INSTITUTE, WV — West Virginia State University put together a dominant performance to defeat Concord University 44-14 on Homecoming, marking their fourth consecutive game scoring over 40 points. The Yellow Jackets (5-1, 4-0 MEC) controlled the game from start to finish against the Mountain Lions (0-6, 0-4 MEC), taking command early and never looking back.

The Yellow Jackets compiled 428 total yards, with 275 coming on the ground. Senior running back Justin Pessoa led the way with 169 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter that put WVSU up 14-0. Pessoa showcased explosive runs throughout the game, highlighted by a 47-yard scamper. Joel Felder contributed 65 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a six-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Tavis McAdoo added a nine-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and finished with 46 yards on seven carries. In the passing game, sophomore quarterback Isaiah Bess went 9-of-15 for 135 yards and one touchdown. Bess's key highlight came on a 67-yard touchdown strike to Adrien Mosley late in the second quarter. Mosley was the top receiver for the Yellow Jackets, hauling in two catches for 71 yards, including the long touchdown reception.

The Yellow Jackets' defense forced three turnovers and held Concord to just 292 total yards. WVSU intercepted Concord quarterbacks three times, with junior cornerback Nick Blake returning one interception 65 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach. Blake also added two tackles and a pass breakup. Junior defensive back Val West and senior linebacker Eric Geter also recorded interceptions, with Geter adding a safety in the third quarter. The defensive line applied pressure throughout, with Joshua Hancock registering two sacks and a total of 14 yards lost. Curtis McRay also contributed with a sack, adding to WVSU's three total sacks on the day. Tavis McAdoo chipped in on special teams as well, returning kicks and helping WVSU control field position. Punter Brennen Schmitt averaged 44.7 yards on three punts, with two of those landing inside Concord's 20-yard line.

WVSU dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 35:28 compared to Concord's 24:32, and converted 8-of-15 third-down opportunities. The Yellow Jackets also showed efficiency in the red zone, converting 4 out of 5 trips into touchdowns.

Concord managed two second-half touchdowns, including a 40-yard touchdown pass from Blayne Ferguson to Jordyn Bentley in the fourth quarter.

WVSU established control in the opening quarter, driving 96 yards down the field in a 12-play drive that was capped by a six-yard rushing touchdown by senior running back Joel Felder with 2:37 remaining. Brennen Schmitt added the extra point to give the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 lead. The defense held Concord scoreless throughout the first quarter, allowing the Yellow Jackets to set the tone with a strong running game and solid defensive pressure.

The Yellow Jackets exploded in the second quarter with 21 points, showcasing a balanced offensive attack. WVSU struck again with a one-yard touchdown plunge by Justin Pessoa at the 6:27 mark, finishing off a 55-yard drive in just seven plays. After forcing a punt, WVSU wasted no time increasing their lead as Isaiah Bess connected with wide receiver Adrien Mosley on a 67-yard touchdown pass with 2:34 left in the half, extending the lead to 21-0.
Concord's struggles were compounded when Nick Blake intercepted a pass from Mountain Lions quarterback Kameron Howard and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown with 1:56 remaining in the quarter. Schmitt's extra point made it 28-0, sending WVSU into halftime with a comfortable lead.

The Yellow Jackets' defense continued to assert itself early in the third quarter, adding points on a safety when Eric Geter tackled a Concord player in the end zone at the 10:54 mark, extending the lead to 30-0. On the ensuing possession, Caleb Jantuah capped a 47-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run at 2:22, pushing WVSU's lead to 37-0. Concord managed to get on the board late in the third quarter when running back Jaden Judge broke free for a nine-yard rushing touchdown with just nine seconds left. Josh Hutley's extra point cut the deficit to 37-7.

The Yellow Jackets sealed the game in the final quarter with an efficient 49-yard drive, culminating in a nine-yard rushing touchdown by Tavis McAdoo with 10:47 remaining. Schmitt added the extra point to push the lead to 44-7.
Concord added a late score when quarterback Blayne Ferguson hit tight end Jordyn Bentley for a 40-yard touchdown pass with 3:27 left, but the game was well out of reach by then. WVSU's defense stifled any further attempts by Concord, closing out a dominant Homecoming victory.

West Virginia State will look to continue their winning streak when they travel to face Wheeling University on October 19, 2024, with kickoff set for noon at Bishop Schmitt Field in Wheeling, W.Va.