The Elon University football team leads No. 8 ranked Appalachian State University 24-14 at halftime in Rhodes Stadium.
The Phoenix scored the game's first 21 points to take a commanding early lead and has not trailed since.
After an Appalachian State fumble, Elon got on the board first with a five-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Thomas Wilson to sophomore wide receiver Rasaun Rorie, who caught the first touchdown pass of his career.
The Elon defense then forced Appalachian State to punt, and an 11-yard punt set up Elon with starting field position at the Appalachian State 43 yard line. The Phoenix struck quickly, as Wilson hit junior wide receiver Aaron Mellette for a 31-yard touchdown to give Elon a 14-0 lead.
On the next series, Elon sophomore safety Chandler Wrightenberry intercepted Appalachian State quarterback Jamal Jackson, again giving Elon the ball in their opponents' territory. The Phoenix capitalized on the mistake as senior running back Dontay Taylor rushed for a 4-yard score to put Elon ahead 21-0 with 2:37 left in the first quarter.
Appalachian State scored the next 14 points off of two Jamal Jackson touchdown passes. Elon junior kicker Adam Shreiner added a 24-yard field goal to make the score 24-14.
Mellette has eight catches for 149 yards and one touchdown. Wilson is 16-21 passing for 202 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Jackson has thrown for 191 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Appalachian State receiver Brian Quick has six grabs for 105 yards and one touchdown.