Delaware/ASU 4th Quarter

Delaware's defense gets a stop as the third period begins, forcing App to punt the ball back away to UD. Two penalties... an illegal block in the back, as well as a dead ball personal foul against the Blue Hens, pushes Delaware back from the UD 36 to the UD 6.
On a side note: a sign in the ASU stands reads: WE WANT THE PATRIOTS. Comical.

10:56 PM -- Delaware is not giving in. They've moved the football from their own 6 yard line to the App 24. ASU has forced a fourth down play at the 20 and the Blue Hens have taken a time out. Perhaps the play of the game for the Hens coming up.

Flacco gets the first down running the football to set up a first down near the ASU 10, but the Mountaineers step up defensively, forcing an incomplete pass on fourth down to take the football over on downs.

ASU drives down for another score. Josh Johnson has a catch for a first down on the drive, with Kevin Richardson capping the drive, and perhaps capping a brilliant career in Boone, with a six-yard TD run. 42-14 with 6 minutes remaining.

The Blue Hens come back out on offense and moves on the App prevent defense to near midfield. Delaware can move no further, however, as the defense holds on a long fourth down pass play to take back possession of the ball.

On the first play of the ensuing drive, backup QB and senior Trey Elder takes a quarterback draw and breaks into the open for a 53 yard touchdown run to add the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. No player deserved perhaps to get a score in this game than the loyal quarterback who has led by example throughout his career.

The Apps were flagged for a pair of unsportsmanlike penalties to kick off from their own 7. Mark Duncan returns the kick 75 yards for a score, then threw the ball at the huge crowd gathered in the back of the end zone, drawing a penalty. Appalachian 49, Delaware 14 with 3:29 remaining in the contest. Appalachian State fans are streaming en masse near the sidelines to rush the field in utter celebration.

IT'S OVER IN CHATTANOOGA!!!! APPalachian has 3-Peat-ed!! 49-21 FINAL SCORE

Delaware/ASU 3rd Quarter

Appalachian is held to a three-and-out to open the 2nd half. Delaware takes over possession on its own 16 yard line. ASu's defense allowed a first down, but forced the Fightin' Blue Hens to punt the ball back to the offense. 11:36 left in the third, 28-7 Mountaineers.

Appalachian State is back in the end zone again. A pass from Edwards to a WIDE OPEN Kevin Richardson for 15 yards pushes the Mountaineers to a 35-7 lead with 4:56 left in the third. A 14 play, 67 yard drive consumed 6:40 off the third quarter clock. The Black and Gold are inching ever closer to the three-peat and a riot in Boone!

Tonight's attendance is 23,010, a Finley Stadium record and largest ever in a championship game for a neutral field contest.

Delaware has taken the ensuing kickoff and driven 50 yards to the ASU 4 yard line after a Omar Cuff run, setting up a first and goal. Two plays later Cuff carries the pigskin across the goal line from a yard out. A Jerome Touchstone personal foul kept the drive alive as UD pieces together a 11 play, 62 yard drive. 35-14 Appalachian State, 0:54 left in the third period.

App takes the football as the third quarter expires. The Mountaineers lead 35-14. Fifteen minutes stand between ASU and history.





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Delaware/ASU 2nd Quarter

Appalachian looks to continue using the running game to dominate the line of scrimmage. A big cutback run by Edwards gains 37 yards to the Delaware 24. The Mountaineers move to the 11, but a loss on an end-around run forces a third and 15 from the UD 16. Armanti attempts a pass to the end zone, but a pass interference is called against the Blue Hens, giving ASU first and goal at the UD 2.

App has 211 yards of total offense already in the contest to UD's 146. Delaware's speed has done a good job of pushing the football ahead. Richardson runs from two yards out, fumbles near the goal line after being stripped by Julian James, only to have reserve tight end Daniel Kilgore wrestle it into his arms under the pile in the end zone. The Rauch PAT is good. App takes a commanding 21-0 lead with 10:22 left in the half.

A UD touchdown was called back due to an offensive pass interference call (a little questionable, but the call could have went either way). UD is back now at the ASU 40. 3rd and 20 for the Hens. A 39 yard TD pass from Flacco to Mark Duncan covers puts the Hens on the board with 1:10 remaining in the first half. The PAT by Striefsky is good, 21-7 Apps.

ASU wastes absolutely no time in answering the Blue Hens touchdown. A 60-yard pass from Edwards hits Dexter Jackson in stride. Two plays on the drive, 72 yards. 21 seconds. 28-7 App.
UD has the last possession of the half, moving into App territory. A final desparation heave by Flacco finds a receiver at the two yard line, but the pass is dropped, leaving the Mountaineers with a 28-7 halftime lead.

Halftime Stats:
ASU 166 rushing yards, 132 passing yards, 298 total
UD 63 rushing yards, 189 passing yards, 252 total

Individual stats
ASU:
Rushing:
Edwards 11 carries, 67 yards
Moore: 2 carries, 55 yards, TD
Richardson: 10 carries, 46 yards
Passing:
Edwards: 4-6 132 yards, 2 TD
Receiving:
Jackson: 1 reception, 60 yards, TD
CoCo Hillary: 1 reception, 41 yards

Delaware:
Rushing:
Omar Cuff: 13 carries, 54 yards
Kervin Michaud: 2 carries, 20 yards
Passing:
Joe Flacco: 13-23, 188 yards, 1 TD
Receiving:
Mark Duncan: 5 receptions, 62 yards, TD
Aaron Love: 3 receptions 67 yards

We'll be back for some 2nd half blogging...after a short break and a cold cola.

Delaware/ASU 1st Qtr.

Delaware wins the toss, elects to receive...kick is up and away...

Delaware gets first possession and goes three and out. App starts with field position around its own 40 and has driven to the Delaware 20 yard line.

Screen pass from Edwards to Richardson to cap a 6 play drive. Great block by Kerry Brown to help pave the way. Richardson breaks a tackle and finds the pylon for the game's first score...apparently. The play will be under review. If held up it will be Richardson's 33rd reception of the year and his fourth receiving score. Play is upheld... touchdown APPS!

PAT By Rauch is good! ASU 7, Delaware 0 with 10:47 left in the qtr.

8:18 PM

Delaware is attempting to answer on the ensuing drive. The Blue Hens have marched to the ASU 27 with less than 8:30 left in the period. A pass play from Joe Flacco to Aaron Love moves UD to the ASU 9 for a first and goal situation.

Cuff apparently scored from 4 yards out, but the play was reversed when replay showed Cuff's elbow touched on the half yard line. A run by Cuff on third down was stuffed, and a fourth down gamble failed as Flacco threw an incompletion intended for tight end Josh Baker, turning the football over on downs back to the Apps.

8:41
The Mountaineers take the football over at their own 1 yard line with just over 5 minutes left in the quarter. Three runs by Richardson and a run by Edwards, with the help of a personal foul facemask penalty moved App past midfield.

Devin Moore races 46 yards down the middle of the field for a touchdown! A 5 play, 99 yard drive consumes 1:26 off the clock. a championship game-record drive. PAT good by Rauch, 14-0 Mountaineers!

ASU has shown it can run at will on Delaware in the early going, but the question is can they stop the Delaware offense?

Flacco has just cleared the 4,000 yard passing plateau on this drive as the Blue Hens have crossed midfield on its next offensive series. A long run by Cuff moves UD near the ASU 20. Another third down situation at the ASU 15, but a screen pass to Michaud is sniffed by the App secondary, losing 3 yards. A 35-yard field goal attempt misses wide. Mountaineers hold, 14-0 ASU football at its own 20. A 9-yard run by Moore closes out the quarter. App leads by two scores!






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7:30 PM

Matt provides this photo of a sign taken in the First Tennessee Pavilion earlier this evening. It's always great when the Chancellor gets some press.

NCAA FCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - DELAWARE VS. APPALACHIAN STATE

6:00 PM

And.... we are LIVE from the Press Box at Finley Stadium/Davenport Field in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee for tonight's FCS title game between the Delaware Blue Hens and the ASU Mountaineers!

A few words of thanks, etc. as we prepare for tonight's contest:

First of all, kudos to Matt for all his work in prepping for tonight's game. The atmosphere is electric, and Matt has been sampling quite a bit of the sights and sounds of Chattanooga and the game. He'll be providing photos which we'll try to be posting as the game progresses, something you will get in very few locations.

Secondly, a word of thanks to all the AJ-T readers who have expressed their words of appreciation and positive comments about both the print edition and the blog. We strive to bring the most comprehensive coverage of sports from numerous locations, levels, and angles, and hope that we properly represent both the values and citizens of our local area.

One other thing: Should Appalachian pull off the three-peat tonight, we'll have photos and follow-ups in next week's print editon of the AJ-T as well as right here.

A few notes of interest and observations leading up to tonight:

-Four-year starter at cornerback Justin Woazeah will not be playing in tonight's contest due to the violation of a team rule. The senior will be missed tonight, as he is tied for the most career passes defended (51) in NCAA FCS history. Sophomore Cortez Gilbert will likely fill in for the Apps.

Quotables:

"I've played several different positions from high school to hear and I've just always played that way. Everybody loves to hit the quarterback too so you deliver the blow before they get a chance to." - Armanti Edwards, when asked about looking for contact as he finishes runs.

"Beating Michigan was great for us and the Appalachian family, but it was only one game. Our first goal is to win the Southern Conference and then win the National Championship."
-ASU defensive back Pierre Banks, when asked if it bothers him that the average fan will remember him more for Michigan than for National Championships, even if they win tonight.

"I don't think you can pick one. You have to have a defense that is sound and solid against Delaware. Not the quarterback, not the running back.. you have to defend what they do. You ahve to defend Delaware, not just the quarterback or running back. You work on situations, first and 10, third and short, third and long, try to create as many situations as you can...work on defending Delaware." - ASU head coach Jerry Moore, on defending Delaware's individual offensive weapons.






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From The Student Section...Countdown to Chattanooga Edition

The Appalachian State Mountaineers are heading back to Chattanooga, so isn't it fitting we focus on Appy and their opponent Delaware.

• What a crowd at "The Rock" on Friday Night! It was packed and set a record for the playoffs/non-championship game. Even the students were involved, and there was many creative signs. My favorite has to be the Spidey Pig (from "The Simpsons: The Movie). Hopefully, the Mountaineer faithful will make their presence felt in Chattanooga (and I say they will make Finley Stadium "The Rock #2")
• The crowd was so impressive, even Coach Jerry Moore and other Mountaineer coaches took notice. "I just turned and looked and everybody was still there,” Moore said, recalling he had never done that in his time in Boone. “It was an awesome thing.” Moore even said his coaches in the booth were amazed at the people in line for Chattanooga tickets, before the game even ended.
• Even the officials were impressed with "The Rock." At the press conference, Coach Moore stated the following: “One of the officials on the sideline, they’re from the Southland Conference and they had worked some Big 12 games, said, ‘Coach, I’ve worked the Texas-Ohio State game and I’ve got to tell you something. This is the best college-football game I’ve ever been involved in.’ He said, ‘The atmosphere here is awesome. This is real college football.’“He said, ‘You all need a bigger stadium.’ I told him we’re fixing to get one. That’s a great compliment.... I think it speaks volumes about our fans.”
• The Appalachian State Seniors will finish a staggering 29-1 at home in their four seasons at "The Rock." Their lone lost was to Georgia Southern earlier this season.
• The numbers are pointing that the National title game will be a shootout. The two teams have scored over 35 points nine times combined this year. App is averaging 42.3 points per game, while Delaware is right behind them averaging 37.3 points per game.
• Armanti Edwards impressed everyone who saw him play on Friday night. His numbers speak for themselves: 313 yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 14 of 16 passing 182 yards and 3 additonal touchdowns. Total: 495 offensive yards responsible for; 7 total touchdowns. "No. 14. He's the best we've seen this year. I think we have some pretty good athletes on defense but he makes plays in space that nobody has on us this year," Richmond Coach Dave Clawson said of Edwards. "I wouldn't want to change places with the defensive coordinators in the Southern Conference the next two years."
• Delaware has some big time play makers. They are led by quarterback Joe Flacco who has 3,939 yards and 22 touchdowns. Tailback Omar Cuff has amassed 1,861 yards rushing for 34 TDs, and he has also caught 52 passes for 4 touchdowns.
• The Delaware defense has held seven teams to under 17 points.
• Everyone knows Appalachian Stata beat Michigan, but Delaware also has an upset under its belt. The Fighting Blue Hens defeated the Navy Midshipmen 59-52 in Annapolis, Maryland.
• Delaware's most famous grad to play in the NFL. Former Oakland Raider quarterback Rich Gannon.
• Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. and will be telvised nationally on ESPN2. The game is sold out.
• For the first time in this blog's history, From the Student Section is actually coming from a college campus! I am at ETSU and this probably will not be the last post from the Culp Computer lab!

I look forward to seeing everyone in Chattanooga. The Avery Journal-Times will be there for full coverage of the contest. We will have our preview of the contest up by Thursday evening. The pre-game blog will also start on Thursday evening. As was the case last week, Jamie will take over around kickoff to handle the actual gameday blog, and we will have a full recap up sometime after the game. Enjoy the game!!

Countdown to Chattanooga- Monday

It's Monday of Championship Week. I found this and thought I would share this video from the ASU Football Film Crew:

Keep checking the Avery Journal-Times Sports Blog for more of our Countdown to Chattanooga!

COUNTDOWN TO CHATTANOOGA...KICKOFF

The Appalachian State Mountaineers have advanced to the National Championship. The Avery Journal-Times will have you covered leading up to the big game. Here are some of the things you can look for:

• Live onsite coverage from Finley Stadium.
• Full game coverage from Chattanooga
• Previews of the contest
• Game Notes
• Helpful Information about Chattanooga
• Blogs of Avery Journal Times' Staff along the way to Chattanooga and from around the Rock City
• A special From the Student Section

This will be updated throughout the week to keep you updated. Congrats to the Apps!!!

Chattanooga, HERE WE COME!!! Mountaineers defeat Spiders 55-35

On Friday night, the Appalachian State Mountaineers defeated the Richmond Spiders 55-35 in front of a large and rowdy crowd to advance to their unprecedented third straight national title game.

The Mountaineers won their 11th straight playoff game and became the third program to appear in at least three consecutive championship games. Appalachian will face the winner of Delaware, who defeated Southern Illinois 20-17 on Saturday, next Friday night in Chattanooga, TN for the NCAA Football Championship Series title.

Appalachian quarterback Armanti Edwards put on an offensive clinic for the 24,140 fans, an FCS playoff record for a non-championship game, as he rushed for 313 yards for four touchdowns, and was 14 of 16 passing for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns. "The linemen blocked who they were supposed to block," Edwards said. "They were big holes. Anybody could run through them.”

Appalachian Coach Jerry Moore interrupted his star quarterback. “Some of them just can’t run as far,” Moore observed. Moore also said he had never seen such an impressive performance in his 19 years of coaching. “Especially tonight with the importance of this game, that’s something you have to factor in there,” Moore said.

Edwards fell 20 yards short of the FCS playoff rushing record, but he set the record of rushing for a quarterback (FBS or FCS). Edwards also shattered SoCon records for the position, and several school records including seven touchdowns responsible for and 495 yards of total offense.

“No. 14. He’s the best we’ve seen this year. I think we have some pretty good athletes on defense but he makes plays in space that nobody has on us this year,” Richmond Coach Dave Clawson said of Edwards. “I wouldn’t want to change places with the defensive coordinators in the Southern Conference the next two years.”

On a night expected to showcase Richmond’s star running back Tim Hightower, it was Edwards and the Appalachian offense who stole the show. By the half, Edwards had accounted for 204 rushing yards, while the ASU defense limited Hightower to only 34 yards through two quarters. Hightower would end the night with 95 rushing yards on 22 carries. Eric Ward threw for 208 yards and had 5 total touchdowns for the Spiders.

The Mountaineers led at one point 28-7 before the Spiders took control of the momentum and tied the game at 35 with 9:02 left in the 3rd quarter. However, Appalachian took back over and never looked back. The Mountaineer defense limited Richmond to only 29 yards on their last five possessions and the offense scored 21 straight. Corey Lynch all but sealed the victory with his 24th career interception late in the fourth quarter.

The National Championship game will be held at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00pm and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

UR-ASU Blog Quarter #4

10:55 PM - Appalachian puts together an impressive drive. A 29 yard touchdown pass from Edwards to Nic Cardwell capped a nine-play, 74 yard drive that elapsed almost four minutes off the fourth quarter clock. 10:11 remaining in the game, App leads 49-35.

Side note: Armanti Edwards has ran 30 times for 281 yards, and passing is 13 for 15 for 169 yards with a TD pass. One of, if not the best postseason performances in FCS history!


11:04 PM -- Eric Ward drives the Spiders near midfield, but disaster strikes for Richmond as Gary Tharrington's pressure forces a quick pass from Ward that is picked off by Corey Lynch! (Note: Appalachian is 20-0 when Lynch intercepts a pass in a game). ASU football with 8:03 remaining, leading 49-35.

11:10 PM -- Appalachian strikes paydirt yet again. Armanti Edwards fires a 13-yard pass to Nic Cardwell (his second TD reception of the game). The PAT is blocked, but ASU leads 55-35. The play caps a 5 play, 63 yard drive. Armanti Edwards has 313 yards rushing, setting a record for the most in FCS history by a quarterback and most ever in a non-championship game. The current rushing record overall is 333 yards by Adrian Peterson, which Edwards needs only 20 yards to break.

11:16 pm - Barring a comeback of epic proportions, the Mountaineers will be making its third straight trip to Chattanooga for the FCS Championship game. The Avery Journal-Times will be on-hand, ON SITE next Friday night from Findley Stadium with coverage of App's quest for a third straight championship.

Note: The attendance at tonight's contest was 24,140, a non-title game record!







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UR-ASU Blog Quarter #3

10:13 PM -- A play action pass for 17 yards from Ward to Hightower draws the Spiders to within a touchdown at 35-28 with 11:57 remaining in the 3rd quarter. The Spiders drove 78 yards on 7 plays to find the end zone. The question now to be asked is: Can the Richmond defense slow down the App offense??

Hold that question.... Appalachian fumbles on the ensuing kickoff!!! Richmond recovers at the Mountaineer 29 yard line and are in business to tie this one up! Ward scrambles inside the Appalachian 10 yard line. On third and goal Ward looks for a receiver, pulls the ball down and scrambles five yards to the pylon and the Richmond score! The Howard PAT ties the game at 35-35 with 9:02 left in the 3rd period.

10:29 PM -- Appalachian is impressive on its first offensive series of the half, a 9-play, 69 yard drive that takes 4:13 off the clock. Kevin Richardson scores for the first time today, a three-yard romp to help ASU regain the lead at 42-35 with 4:41 left in the quarter.

10:42 PM-- The two teams exchange punts, and at the end of the 3rd quarter, the Mountaineers lead 42-35. Fifteen more minutes stand between the Mountaineers and a third-straight trip to Chattanooga!

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UR-ASU Blog Quarter #2

8:58 PM--Still live and kicking from a cool and LOUD Kidd Brewer...

The 21 points ties a season high for a quarter by App (they did the same against Lenoir Rhyne and UT-Chattanooga)...

Armanti Edwards finds a seam, runs to the goal line from 36 yards out and SOMERSAULTS into the end zone! The move draws a penalty, but I give him a 9.7 for artistic expression! PAT good. ASU 28, Richmond 7 (14:41 2nd Qtr)


Now an interesting setup... two kickoffs out of bounds have set up the Apps kicking off from its own 5 yard line, giving Richmond field position at the ASU 37. Richmond uses the short field for a touchdown as Ward finds Grayson for a 26-yard touchdown pass. 28-14 ASU (13:42 2nd)

9:15 PM - That man has done it again! Armanti Edwards skates into the end zone from 3 yards out, capping a 7 play 66 yard drive in 2 minutes, 58 seconds. ASU 35, UR 14. Armanti already has 200 yards rushing in the game. Could he threaten the single-game record of 333 yards rushing held by Adrian Peterson of Georgia Southern from 1999? We'll see....

9:28 PM -- ASU holds on downs and takes over at their own 28 yard line with 5:58 to go and leading 35-14. App goes for it on fourth down and doesn't convert, turning it over on downs with 3:22 left in the half and up 3 scores. Richmond scores with 21 seconds left on a 27-yard run by Ward to cut the lead at halftime to 35-21 at intermission. Armanti Edwards (photo above taken courtesy of my esteemed colleague Matt Laws) has officially ran for over 200 yards in the opening half. We'll have statistical specifics momentarily.

10:04 - We're about to kick off the second half. Armanti Edwards has 204 yards rushing in the half and 90 passing yards. and Richmond star running back Tim Hightower has only 33 yards rushing in the half.













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OFFICIAL AJ-T Game Blog for Richmond-ASU (accept NO substitutes)

We're LIVE from Kidd Brewer about 75 minutes before game time!

6:45 PM -- Watauga H.S. Sports Information Director and Appalachian State University SID intern Daniel Clark has dropped by to offer his official prediction of ASU 31 Richmond 27. Daniel picked the score of 38-28 in last week's win, and would have been right on the money had it not been for the garbage EWU touchdown last weekend. We spare NO EFFORT to get the top prognosticators around the Press Box to check in!


7:26 PM -- EDIT: Mr. Clark has returned to the Press Box and has edited his prediction! Because Richmond trotted out to the field in a lackluster fashion and ASU entered the field to warm up in an exuberant fashion, the NEW prediction is ASU 41 Richmond 21. Mark it down, take it to your favorite bookmaker. App is going to Chattanooga!

7:58 PM -- The Mountaineers have taken the field! The captains are at midfield and the Spiders have won the toss. They have deferred and the Mountaineer offense takes the field first in a ROCKIN' Kidd Brewer!

8:06 PM -- Josh Johnson picks up a reception on the opening drive, but a poor third down spot forces the Apps to punt the ball to UR, pinning the Spiders back at their own 10 yard line.

8:10 PM -- ASU gives up a first down but holds as Gary Tharrington forces UR Quarterback Eric Ward out of bounds, forcing a punt. ASU at its own 38 with 10:30 left in the first.

8:15 PM --

ASU doesn't mess around. A 51-yard pass play from Armanti Edwards to Dexter Jackson results in the first score of the game. Two good blocks from Josh Johnson and Hans Batichon springs Jackson for the cross-field tally. ASU 7, Richmond 0. Richmond receives ensuing kickoff but is held to a three-and-out, punting back to the Mountaineers.

On a side note, the TV breaks at college football games are nothing more than a necessary evil.

8:30 PM -- The Mountaineers use the legs of Edwards and a late hit penalty to start another march inside the Spiders red zone. Edwards walks in from 7 yards out to put the Apps up by two scores with 6:29 left in the opening period. The drive puts Richmond behind by its second largest margin of the year at 14-0. The ASU scoring drive of 7 plays and 67 yards in only 1:45 leaves the Spiders reeling! The crowd is absolutely electric!

8:36 PM -- Much to Richmond's credit, they answer with a good kickoff return and a six play, 56 yard drive, capped by a 29-yard touchdown pass from Ward to Grayson that was reviewed and confirmed. The Howard PAT was good. 14-7 ASU with 3:35 left in the first period.

8:47 PM -- Again Armanti Edwards shows why he is SO valuable to this Black and Gold team. His legs accounted for most of the yardage on a 8 play, 57 yard drive that used 2:59 off the clock, finishing up with a 9-yard run to paydirt, giving the Mountaineers a 21-7 advantage with 29 seconds left in the 1st qtr.

First play of Richmond drive, a complete pass play, but a fumble was forced by Pierre Banks and recovered by Gary Tharrington as the first period comes to a close. ASU football near midfield leading 21-7. WHEW!!!

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Gameday Blog: App State vs. Richmond

It's Gameday!!! We will keep you updated on all of the day's activities right here. Don't have a way to watch the game on ESPN2? Jamie will also have a blog updating the game right here. Hope you enjoy and see you at the game tonight!

9:15 am: Tonight at Kidd Brewer, the Mountaineers will face the Richmond Spiders for a chance to go the National Championship game in Chattanooga. The game should happen in beautiful conditions. This morning, however, is a different story. Ice and Freezing rain has caused issues throughout the area. 19-E was blocked due to several wrecks in Roan Mountain. There has even been reports of a 10-car pileup. That stopped me from getting to ETSU for class, and Avery County schools were on a delay. Stay tuned for more updates as gametime approaches.

Some game notes for those making the trip to Boone:

• Parking regulations can be found on http://www.goasu.com/. Most lots open at 5pm for parking due to exams.


• A limited number of tickets remain. Tickets can still be bought online or purchased from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the ASU athletics ticket office in the Holmes Center and beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Kidd Brewer Stadium ticket plaza.


• Ray's Weather has the kickoff forecast for 41 degrees and a 10% chance of rain.


• Keep checking here for updates and the actual game blog!

3:00pm: The weather for tonight is still looking good for tonight's showdown. The winner of tonight's game will face off in Chattanooga against the winner of Southern Illinois and Delaware, which will take place tomorrow evening at 4. Dress Warmly and we will see you at "The Rock"!!!!

6:30pm: WELCOME TO THE ROCK!! It is an hour and a half from kickoff, and what an atmosphere here in Boone tonight. The lights are on, student section is close to being filled and people are filling in. The Mountaineers and Spiders have been on the field, but are now in the locker rooms getting ready for warmups. It is comfortable right now weather wise, and the stadium is expected to be filled to over capacity. This will be my last post until after the game due to NCAA regulations. However, Jamie will be logging on anytime now to start his in-game blog. Remember (I don't know how you could forget with me reminding you in every post), the winner of this will move on to the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in Chattanooga. Enjoy the game! (Remember, the game can be seen on ESPN2 if you can't be here to soak it in, and we will have an updated blog) GO APPS!!!!

2:15 am: ROCK CITY HERE WE COME!!! The Mountaineers have earned another trip to Chattanooga for the National Championship game next Friday night. It has been a long day, but well worth it. The stadium tonight was rocking. The attendence was the largest in FCS playoff/non championship history. It was a big help to the Mountaineers. Thanks for reading, and a special thanks to the Mountaineer fans!!!

-Matt

Avery High Alum Paul Johnson to Accept Head Football Coach Position at Georgia Tech

ATLANTA -- Navy coach Paul Johnson, who turned one of the country's worst teams into an annual bowl participant, has agreed to become Georgia Tech's next football coach, Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk confirmed Friday morning.
Johnson, who had a 45-39 record in six seasons at Navy, replaces Chan Gailey, who was fired as Georgia Tech's coach Nov. 26.
After turning Navy into a regular bowl contender, Paul Johnson is leaving for ACC country.
"Paul is fixated on what Paul wants to do and that's the next step and new challenges at Georgia Tech," Gladchuck said. "We appreciate what Paul has done and we'll always remember him as one of the great coaches in Navy history. But we're very respectful of his wishes for new challenges at Georgia Tech."
Johnson informed the team at an 11:45 a.m. meeting at the Navy's Ricketts Hall, where the football offices are located, said Scott Strasemeier, Navy's associate athletic director for sports information.
Georgia Tech has scheduled a 5:30 p.m. ET news conference to announce the hiring of Johnson.
Johnson, who is perhaps best known for his potent triple-option spread offense, led the Midshipmen to unprecedented success during his tenure at the academy. Under his watch, Navy was 11-1 against Army and Air Force and won the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy five consecutive seasons.
Navy went 8-4 this season and beat Notre Dame 46-44 in triple overtime, ending an NCAA-record 43-game losing streak to the Fighting Irish.
Navy plays Utah in the Dec. 20 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. Gladchuk said Johnson will not coach in the bowl game.
Johnson previously worked at Division I-AA Georgia Southern, where he led the Eagles to a 62-10 record and two consecutive I-AA national championships.
Johnson was also considered a candidate for vacancies at Duke and SMU but informed both of those schools Friday morning that he wasn't taking either job.
Georgia Tech also considered former Washington coach Rick Neuheisel, former Auburn coach Terry Bowden, Georgia Southern coach Chris Hatcher and Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong. Connecticut coach Randy Edsall also interviewed for the job but quickly removed himself from consideration.
Defensive coach Jon Tenuta was selected interim head coach for when Tech plays in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl against Fresno State on Dec. 31. Tenuta's status is expected to be addressed at the news conference Friday.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Mountaineers One Step Closer to Chattanooga; Face Tough Richmond Squad on Friday Night

The Appalachian State Mountaineers are one win away from competing in their third straight NCAA FCS Championship game. However, the Richmond Spiders stand in the way of that streak. The Spiders (11-2) have won eight straight games, and are making their first appearance in the National Semifinals.

“They are a very well coached football team,” Appalachian Coach Jerry Moore stated. “The first thing that stands out is how hard they play. They are very fundamentally sound.” Richmond is lead offensively by running back Tim Hightower. Hightower has rushed for 1,829 yards and 20 touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter in last week’s comeback victory over Wofford. “Hightower is a big back. He is around six foot tall, and around 220 pounds,” Moore said. ”He is a load and has great speed. He is very durable. They have a lot of confidence in him.”

However, the Mountaineers look to be prepared for the challenge. “We are a confident football team. I don’t think believe we are over confident, but we’re eager and hungry,” Moore noted. “The intensity is there in practice. (The players) are very intense.”
Both teams got a surprise on Sunday when the NCAA announced that the game, originally scheduled for Saturday had been moved up to Friday Night at 8:00pm. “I think it’s a fair decision,” Richmond Coach Dave Clawson said of the change. “It would be very unfair to Delaware, who’s been stuck in Waterloo, Iowa, for two days, to turn around and have to play on Friday. We would prefer to play on Saturday just because, as coaches, you always like to have a little bit more prep time, but I certainly understand the rationale for the decision.”

The Mountaineers are 8-0 in a three year span in home playoff games. “I think our school realizes the importance, the financial importance, of playing at home,” Moore noted. “It’s become a lot of fun for our fans and certainly for our players and staff. Charlie has done a great job of marketing game-day experience here.” The Mountaineers averaged 27,140 fans during the regular season, and last weekend’s attendance of 16,947 was the largest ever for a quarterfinal game in Boone.
Moore also talked about how enthusiastic the Appalachian fans were before home games. “I didn’t realize all the tailgating that goes on down on Rivers Street,” he said. “It was from the basketball arena all the way to the other end with all these tents, flags and cookers and all that stuff. Game day here is a fun experience.”

The showdown with Richmond will be the most important game of the year as the Mountaineers look to continue their march to Chattanooga. Kickoff will be at 8:00pm, and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

From the Student Section.....

Hope everyone is having a great week. Here are just some odds and ends for this week in sports:

• The Appalachian State Mountaineers have advanced to the National Semifinals of the NCAA FCS Playoffs. They will host Richmond at 8:00pm on Friday after last weekend's victory over Eastern Washington. The winning team will move on to Chattanooga for the National Championship game.


• The Apps were orginally scheduled to play on Saturday, but the contest was moved to the Friday Night Slot. Why? Delaware advanced after beating Northern Iowa in Waterloo, Iowa. However, a winter storm delayed their trip back home until Monday. The NCAA moved Delaware's game to Saturday to allow them extra time to prepare.


• If you can make it to "The Rock" on Friday night, I would highly recommend it. It will be a great game, and a better atmosphere. There are tickets still available (as of Wednesday night). All parking lots open at 5:00pm on Friday for parking and tailgating at Kidd Brewer Stadium. For more information on tickets and parking, please check out goasu.com.


• Appalachian's victory over Michigan has even made impressions with the coaches in the NFL. Mike Tomlin of the Steelers offered praise to the undefeated Patriots, but eventually grew weary of all the Patriot talk. He answered a reporter's question by saying "This isn't Appalachian State against Michigan."


• Tonight, the four remaining Heisman Candiates were announced. Darren McFadden, Tim Tebow, Colt Brennan, and Chase Daniels were the players invited to New York this weekend.


• The Avery Vikings will now play their Friday Night game on Thursday evening. For more information on the schedule change, check below for Jamie's post.


• Do you have any suggestions for our coverage of local sports? Anything you would like to see? Any comments? Feel free to let us know. You can reach me at averysports@yahoo.com and Jamie can be reached at sportsaj@xtn.net.

Good luck to the Mountaineers on Friday night. Even Santa made the trip to Boone on Saturday, and will probably be there on Friday Night. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Avery/Watauga basketball moved to Thursday

Due to the national semifinal football game scheduled Friday night between Richmond and Appalachian State, the Avery and Watauga high schools have agreed to move their basketball games which were originally scheduled for Friday to Thursday night. Junior varsity girls action begins at 4 p.m., with JV boys, varsity girls, and varsity boys games following.

Grapplers Defeat Huskies in Dual Meet, Compete in Ashe County Tournament

After a brief hiatus, the Avery wrestling team returned to the mat on Thursday evening for the team’s first home match of the season, a dual meet with the visiting Ashe County Huskies. In a tightly contested match that boiled down to the final three matches, the Vikings emerged victorious in the meet by a final score of 42-36.

Four exhibition matches took place before the dual meet began, with Jonathan Hunnicutt, Rodney Vance, and Shawn Watson each winning by pinfall and Forrest Sickler coming up short by fall in his exhibition match.

The dual meet itself was a back-and-forth affair with the teams trading the overall lead. Picking up victories in the early portion of the meet were Brock Yackey at 112 pounds (1st period pinfall), Lucas Carver in a hard fought 2-1 decision win at 125 pounds over Ashe’s Logan Orr, John Hensley at 130 pounds (1st period pinfall), Stephen Holland at 140 pounds (1st period pinfall), as well as Jordan English at 145 pounds (3rd period pinfall) and Anthony Varacalli at 152 pounds (1st period pinfall).

In a pair of additional key matches, Jose Munoz picked up a 6-3 decision victory at the 160 pound class, with Lucas Lecka earning an impressive first period pinfall victory in the 215 pound weight class which sealed the victory.

Vikings head coach Stacey Clark was pleased that his team emerged victorious in Thursday’s meet. “The wins by Anthony Varacalli was big, as he volunteered to wrestle a little heavy at 152 and did a great job for us, and the win by Lucas Lecka at 215 who also bumped up was huge as far as match scores went,” the coach said. “The middle weights did what we expected and what they had to do. Lucas came in a little banged up and he did a great job in finishing the match and getting a good win.”

This past Saturday the team traveled to Jefferson to participate in the Ashe County Duals Tournament. Avery wrestled dual meets against five schools over the course of the day-long event, winning two of the matches and losing three.

Avery’s first match was a dual meet against the Vikings of North Wilkes High School, coming up short by a final score of 27-44. The Vikings only managed one pinfall victory (Jordan English at 145 pounds) and three of decision victories in the dual (Yackey, Hensley, and Holland were victorious).

The Vikings righted the ship with an impressive 57-24 win over Grayson County (VA). Earning victories by pinfall or decision in the dual meet were Yackey, Hensley, Holland, English, and Watson. Forfeit victories were earned by Johnathan Hunnicutt, Jaren Gragg, Micah Loven, Lucas Lecka, and Ike Puckett.

Avery lost its next two dual meets of the day to North Iredell High School and West Caldwell by scores of 27-48 and 27-44, respectively. Winners in the North Iredell match include Yackey (forfeit), Hensley (pinfall), Holland (decision), English (decision), Daniel Plyler (pinfall), and Shawn Watson (decision). Wrestlers earning victories in the West Caldwell match were Yackey (pinfall), Hunnicutt (forfeit), Sickler (forfeit), Hensley (pinfall), Holland (pinfall), and English (decision).

In Avery’s final dual match of the day, the Vikings defeated Rural Retrreat (VA) High School by a 45-30 score. Wrestlers who ended the day on a high note with wins include Nick Malgedey (forfeit), Yackey (pinfall), Sickler (pinfall), Hensley (pinfall), Varacalli (forfeit), Holland (decision), English (pinfall), and Loven (pinfall).

Coach Clark was pleased with the effort of several of his athletes. “Brock Yackey had a big day, especially for a freshman to go undefeated. He’s been a strong wrestler all year, but it was impressive to see him go unbeaten,” the coach said. “Jordan English also had a big day for us on Saturday. We’re seeing some improvement in our heavier weights and they’re working hard. Some of our young guys are making improvements and showing the extra drive a little sooner than we expected.”

Avery will return to the mat for a pair of dual meets, a match on Tuesday at Watauga and the conference opener, a dual meet at home on Thursday against Owen. The matches will be a good test for the team as the season kicks into high gear.

Apps Defeat Eastern Washington; Host Richmond Friday Night

On Saturday afternoon, the Appalachian State Mountaineers were too much for the Eastern Washington Eagles. The Mountaineers used 529 total offensive yards to defeat the Eagles 38-35. Armanti Edwards threw two touchdowns and ran for one as the Mountaineers continued their playoff winning streak to ten straight games.

“Obviously, we are tickled to death to be one step farther along in the playoffs,” Appalachian Coach Jerry Moore stated. ”It was a good football game between two good football teams.”

Appalachian, the two time defending national champion, jumped out to a 38-21 lead late in the fourth quarter after Kevin Richardson scored from 18 yards out. Richardson, a Walter Payton Award Candidate, played in a limited role due to an injury suffered last week against James Madison. Devon Moore stepped into Richardson’s role and had 104 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown, while Richardson only had 8 carries for 69 yards with one touchdown.

“Devon is a very fine running back. We love to play them both. We felt we would not lose anything with Kevin out. We ended up playing with both of them,” Moore noted.

The Eagles tried to make a late comeback as Dale Morris scored from a yard out and Matt Nichols found Matt Martin for a late touchdown. However, it was not enough to overcome the Mountaineer lead.

Nichols, the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year, was 24 of 42 passing for 185 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, and also added 54 yards on 12 carries.

The Mountaineers will host next weekend’s semifinal game at Kidd Brewer stadium. “It’s a great place to play. The crowd was in the ball game from the beginning to the end. It’s really a really neat and good college atmosphere,” Moore noted.”Your up in the mountains. Everyone cut their Christmas trees this morning, and came to the ballgame this afternoon. It’s a neat deal.” The Mountaineers will face Richmond in the NCAA Semifinal round on Friday Night.

The Avery Journal-Times Sports Blog will have full coverage of the Mountaineers as they try to get back to Chattanooga. We Will have a preview up sometime Tuesday night or Wednesday evening of the App's Friday Night showdown.

EWU/ASU Update 10

Eastern Washington picked up another touchdown as Dale Morris rumbled in from a yard out to cut the deficit to 38-28 Mountaineers with 3:11 left in the game.

EWU's onside kick attempt fails. Trey Elder now in at QB for the Apps as they attempt to run out the clock. EWU uses a timeout and has one left with 3:03 to go and the ball on the Eagles 34 yard line.

Another carry from Elder, followed by the final timeout by the Eagles at the 2:56 mark. App goes for a first down on fourth down with 2:13 to go and does not convert, turning it over on downs to EWU. Should App hold on to the win, they will meet either Richmond or Wofford in the semifinal round next weekend. Thanks for reading!

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EWU/ASU Update 9

App gave up the football on downs as the fourth quarter began, but the Mountaineer defense stood tall in stopping Eastern short on a fourth and 1 play near midfield. The Eagles defense held and ASU kicks the ball away to EWU with 8:23 left in the game and App leading 31-21.

On EWU's first play following the punt, the Eagles fumbled the ball away on a big hit by Lynch. App recovered the football inside the Eagle 30 yard line. Four plays later, Kevin Richardson found the end zone on an 18-yard run to likely seal the Mountaineers a third consecutive trip to the FCS Final Four. App 38 EWU 21 with 6:07 remaining in the game.










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EWU/ASU Update 8

ASU gets back on the board again only a minute and a half after the Eagles kickoff return score. A pair of penalties on EWU helped set up the Mountianeers to the EWU 10 yard line, where Devon Moore ran (minus a shoe) for a score to stake the Mountaineers to a ten-point edge at 31-21.

Following the kickoff and a personal foul penalty against App, EQU QB Nicholls went for the home run pass from midfield, only to be picked off by Corey Lynch at the ASU 5 yard line.

Note: Eastern Washington's defense has been on the field for a long period in the game. Players are beginning to put hands on hips and appear to be tiring... with over three minutes left in the third quarter.

The teams trade punts as the third period expires... 31-21 ASU.








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EWU/ASU Update 7

Appalachian answers the EWU score with a 12 play, 60 yard drive that consumed 4:38 off the clock. A 21-yard Julian Rauch field goal makes the score 24-14 Mountaineers with 5:59 to go in the third.

Eastern refuses to fold, as a 78-yard return for a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff cuts the lead to three at ASU 24, EWU 21.

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