two road games of the season with a loss to Penn State and a win against Charlotte, the App State Mountaineers will open up their home season against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. New starting quarterback redshirt sophomore Zac Thomas has started off hot, completing 39 of 52 passing attempts for a 75 percent completion percentage and five touchdowns. Wide receivers, redshirt sophomore Corey Sutton and sophomore Malik Williams have combined for 16 receptions, 359 yards and four touchdowns. The Mountaineers’ defense has also done well so far, allowing just 318.5 yards per game while the offense has produced 442.5 yards per game.

History/Details of the Game:

This is the third ever meeting between the Mountaineers and the Golden Eagles, with the first two games both going to Southern Miss. Legendary App State coach Kidd Brewer, for which the school’s football field is named, was the coach for the Mountaineers when they met the Golden Eagles for the first time in 1937, losing 7-0. The two teams met again in 2014, where App State again lost a close one, 21-20. While Southern Miss may hold the advantage in the series, App State has been the superior program overall. The Mountaineers have an overall record of 606-337-28, good for 16th all-time and a .639 winning percentage, according to winsipedia.com, while Southern Miss has gone 589-421-27, good for 41st all-time and a .581 winning percentage. App State has also won 19 conference championships to Southern Miss’ eight.

PLAYER TO WATCH POINTS PER GAME

41.5 - 37.5 COMPLETION PERCENTAGE

75.9 - 70.8 YARDS PER PLAY

7 - 5.7

Zac Thomas #12 Quarterback Thomas has completed 75 percent of his passes through his first two games as a starter, including a perfect 14-14 for 295 yards and three touchdowns against the Charlotte 49ers Was named National Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards for his play against Charlotte

YARDS PER KICKOFF RETURN

43.33 - 21 TOTAL YARDS PER GAME

442.5 - 446.5

Has a quarterback rating of 194.15 after throwing five touchdowns to one interception and a total of 565 yards (282.5 per game)

Prevent Penalties:

3 KEY POINTS

When the Mountaineers lost to the Penn State Nittany Lions in week one, they lost 105 yards on 10 penalty flags, nearly 100 yards more than Penn State. They cleaned things up some in week two against Charlotte, taking only five flags for a loss of 55 yards, 25 yards fewer than Charlotte lost. 55 yards is still more than half the length of the field, and App State will play a host of teams that are better than Charlotte. If they want to be successful going forward, they have to play penalty-less football.

The defense is coming off back-to-back strong performances, where they allowed 5.4 yards per play against Penn State and just 203 yards of total offense against Charlotte. Defense will be particularly important against Southern Miss, who has averaged 446.5 yards per game this season, four more than App State, and has thrown the ball for over 600 yards.

Play Strong Defense:

Run the Football: The running backs for App State have had a tough time getting thing started, picking up only 196 yards so far this season, an average of just 98 per game. Running the ball has always been a huge part of the App State offense and it will also help open up more options for quarterback Thomas, who has been stellar even without it. The Mountaineers have produced 885 yards of total offense this season, with nearly 600 of those coming from the passing game. If they can get the run game going as well, the season might just be a big one for the Mountaineers.

17

Recap

Sept. 14, 2018

APP BOUNCES BACK,

WINS BIG ON THE ROAD Zack Antrum । @zantrum17 । Sports Reporter

App State gears up for the snap against Charlotte. // Photo by Mickey Hutchings

A

fter a heartbreaking loss at Penn State last week, the App State football team had two choices. They could either let the early loss define their season or use it as motivation for the rest of their schedule and Saturday they showed just how resilient they were in their 45-9 win against UNC-Charlotte.

“After the game last week we wanted to play right then,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “I told them it was all about the preparation and when you prepare all week long like that you can’t help but play good on Saturdays.”

The Mountaineers (1-1) felt right at home in front of a record crowd at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Despite

18

being listed as the away team, they were still surrounded by thousands of Mountaineer fans, nearly matching the number of Charlotte fans.

Many players from the Charlotte area were also given the chance to play in front of their families for the first time since their high school days.

“We treat these guys like our own kids,” Satterfield said. “If my kid was coming back home I’d want him to play, so we’re trying to get them on the field to play and they had fun tonight.”

The stadium attendance wasn’t the only record broken as redshirt sophomore quarterback Zac Thomas went a perfect 14-14 for 295 yards and three touchdowns, the first time in school and Sun Belt history that a quarterback finished a game with at

least 10 completions and no incompletions, according to appstatesports. com.

Thomas combined with redshirt sophomore wide receiver Corey Sutton on a 90-yard touchdown pass, which set a record for the second longest touchdown in school history.

Sutton had a strong night with three receptions for a total of 155 yards.

“It’s good to come out here and play App State football,” Sutton said.

“It’s really a family program. A lot of schools preach family but it’s really family out here. Everybody appreciates everybody. Everybody gets along, and it’s really just a great atmosphere.”

This record-breaking play was the highlight of Thomas’ perfect passing night where he completed all 14 of

his passes for a total of 295 yards and three touchdowns.

“I think we made a statement to the state of North Carolina and it was awesome seeing our offense click tonight,” Thomas said. “It’s awesome to get up there knowing you’re a quarterback and you have protection so you can stand back there with confidence and deliver the ball.”

App State also got the job done on the defensive end by holding the 49ers to only 208 yards of total offense. They were able to keep them out of the end zone with all of Charlotte’s points coming from field goals.

Redshirt senior defensive back Austin Exford had a big night with six tackles and a fumble recovery in the endzone for a touchdown.

“The biggest thing is controlling what I can control,” Exford said. “I was injured a lot and didn’t get to play a lot but that’s the only thing I can do.

Control what I can control and when it’s my time it’s my time.”

Junior linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither lead the team with eight tackles and redshirt junior safety Desmond Franklin intercepted pass and almost scored before losing the ball in the endzone, which resulted in a touchback.

The Mountaineers will look to carry on this momentum and put on another complete performance next weekend when they host Southern Miss in their home opener, the first of a three-game home stretch.

Recap

Sept. 14, 2018

PHOTO ESSAY Mickey Hutchings । @theappalachian । Photo Editor

1

2

4

5

6

3

7

1. Linebacker Anthony Flory and Inside Linebackers coach Dale Jones celebrated during Saturday night’s game against Charlotte. 2. Yosef takes a knee during the football game against Charlotte. Yosef interacted with fans throughout the game to keep spirits high and to cheer on App State as they defeated Charlotte, 45-9. 3. Defensive line Okon Godwin reacts after a referee makes a call at Saturday’s football game against Charlotte. App State won, 45-9. 4.

Two players from App State and Charlotte stare-down as the snap unfolds. 5. Two young fans cheer on App State against Charlotte on Saturday night. App State defeated Charlotte, 45-9. 6. Players stumble during Saturday night’s game against Charlotte at Jerry Richardson Stadium. 7. App State offensive line prepared for the snap against Charlotte on Saturday. The offensive line protected Zac Thomas as he went 14-14 with four touchdowns.

Graphic by Tyler Young

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Arts and Entertainment

Sept. 14, 2018

MARCHING BAND INTRODUCES DONALD PEACH AND CLASSIC ROCK Macon Atkinson । @atkinson_macon । A&E Reporter

F

rom an interim director to new halftime shows featuring music from Queen and “West Side Story,” this year looks different for the Marching Mountaineers as they head into their first performance of the season.

Since the departure of Kevin Richardson, App State’s former marching band director, the university has been searching for a new faculty member to take over the program. In the meantime, Donald Peach, former interim associate director, has stepped in to fill the gap.

He said he’s been welcomed with open arms.

“The leadership has been absolutely phenomenal, they really have.

All the leadership groups in the band, including the drum majors, have been just incredibly fun and professional to work with,” Peach said. “And I can’t say enough about how I appreciate their acceptance of me, and wanting to be so cooperative and help with the success of the band–to continue the success of the band.”

Peach has more than 30 years of experience in music education and previously worked at Hickory High School as director of bands and music coordinator. He said he considers his experience invaluable and wants to build a positive attitude with the entire team in the music education department.

Abi Trusler, a junior accounting major and administrative assistant for the Marching Mountaineers, said Peach brought some changes to their programming, such as postgame song selection and letter setup on the field – when the band forms a giant “A” while performing.

Peach also reintroduced coordinate sheets, which the band uses to arrange field placement for every single performing member – 320 people, to be exact.

“He’s very old school. He’s

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very military band style, meaning he runs everything right down to a T,” Trusler said.

Under Peach’s supervision, the band is introducing two new halftime shows this year: A “West Side Story” show and a classic rock-inspired show, based on the music of Queen. There will be more songs

“...I’m here to improve what might need to be improved on...” than in the past; while most shows have two to three songs each, these new shows will feature up to five.

Michael Haynes, a sophomore music education major and current Marching Mountaineers drum major, said the new music pieces are some of the most challenging that the band has tackled so far.

“This year we’re trying to do harder music, but still keep the complexity of the movements. It started under Dr. Richardson but Mr. Peach kind of kicked it into another gear when he got here,” Haynes said. “With the section leaders I see a different attitude than I’ve seen in the past, which is good. This year there’s more of an emphasis on setting a new standard for the Marching Mountaineers.”

Peach said he wants to support the university and the football team, and also foster a real desire in the band to participate, excel and do the job that they are asked to do – and do it well.

“I’m not here to make lots of changes, I’m here to improve what might need to be improved on, but I’m more importantly here to maintain the status quo,” Peach said.

“Dr. Richardson did an outstanding job with the bands, and I feel like my position is to maintain that standard. I’m here to make changes that will improve from whatever the status might be.”

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1. Percussionists performed in the Marching Mountaineers’ halftime show featuring songs from the iconic band Earth, Wind and Fire at the first home football game of the season. 2. The Marching Moutaineers performed their halftime show inspired by the band Earth, Wind and Fire. // Photos by Mickey Hutchings

Sept. 14, 2018

Food Services Aims To Improve Game Day Experience With New Concessions

News

Nora Smith । @noraagracee । Editor-In-Chief

T

he first home football game of the season requires months of training, practice and planning. Just ask Food

Services.

After nearly 30 years of a third party running concession stands in Kidd Brewer Stadium, Food Services is the new provider of game day food for Mountaineer fans.

“Because we are in the food industry, it’s a little easier for us to see the flaws and care more about the food than people who do it for six weekends per season,” executive chef for catering Tony Bates said.

Bates designed the menus for the concession stands, which include Yosef ’s Snack Bar, The Smoke House: Hall of Fame and The Sweet Shop.

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Although many dishes are traditional game day classics like hot dogs, popcorn and nachos, Bates’ signature creation is brisket, which will be smoked for 13 hours the day before each game.

Brisket will be available in The Smoke House as a sandwich or on top of loaded nachos.

“Quality is always number one for us,” Bates said. “The second thing is to understand your clientele. You think about the part of the country you’re in. We’re in the South, so barbecue is huge, so we wanted to do a barbecue feature.”

Making sure each concession option was high quality and appetizing to students was a main goal for Food Services during this transition, Bates said.

“Being a culinary (professional), you want to keep up with the trends,” Bates said. “If you’re not growing, you’re dying. Because of Food Network, cooking shows and celebrity chefs, consumers are more knowledgeable about food than I was in high school and college. You expect more.”

The quality of traditional options will be improved as well, Bates said. Food Services purchased four new popcorn machines so popcorn will be fresh the entire game. The hot dogs are larger and are Nathan’s Famous brand instead of Oscar-Meyer.

For fans with a larger appetite, Yosef ’s Snack Bar sells sausage on a bun topped with peppers and onions. The Sweet Shop will sell homemade cake doughnuts on the home side of the

stadium.

Students and Food Services chefs will work the concession stands. Food Services is the largest employer of students on campus, employing around 500 students per year. Students who work concession stands are paid $9 per hour, Food Services communication specialist Stephanie Lee said.

“Food Services operates student employment on a tiered pay system,” Lee said. “This is one of the higher tier jobs, which means it’s more fastpaced, but you’re getting experience.

Students will get to work with professionals, so it’s not just a job, it’s true food service experience.”

App State Food Services is unique because it is operated by the university, unlike many schools that use third-party food services. Food Services taking over concessions benefits current students, incoming students and the university, Lee said.

“All of the money spent on concessions comes back to the university because it comes back to Food Services,” Lee said. “Food Services contributes to scholarships and partners with other departments, so it’s really keeping funds in-house.”

The concessions transition has required careful preparation and thinking through every possible outcome, Bates said. On Sept. 6, Food Services practiced for Saturday by inviting 200 people to the stadium and timing each order to ensure rapid cus-

tomer service. Bates said the test went well and instilled confidence in the chefs and employees.

“We are going to knock it out of the park. We really are,” Bates said.

“Are you always nervous going into that first big game? Yes, you are. But the planning helps it all fall into place.”

Parts of the game day experience will stay the same. Students will still be able to purchase concessions with their meal plans or express accounts.

Several local vendors will also continue to set up food trucks or stands at the game, although new options will be available from outside businesses.

The Farmer’s Wife Fried Pie has been selling at App State games since 2010.

In the past, the vendor has only sold fried apple pies around the stadium, but this year it is adding a fried peach pie, Sharon Hayes, owner, said.

Students with questions, concerns or suggestions for Mountaineer Concessions can email foodservices@ appstate.edu. The menus are set for this season, but fans can expect new menu items next season, Bates said.

“We want to do quality and we want to do improved customer service.

That was our focus,” Bates said. “We didn’t want to outreach our capabilities going into the first year. Next year the plan is to step back, revisit and analyze the information we pulled in. Do I see what we have now being staples?

Probably, but there will be new things next year.”

1

1. One of the featured dishes is brisket-loaded nachos, which will be sold at the Smoke House: Hall of Fame stand. The menu was created by executive chef Tony Bates, who pulled barbecue inspiration from the Deep South.2. Popcorn, a game day classic, will be served at Yosef’s Snack Bar. Food Services purchased four new popcorn machines to ensure that the snack will be fresh for each customer. // Courtesy of Appalachian State Food Services

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Et cetera

Sept. 14, 2018

TimeIT’S GAME TIME

By: Neil Agnew

BY NEIL AGNEW

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Down 1. Swindle 2. What you get back from a business endeavor: Abbr.

3. Checks the papers of, for short 4. LA Galaxy and NY Red Bulls are part of it.

5. Boggy organic matter used as fuel.

7. Classes for many high achieving high schoolers 8. Charges to an account.

9. Cycles through again and again.

10. Otolaryngologists, familiarly 12. Flies off the handle, say 17. It may be said before a meal 19. Punch 20. Word after Christmas or New Year’s 21. Earl Grey is one, for example 23. Fencing sword 28. Camera type for a professional, shortly 29. Smashes into 31. Trig Function 32. Global org. for financial stability 33. Torme of jazz music

34. Grain 35. Direction opposite of SSW 37. “No, it can’t be!”

Across 1. Have an adverse affect on 6. Postpone, as a disscussion 11. Tons and tons 13. Subatomic Particle 14. Japanese automaker 15. Opening, in a schedule 16. Common children’s playground game 18. Full-length albums, briefly 19. Jacuzzi features 22. Get the wrinkles out, with clothes 24. Saks Fifth ___, shortly 25. Drain, as energy 26. Tolerates* 27. Tree variety thats an anagram of “raced” 30. Not quite stellar grades, on a report card 31. Garfunkel companion 36. Apollo landing craft 38. “What realy happend was” 39. Hi-___ (great amount of detail) 40. What this puzzle’s starred answers all are

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Appalachian and the Community Together│@actasu

T HE C OV ER :

IRA DAVID LEVY ADVISER

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MANAGING EDITOR

JULES BLAYLOCK CHIEF COPY EDITOR

MOSS BRENNAN

Q RUSSELL

MARIAH RENEAU

PATRICK MCCABE

NEWS EDITOR A&E EDITOR

BROOKS MAYNARD SPORTS EDITOR

OPINION EDITOR

IN-DEPTH EDITOR

RACHEL SASSER

INCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT

SYDNEY SPANN

VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR

MICKEY HUTCHINGS PHOTO EDITOR

EFRAIN ARIAS-MEDINA JR. GRAPHICS EDITOR

LOGAN BERG VIDEO EDITOR

BRAXTON COATS WEB EDITOR

BUSINESS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

VICTORIA HAYNES

MULTIMEDIA

NORA SMITH

EDITORIAL

App State gears up for the snap against Charlotte on Saturday at the Jerry Richardson Satdium. // Photo by Mickey Hutchings

CRISTIAN MCLAUGHLIN BUSINESS MANAGER

STEVEN CAUGHRAN

ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER

MELISSA ALSUP MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sept. 14, 2018

App News

WHAT TO DO Submit Announcements

App News is a service of the Division of Student Affairs. Email editor@theappalachianonline.com for submissions with subject line: APP NEWS PAGE. Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, and a contact email, phone and/or URL. Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference is given for events that are free or have a nominal cost.

calling all creators!

The Peel Literature and Arts Review is App State’s student-run literary arts publication. We are seeking students to submit their creative works for review and possible publication. Submit your art, music, design, poetry, prose, fashion and more at thepeelreview. submittable.com. Find more information by visiting thepeelreview. com or following us on social media @thepeelreview.

needed! political cartoonists

The Appalachian student newspaper is looking for students interested in getting their political cartoons and illustrations published. Use your illustration talents to express your opinions and commentary on current events. Email editor@theappalachianonline. com for questions or interest.

design the appalachian

Want to lay out this paper? Have a flair for graphic design?

Email editor@theappalachianonline.com to express interest! Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) preferred but not required. Opportunities available for student designers of all skill sets.

FRIDAY, Sept.14

SATURDAY, SEPT. 15

SUNDAY, SEPT. 16

MONDAY, SEPT. 17

Boone at the Beach

Men’s rugby vs. Furman University 11a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

State Farm Fields

Women’s soccer vs. Little Rock 1 - 3 p.m.

Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex

Apps Got Talent

Football vs. Southern Miss

Men’s soccer vs. Bradley

Moisés Kaufman Reading and Book Signing 2-3:30 p.m.

PSU, Parkway Ballroom

12-3 p.m.

Sanford Mall 6-9 p.m.

Legends

3:30 6:30 p.m.

Kidd Brewer Stadium

5-7 p.m.

Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex

Women’s soccer vs. South Alabama

Hispanic Heritage Festival 6-9 p.m.

PSU, Blue Ridge Ballroom Moisés Kaufman: “Theatre in 2018 - The Vicinity of Hope” 7-8:30 p.m.

Schaefer Center

7-9 p.m.

Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex

TUESDAY, SEPT. 18

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19

THURSDAY, SEPT. 20

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21

“The Laramie Project” Panel Discussion 12-1 p.m.

TBD

Mental Health Check-Up Day 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

PSU, 137A

Collegiate Recovery Community 5:30-7 p.m.

Wellness and Prevention Services

Internship and Job Fair 12-4 p.m.

Holmes Convocation Center

Field hockey vs. Longwood 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field

Autistic Self-Knowledge and Self-Advocacy: Speaking Your Truth 1035 NC Highway 105 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

SGA Senate Meeting 6:30-7:30 p.m.

PSU, Linville Falls

Pick up the new issue of The Appalachian at newsstands across campus!

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10% 10% Student Student Discount Discount *

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available for college students availablethrough for college 9/30/18.students

through 9/30/18.

*Only at Publix at Three Creeks. This offer excludes prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, money services, and Publix Delivery. Customer is responsible for all applicable taxes. Please present one of the following at purchase: a valid, unexpired college or university ID card.

*Only at Publix at Three Creeks. This offer excludes prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, money services, and Publix Delivery. Customer is responsible for all applicable taxes. Please present one of the following at purchase: 20

a valid, unexpired college or university ID card.