WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Virginia State's furious late comeback was undone in the cruelest fashion Saturday afternoon, as West Liberty converted a 40-yard Hail Mary on the final play to stun the Yellow Jackets 47–41 at West Family Stadium.

Fourth-Quarter Fireworks

Tied 41–41 with just seconds left, the Hilltoppers' Antevious Jackson rolled left and launched a desperation throw that Osama Hurst hauled in at the goal line as time expired. The play capped a chaotic fourth quarter featuring six touchdowns and three ties.

Moments earlier, WVSU quarterback Kaleb Jackson had seemingly forced overtime with a 19-yard strike to Malik Baker II with :53 remaining, tying the game at 41–41 after kicker Tony Hornbuckle's PAT.

Offensive Leaders

Jackson posted another prolific outing, completing 20-of-32 passes for 374 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 71 yards on seven carries. Receiver Amare Ary torched the Hilltoppers' secondary for 11 receptions, 174 yards and two touchdowns, including a 33-yard score that knotted the game earlier in the fourth. Running backs Jojo Restall and Devin Cox combined for 93 rushing yards.

Back-and-Forth Battle

WVSU (3-3, 2-2 MEC) led 27–14 at halftime and matched West Liberty score-for-score after the break. Jackson's 33-yard connection with Ary tied the game 34–34 midway through the fourth, only for the Hilltoppers to answer two minutes later on an 80-yard bomb from Jackson to Hunter Patterson.

State responded with a nine-play, 68-yard drive ending in Baker's TD to even things once more, setting up the fateful final possession.

Defensive Highlights

Linebacker Keontavius McGrew recorded a sack and seven tackles, while lineman Daesean Jackson added two sacks for 17 yards lost. Jeremiah Covington-Griggs tallied eight stops for the Jackets.

Up Next

West Virginia State heads to Athens, W.Va. to take on Concord at 1 p.m next Saturday, Oct. 11.