Week 8: Wayfinders Claim Appalachia as O’Connor Makes CAC History

Blue Ridge shuts down Carolina State, York Tech topples No. 24 USF, Philadelphia Tech completes a fourth-quarter comeback, and Kevin O’Connor becomes the CAC’s first national Player of the Week.

By Grant Ashworth | CAC Network

Blue Ridge State entered Week 8 with an opportunity to settle the question of Appalachian supremacy.

The Wayfinders left no room for debate.

Blue Ridge forced five turnovers, controlled the middle two quarters and defeated Carolina State 36-17 under the lights at The Ridge. The victory completed a season sweep of Appalachian State and Carolina State, giving the Wayfinders unquestioned bragging rights across the region.

The conference also earned another signature nonconference victory when York Tech knocked off No. 24 USF, while Philadelphia Tech rallied past Acadia State and Lake Superior State rolled behind an unexpected star at quarterback.

The biggest individual achievement belonged to Blue Ridge cornerback Kevin O’Connor. His game-changing defensive performance earned both CAC Defensive Player of the Week and national Player of the Week honors, making him the first player in conference history to receive the national award.

Game of the Week: Blue Ridge State 36, Carolina State 17

Carolina State struck first in the Battle for Appalachia, completing a long touchdown pass to finish an 83-yard, four-play drive and take a 7-0 lead late in the opening quarter.

From there, the Wayfinders’ defense took control.

Middle linebacker Dom Wayne intercepted Brian Best early in the second quarter, giving Blue Ridge the short field it needed to tie the game at seven. On Carolina State’s next possession, Shane Selesky forced a fumble and the Wayfinders recovered at the Shiners’ 19-yard line.

The teams traded interceptions before Blue Ridge regained possession in favorable field position. Terry Fowler turned that opportunity into points when Jones Camp took a screen pass approximately 19 yards for his second receiving touchdown of the game, putting the Wayfinders ahead 14-7.

Carolina State answered with a 57-yard field goal, but Fowler orchestrated one final scoring drive before halftime and finished it himself with a scrambling touchdown. Blue Ridge carried a 21-10 lead into the locker room.

O’Connor delivered the defining play of the second half, returning an interception for a touchdown to extend the Wayfinders’ advantage to 27-10. Camp added a 35-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter as Blue Ridge finished off a 36-17 victory.

The Wayfinders outgained Carolina State 394-277 and forced five turnovers. After falling behind 7-0, Blue Ridge outscored the Shiners 36-10 over the remainder of the game.

Fowler completed 23 of 33 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. He was intercepted twice. Camp accounted for three touchdowns, finishing with 35 rushing yards and a score along with three catches for 39 yards and two touchdowns.

O’Connor led a dominant defensive effort with seven tackles, one tackle for loss, an interception returned for a touchdown, one pass breakup and a forced fumble. Wayne added an interception, two passes defended and a fumble recovery.

Best finished 13 of 28 for 196 yards and a touchdown, but threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. The Wayfinders held Carolina State’s dangerous rushing offense to just 81 total yards.

Tyler Choice provided one of the Shiners’ few offensive bright spots with four receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Defensive tackle Joey Gooden recorded five tackles for loss and a sack, while WILL linebacker Lane Carney finished with 11 tackles and two tackles for loss.

Blue Ridge State improves to 4-3 and can now claim victories over both Appalachian State and Carolina State in the same season.

York Tech 36, No. 24 USF 17

York Tech secured one of the biggest wins in CAC history with a 36-17 victory over No. 24 USF.

The Oystermen trailed 14-13 at halftime before dominating the second half. York scored nine points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth while holding the Bulls to just three points after halftime.

York Tech outgained USF 482-320 and did not commit a turnover.

Spencer Klemente was sensational, completing 17 of 21 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns. He added 86 rushing yards and another touchdown, including a 62-yard scoring run.

Devin Hicks powered the ground game with 134 yards and a touchdown, while three different York Tech receivers caught scoring passes.

Free safety Colin LaFell led the Oystermen defensively with seven tackles and two pass breakups. SAM linebacker Tommy Sampson added seven tackles, one sack and two pass breakups.

The Battle for Maine gave York Tech its identity. Its victory over a ranked opponent might have given the Oystermen national credibility.

Philadelphia Tech 37, Acadia State 28

Philadelphia Tech erased another halftime deficit and shut out Acadia State in the fourth quarter to earn a 37-28 victory.

The Mainiacs led 14-7 after the first quarter and 21-17 at halftime. Philadelphia Tech stayed within striking distance before scoring 13 unanswered points in the final quarter to complete the comeback.

The Iron Horses outgained Acadia 518-397 and won the turnover battle 2-1.

Kevin Wells delivered one of the week’s best quarterback performances, completing 24 of 36 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 73 yards and a score, highlighted by a 77-yard touchdown run.

Kevin Ness made his return to the Philadelphia Tech backfield and immediately provided balance, carrying 18 times for 130 yards. Martin Fisher caught nine passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

Ian Schuler led the defense with seven tackles, an interception and a pass breakup. MIKE linebacker Levi Robinson recorded seven tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups.

Acadia quarterback John McCourt completed 17 of 30 passes for 220 yards but threw two interceptions without a touchdown. Johnny Kuberski kept the Mainiacs in the game with 171 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including a 68-yard scoring run.

Gordon Arnoux registered 11 tackles and two pass breakups. Right edge rusher Nick Hoffman produced four tackles for loss and two sacks.

Philadelphia Tech’s victory moves the Iron Horses to 3-2 in conference play. Acadia State also falls to 3-2, further tightening the race behind the conference leaders.

High Plains Tech 31, Lake Charles State 21

High Plains Tech exploded for 24 points in the second quarter and remained unbeaten in conference play with a 31-21 victory over Lake Charles State.

The Storm carried a 24-14 advantage into halftime. Neither team scored in the third quarter before trading touchdowns in the fourth.

High Plains outgained Lake Charles 436-367, and neither team committed a turnover.

Howie Mundy completed 24 of 38 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Brandon Durant turned three receptions into 114 yards and two touchdowns, including a 48-yard score. Barry Baugher added 11 catches for 122 yards.

WILL linebacker Josh Davenport led the Storm with 12 tackles. Scotty Skaggs contributed five tackles and two pass breakups.

For Lake Charles, Mike Walter completed 18 of 30 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown. Donald Doss rushed six times for 88 yards and two scores, while Jordan Kinoi added 94 yards on the ground. Trevor Snow caught the Trawlers’ lone touchdown pass and finished with 57 receiving yards.

SAM linebacker Bryce Abraham recorded seven tackles and one tackle for loss. MIKE linebacker Stephen Macklin had five tackles, three of which came behind the line of scrimmage.

High Plains Tech is now 3-0 in CAC play and remains the conference’s only unbeaten team.

Keweenaw Tech 45, Territorial State 13

Keweenaw Tech improved to 6-1 overall with a commanding 45-13 victory over Territorial State.

The Owls led 21-7 at halftime and added 17 points in the fourth quarter to turn the game into a rout. Keweenaw outgained Territorial State 483-362 and forced two turnovers while committing one.

Vince Parker continued his remarkable run of production, throwing for 324 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 95 yards and two more scores. His performance included another explosive quarterback run, this time a 74-yard touchdown.

LeCount added 59 rushing yards and a score. Kirk Calloway caught six passes for 91 yards and a touchdown.

Anthony Pryor led the Owls’ defense with eight tackles, an interception and a pass breakup. Right edge rusher Ethan Eldrenkamp added three tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.

Territorial State quarterback Erik Stevens completed 17 of 26 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown but threw two interceptions. Pat Presley ran for 66 yards and a touchdown, while Tyler Edmund finished with 82 receiving yards.

Even in the loss, two Dealers continued their outstanding defensive seasons. Middle linebacker Greg Kurtz recorded eight tackles, one tackle for loss, half a sack, an interception and a pass breakup. Randy Wozniak added three tackles for loss and three sacks.

Delaware 43, Daytona Beach Tech 40, 2OT

Daytona Beach Tech came within a field goal of another dramatic nonconference victory before falling to Delaware 43-40 in double overtime.

The Daredevils led 21-17 at halftime, but Delaware pulled even at 24 by the end of the third quarter. Each team scored 10 points in the fourth, sending the game to overtime tied at 34.

Both teams scored touchdowns and missed extra points in the first overtime. Delaware then kicked the decisive field goal in the second extra period.

Delaware outgained Daytona Beach 504-405. Neither team committed a turnover.

Justice Nesbitt completed 22 of 34 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Seth Littlejohn added 123 rushing yards.

Aidan Spellman was the star of the Daytona Beach passing attack, finishing with 96 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Tucker McRae led the Daredevils with eight tackles. Dennis Deneher recorded four tackles and two sacks.

Lake Superior State 43, Coronado State 24

Lake Superior State built a 23-3 halftime advantage and held off Coronado State for a 43-24 home victory.

The Berserkers outgained the Admirals 547-365, with each team committing one turnover. Coronado scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, but Lake Superior answered with 13 to prevent any serious comeback attempt.

Starting quarterback Bryson Cantrell threw for 170 yards before leaving with an injury. Backup Peyton Silvestro stepped in and delivered the best performance of his career, throwing for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Three different Berserkers caught touchdown passes from Silvestro.

Brian Henning carried 19 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns while adding 81 receiving yards and another score. His 215 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns earned him CAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Lake Superior’s defense consistently disrupted the Admirals. Blaine Castonzo recorded four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Strong safety Tony Wesevich added seven tackles, an interception and a pass breakup.

Coronado quarterback Alex McQuiston threw for 260 yards but was intercepted once. James McMichael rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns.

Dave Byron led the Admirals with 10 tackles and two pass breakups. MIKE linebacker Evan Husman recorded seven tackles, an interception and two pass breakups, while Barry Calpatera added five tackles and three pass breakups.

CAC Players of the Week

Offensive Player of the Week: Brian Henning, Lake Superior State

Henning produced 215 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in Lake Superior’s 43-24 victory:

• 19 carries
• 134 rushing yards
• Two rushing touchdowns
• 81 receiving yards
• One receiving touchdown

Defensive Player of the Week: Kevin O’Connor, Blue Ridge State

O’Connor delivered a historic performance in the Battle for Appalachia:

• Seven tackles
• One tackle for loss
• One interception
• One interception return touchdown
• One pass breakup
• One forced fumble

O’Connor was also selected as the national Defensive Player of the Week, becoming the first CAC player to earn a national weekly award.

Recruiting Roundup: Shiners Building a National Class

Carolina State may have stumbled on the field in Week 8, but the Shiners continue to lead the CAC on the recruiting trail.

Carolina State has signed 10 three-star prospects and spent 465 NIL points, the largest investment in the conference. The Shiners currently hold the No. 14 recruiting class in the country.

Keweenaw Tech has signed six three-star and nine two-star prospects. Lake Superior State follows with five three-star and nine two-star commitments.

At the other end of the conference, Blue Ridge State has signed four three-star prospects while spending just 80 NIL points. Coronado State has signed four two-star prospects for a conference-low 55 points.

The Shiners are paying a premium, but a top-15 national class suggests the investment is working.

Grant’s Week 9 Games to Watch

Grant’s Game of the Week: Acadia State at Keweenaw Tech

Grant’s line: Keweenaw Tech -7.5
Over/under: 59.5
Grant’s guess: Keweenaw Tech 35, Acadia State 27

The Mainiacs are suddenly 3-2 in conference play and must travel to face a 6-1 Keweenaw team whose quarterback is creating explosive plays through the air and on the ground. Acadia can control the game with Johnny Kuberski, but the Owls have too many ways to score.

High Plains Tech at Philadelphia Tech

Grant’s line: High Plains Tech -2.5
Over/under: 66.5
Grant’s guess: High Plains Tech 38, Philadelphia Tech 34

This could be the best game of the week. High Plains brings its perfect 3-0 conference record and explosive passing attack into Philadelphia, where Kevin Wells and the Iron Horses just produced 518 yards against Acadia. The first defense to force a turnover may win it.

Lake Superior State at Blue Ridge State

Grant’s line: Lake Superior State -3.5
Over/under: 58.5
Grant’s guess: Lake Superior State 31, Blue Ridge State 27

Blue Ridge has momentum, home-field advantage and one of the conference’s most opportunistic defenses. Lake Superior has the stronger rushing attack, but Bryson Cantrell’s status introduces a major question. Peyton Silvestro proved he is capable of carrying the offense if called upon again.

Temple at York Tech

Grant’s line: York Tech -1.5
Over/under: 52.5
Grant’s guess: York Tech 28, Temple 24

York Tech follows its victory over No. 24 USF with another nonconference opportunity. The danger is emotional exhaustion after such a significant win, but Spencer Klemente’s efficiency and dual-threat ability give the Oystermen the edge at home.

Daytona Beach Tech at Territorial State

Grant’s line: Daytona Beach Tech -5.5
Over/under: 61.5
Grant’s guess: Daytona Beach Tech 34, Territorial State 27

Daytona Beach has to recover quickly after a double-overtime loss. Territorial State’s pass rush, especially Randy Wozniak, can disrupt the Daredevils, but Daytona’s ability to generate touchdowns through the passing game should travel.

Coronado State at Lake Charles State

Grant’s line: Lake Charles State -2.5
Over/under: 54.5
Grant’s guess: Lake Charles State 30, Coronado State 27

Two programs badly need a win. Coronado must find a way to slow Lake Charles’ rushing combination of Jordan Kinoi and Donald Doss. The Admirals can move the ball, but their defense just surrendered 547 yards to Lake Superior.

Week 8 belonged to the Wayfinders, the Oystermen and the conference’s first national Player of the Week. Week 9 now brings two enormous conference matchups that could reshape the race.

High Plains remains unbeaten. Keweenaw is still surging. Philadelphia Tech is closing fast.

And suddenly, Blue Ridge State might be finding its way at exactly the right time.