Appalachian State fans threw snowballs at James Madison players before the game
The rivalry between Appalachian State and James Madison University was back on Saturday with an added twist.
The Dukes went to the annual team tournament in Boone, North Carolina, where it snowed.
The pitch was clear to play on, but the stands still had mountains of white stuff – and the fans took advantage.
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Appalachian State student Berkley Coon slides down a snow-covered hill at Kidd Brewer Stadium before James Madison’s game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Boone, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
As the Dukes entered the field from the tunnel, Mountaineer fans pelted the players with snowballs.
It seemed that some players didn’t care at all – others seemed to be roused by the beating.
But maybe Appalachian State fans had a good idea, as the Mountaineers came away with a 34-20 victory.
Joey Aguilar threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns, and Ahmani Marshall ran for 108 yards in the win.
James Madison’s George Pettaway faces Appalachian State’s Jordan Favors, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone. (Allison Lee Isley/The Winston-Salem Journal via AP)
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Aguilar threw a 4-yard touchdown to Eli Wilson and a 64-yard touchdown to Makai Jackson to bring the Mountaineers (5-5, 3-4 Sun Belt) to a tie at 17 with 1:23 left. before the break.
After forcing the Dukes to punt, App State came up with a blocked punt and Michael Hetzel returned it 9 yards for a touchdown to give the Mountaineers the lead for good with 40 seconds left before halftime.
With the loss, James Madison (8-3, 4-3) was eliminated from the opportunity to represent the East Division in the conference championship game.
Appalachian State’s Shawn Collins recovers from a fumble by James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Allison Lee Isley/The Winston-Salem Journal via AP)
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The game was almost a year before the Mountaineers ruined James Madison’s perfect season, as the Dukes had considered legal action after being ruled ineligible to play football.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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