Sep 8, 2024 2 min read

Charleston (W.Va.) outscored California by nine in the fourth quarter to rally for a 23-19 victory on Saturday afternoon in Charleston.

The defending-Mountain East Conference (MEC) Champion and the 23rd ranked team in the country trailed 19-14 with 5:46 left in the third quarter following a 42-yard touchdown run by Bobby Boyd Jr.

Boyd, a McKeesport product, rushed for 119 yards on 22 carries. Boyd gained 100 yards on the ground for the third time in his collegiate career.

Charleston (2-0) took advantage of an interception in its own territory and Chavon Wright made the Vulcans (0-1) pay on a 68-yard scoring run with 12:10 to play and a 20-19 advantage. Levi Paxton kicked a 45-yard field goal with 2:22 remaining to ensure a field goal would not win or tie the game for California. Paxton’s kick was set-up by a Vulcans turnover on a punt return.

California drove to the Charleston 20-yard line with a minute to play, but the home team’s defense forced a turnover on downs.

The Golden Eagles had a 14-0 lead after the first quarter on touchdown runs from Wright, who gained 126 yards on 21 attempts.

Anthony Beitko’s 25-yard field goal got the Vulcans on the scoreboard with 12:38 remaining in the second quarter. Davis Black scored from 1-yard out and Beitko added the extra point as time expired in the first half to cut California’s deficit to 14-10.

Beitko connected on a 28-yarder with 8:11 left in the third quarter.

Black was 19 of 37 for 161 yards. His favorite target was Eric Willis III, who caught six passes for 54 yards.

Eric McKan III rushed for 73 yards on 14 carries.

The Vulcans’ Khalil Taylor had five tackles and an interception.

California travels to West Chester next Saturday for a noon kickoff in nonconference play.