The Appalachian State football team found themselves down only one point late in the game in Saturday’s season opener against FBS East Carolina before the Pirates broke open the game late finally to beat the Mountaineers, 35-13. 35-13.  
Appalachian State (0-1) racked up 419 yards of offense — including 300 passing yards by junior quarterback Jamal Jackson — but surrendered touchdowns on a fumble and kickoff return, allowed a long punt return that set up another score, turned the ball over three times and was penalized 11 times for 100 yards.
The Mountaineers trailed just 14-13 with 2:35 to go in the third quarter after Drew Stewart made his second field goal of the day from 41 yards out. However, East Carolina’s Lance Ray returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a game-changing touchdown ...