Football | 9/6/2019 12:00:00 PM

    WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University head football coach Roger Waialae says his team is thrilled to finally have a chance to participate in the friendly rivalry with neighboring Wheeling University.
    The Hilltoppers and Cardinals will kick off the 2019 season Saturday at 1 p.m. on the artificial turf at WU's Bishop Schmitt Field. It's the first NCAA Division II football game in school history for the hosts.
    "This may be the first game we've played," Waialae said, "but our football team has always been involved in the rivalry by coming out to support our other athletic teams. It's always a great atmosphere and now that it's our turn to play in one, our players and staff are pretty excited."
    With the Cardinals making their NCAA D2 debut, Waialae admits the Hilltoppers were flying blind in terms of preparation but doesn't believe that will play a significant role in Saturday's outcome. In fact, he noted, the situation isn't all that different from any other season opener.
    "Wheeling did play a club schedule last year so we have some tape of them against outside competition," Waialae said, "but when it comes to season openers – especially at this level – you don't really know if your opponent is staying with the same system or what players are actually returning from one year to the next.
    "You really can't game plan for an opponent in Week One so you game plan for yourself. Identify the things you do well in preseason camp and build from that."
    Having a veteran quarterback in camp makes that task much easier, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Senior Zach Phillips returns under center for the Black and Gold. The Wheeling native missed some time due to injury a year ago but finished strong, throwing for nearly 900 yards and 9 TDs in his last three games.
    Running back also shapes up as an offensive strength with returning seniors Aaron Farmer and D.J. Frisby battling impressive juco transfer Quincy Wimbish for playing time. In addition, Wake Forest transfer Thomas Cole has bolstered a strong set of tight ends featuring returning vets Ridge Durbin and Kyle Ritz.
    Defensively, senior Cody Rine and junior Cody Enrietti could be a dominant pairing at down tackle while there's more speed and size than previous years at the defensive end spots. Junior Clay McDonald is a returning starter at linebacker while a veteran secondary led by All-Region cornerback Josh Ojo and 3-time All-MEC safety Logan Deri features several fourth- and fifth-year seniors.
    "Our veterans have done a great job of helping us bring the new guys along," Waialae said. "We had great competition all preseason and came away pretty healthy. (Center) Wyatt Gardner and (defensive end) Kenyon Felder are a little dinged up but we have no major injuries and can't wait to get things started on Saturday."