Greenville, N.C. — Joey Aguilar threw for a career-high 424 yards and two touchdowns, leading Appalachian State to a thrilling 21-19 comeback win over East Carolina after trailing by 16 points early in the game.
East Carolina (2-1) struck quickly when Jake Garcia connected with Winston Wright Jr. for a 65-yard touchdown just three plays into the game, putting the Pirates up 7-0. Andrew Conrad then added a 48-yard field goal, and Shavon Revel Jr. returned an Aguilar interception 50 yards for another touchdown, though the missed extra point left ECU with a 16-0 lead.
Appalachian State (2-1) responded with Aguilar’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Eli Wilson just 43 seconds into the second quarter. Wilson also caught the two-point conversion, cutting the deficit. Michael Hughes followed with a pair of field goals—one from 28 yards and another from 35 yards with just 9 seconds left in the half—narrowing ECU’s lead to 16-14 at the break.
The Mountaineers took the lead late in the third quarter when Aguilar hit Makai Jackson for a 36-yard touchdown, putting App State ahead 21-16. ECU answered with a 43-yard Conrad field goal early in the fourth quarter, bringing the Pirates within two points.
With 5:10 left in the game, a fumble by Kaedin Robinson after a 20-yard reception gave East Carolina possession deep in their own territory. Garcia connected with Yannick Smith for a 29-yard gain on the drive, but Seth Robertson intercepted Garcia’s next pass, allowing Appalachian State to regain control and run out the clock.
Aguilar finished 32-of-47 with two interceptions. Kaedin Robinson had seven catches for 129 yards, while Christan Horn added 108 yards on five receptions.
Garcia threw for 226 yards and completed 18 of 28 passes for the Pirates.
