Coastal Carolina Rallies Late to Snap App State’s Homecoming Streak

Image Courtesy Of App State Facebook

Appalachian State’s record fell to 4-3 overall, matching its best seven-game start since 2022, but the Mountaineers suffered their first homecoming defeat in 11 years as Coastal Carolina completed a fourth-quarter comeback for a 45-37 victory. The Chanticleers extended their winning streak in the series to four games, improving the all-time matchup to 7-5 in App State’s favor.

Offensive Bright Spots in Defeat

Quarterback JJ Kohl established career highs with 27 completions on 41 attempts, throwing for 278 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Through three collegiate starts, he has accumulated 805 passing yards with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Kohl connected with Davion Dozier for a touchdown for the third consecutive game, with Dozier finishing with four receptions for a team-high 70 yards. Rashod Dubinion scored his fourth touchdown when the entire offensive line pushed him collectively into the end zone. Jaden Barnes caught his team-leading fifth touchdown on a 6-yard reception in the second quarter before adding his sixth on a spectacular 77-yard punt return, App State’s first punt return touchdown since Clifton Duck’s in 2018 against Gardner-Webb. Barnes averaged 50 yards on punt returns with an additional 23-yard return.

Tight end Izayah Cummings, among the nation’s top pass-catchers at his position, led all Mountaineers with six receptions for 60 yards.

Defensive Efforts and Special Teams Excellence

Elijah McCantos delivered the defense’s most crucial play, intercepting former Illinois roommate Samari Collier just five seconds before halftime and returning it 33 yards to set up a field goal that gave App State a 24-17 halftime advantage.

Colton Phares recorded a career-high 11 tackles to lead all defenders, while Zyeir Gamble posted a career-high nine tackles and forced a fumble. Dylan Hasz logged his first career sack among three tackles.

Freshman kicker Dominic De Freitas maintained his consistency, converting all three field goal attempts (31, 25, 23 yards) and all four extra points. He has now made 11 of 14 field goals this season, including a perfect 7-for-7 from inside 40 yards.

App State also executed a successful fake punt when Juan Berchal took a handoff 22 yards for a crucial first down.

Despite leading for over 56 minutes, the Mountaineers surrendered their first deficit with 3:19 remaining when Coastal Carolina took a 38-37 lead, eventually extending it to the final 45-37 margin.