App State Blasts Maine 55-3 as Malachi Singleton Shines in Opener

BOONE, N.C. — App State opened its 2026 football season in dominant fashion Saturday, routing Maine 55-3 in front of a sold-out crowd of 33,664 at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

Quarterback Malachi Singleton was nearly flawless in his first start for the Mountaineers, completing 22 of 24 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in less than three full quarters of action.

App State led 31-0 at halftime and built a 38-0 advantage before Maine scored its only points on a field goal late in the third quarter. The Mountaineers scored on nine consecutive possessions after their opening drive ended with a turnover near the Maine goal line.

The Mountaineers finished with 647 yards of total offense, including 299 rushing yards, while holding Maine to 250 total yards and 12 first downs. Sam Pickett III caught two touchdown passes, while Darrin Fugitt added another. Treyaun Webb, Jaquari Lewis, Nate Branch and Jackson Grier each scored rushing touchdowns.

App State's 52-point margin was the program's largest since a 72-7 win over Gardner-Webb in 2018. The victory also marked the first game of head coach Dowell Loggains' second season, with a roster that includes 73 newcomers.

App State travels to East Carolina next Saturday for a noon kickoff on ESPNU.