BOONE, N.C. — After Chandler Staton converted the 53-yard field goal, energetic Appalachian State teammate Devan Stringer made sure to congratulate the cool-headed kicker.
Their long-standing connection can be traced back to 1991, when two aspiring firefighters in Gainesville, Ga., developed a friendship that has grown throughout their extended time together as members of the same department.
Chandler's father, John, a shift captain, and Devan's father, David, an inspector, have both worked at the Gainesville Fire Department since they went through drills at the same rookie school 26 years ago.
"We were partners and just hit it off," John said.