Bluestone News

Best of 2022: #7 Concord's Thrilling Win Over Charleston

Over the last 365 days, Concord University Athletics has enjoyed several career achievements, memorable wins and award-winning moments.From December 22 through New Year's Eve, the Concord University Sports Information Department will travel back in time to relive the top 10 moments and storylines of the 2022 sports year on The Campus Beautiful.On Christmas Day, we take a look back at an instant classic football game from the fall with Concord coming away with a 68-60 victory over Charleston at Callaghan Stadium.The Mountain Lions and Charleston combined for the most points in a CU game in program history, and the 68 points scored by Concord were the most in 12 seasons.After going back-and-forth in the first half, the Maroon and Gray held a 35-33 lead at halftime. However, UC scored the first two touchdowns of the second half, leaving Concord with its largest deficit of the game, 47-35. Still trailing 50-41 midway through the fourth quarter, CU scored twice in 17 seconds thanks to a fumbled kickoff by the Golden Eagles to take a 55-50 lead.Charleston responded with 5:37 remaining to take a 58-55 edge. However, the Mountain Lions scored the final two touchdowns of the game with UC's only points coming on a blocked extra point returned for a score.Clinging to the eight-point advantage, Concord needed a goal line stand on the game's final two plays to secure the victory.The Mountain Lions established a new program record for yards in a game with 735. Running back Thurlow Wilkins ran for 279 yards and four touchdowns on his way to becoming the National Offensive Player of the Week.Receivers Jarod Bowie (132) and Kris Copeland (131) both went over 100 yards receiving and combined for five touchdowns. Quarterback Jack Mangel threw for 399 yards and six touchdowns.  Along with the late-game stop, CU's defense forced three crucial turnovers—all on fumbles.Concord's offensive line was impressive on the day as it paved the way for 336 rushing yards as well as not allowing a sack on 50 dropbacks by Mangel. 

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