Football | 9/2/2019 4:00:00 PM

    The graduation of 2-time All-Region linebacker Cliff Clark left some pretty big shoes to fill but West Liberty head coach Roger Waialae is pleased with the way this year's linebacking corps has risen to the challenge.
    "Clay McDonald started alongside Cliff last year and has really taken it to the next level," Waialae said. "He's had a great preseason. We've also moved some guys around, added a couple of transfers and brought in some pretty good freshmen who are catching on fast. I like our front-line guys and the depth is coming along. We have some good football players here."
    McDonald (6-3, 230), a junior transfer from Gannon, played in all 11 games and ranked fourth on the team in tackles a year ago. Starting on the other side will be juco transfer Walter Peters (6-2, 250), a 2-year starter at De Anza (Calif.) College.
    A pair of redshirt freshmen – Woodrow Hughes (6-1, 210) and Maceo Christmas (6-0, 230) – have also fought their way into the mix, although Christmas has been slowed by injury during the preseason. True freshman Hunter Moore (6-0, 210) could see time here along with sophomore transfer Shawn Allen (5-11, 210). Senior safety Brandon Morrison (6-0, 200) was also getting reps in August.
    Sophomore Austin Mayfield (6-2, 235) made the switch from quarterback to linebacker during August camp but has also been battling injury. Fellow sophomore Craig McRae (5-10, 225) was a late arrival who started as a true freshman at NCAA Division II New Mexico Highlands a year ago.
    "Austin came to the coaches the first week of camp and asked if he could make the switch," Waialae said. "He's been hurt but has good physical tools for the position. McRae came in really late so he's still picking up the system but he has a chance to be an impact guy later in the season."
    That season gets under way on Saturday when West Liberty travels to Wheeling for a 1 p.m. kickoff.