WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University football team returns to West Family Stadium this Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff against West Virginia State on Hall of Fame Day.

The Hilltoppers (0-5, 0-2 MEC) continue to search for their first win of the season after a frustrating 44-21 road loss at Concord last weekend. In a game that was halted and eventually called in the fourth quarter due to weather, WLU once again found itself within striking distance at halftime before a decisive third quarter turned the tide.

Head coach Roger Waialae said that has been a recurring theme through the opening weeks.

"The third quarter has kind of been our nemesis," Waialae explained. "We've played even through the first half in a lot of games, but when we cool off at halftime, we've had a hard time getting going again. We're trying to simulate more stop-and-go situations in practice to help with that."

Turnovers have also proven costly. The Hilltoppers have committed nine interceptions and lost five fumbles this fall, mistakes that have consistently given opponents short fields. Against Concord, two turnovers and a misplayed kickoff in the third quarter led directly to 21 points.

"When you give teams extra opportunities, you're not going to come out on the winning end," Waialae said. "It doesn't matter what level of football. We've got to protect the football better, and on the flip side, we need to create more takeaways ourselves."

That ball security will be even more critical this week against West Virginia State (3-1, 2-1 MEC), one of the league's most explosive offenses. The Yellow Jackets erupted for 60 points in a win over Fairmont State last Saturday, using a balanced attack that featured multiple long touchdown runs and deep passes.

"They're dangerous because everybody's a threat," Waialae said. "The quarterback can pull it down and run, they have three backs who can break big plays, and they're not afraid to take shots down the field. When a team is that balanced, you've got to make them one-dimensional. For us, that starts with stopping the run."

Offensively, West Liberty has shown flashes, particularly in the run game. Hunter Patterson (183 yards, 2 TD) has led the ground attack, but injuries to Patterson and redshirt freshman Rashid Sesay have disrupted momentum in recent weeks. Sophomore Precious Boyejo and redshirt freshman Jaedon Alston are expected to see more carries, while the return of tight end Caleb Ratcliffe could allow for added flexibility in using Levi Gullion in the backfield.

"We've been making a forceful effort to establish the run, and it's been getting better," Waialae said. "We've had some tough injuries, but it's next man up. We've got to coach to our guys' strengths and keep building on what's working."

Defensively, Grant Thompson (4 sacks, 7.5 TFL) has anchored the line, while linebackers Nolan Shimp and Junus McGraw continue to lead the team in tackles. The Hilltoppers will need a disciplined performance to contain WVSU's spread attack.

Saturday's matchup also carries added significance with the induction of a new class on Hall of Fame Day.

"Being inducted into a Hall of Fame is special—it's not easy to get there," Waialae said. "These are people who had great careers here and have gone on to do great things afterward. West Liberty has been a big part of their success, and it's an honor to recognize them."

This year's distinguished class features Damon Brooks (Football), Cory Delguzzo (Baseball), Ed Garczyk (Baseball), C.J. Hester (Men's Basketball), Mark Johnston (Football), Lena Kalvans (Women's Basketball), and Hillary Southworth (Women's Basketball). They will be recognized on the field during halftime.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at West Family Stadium.

Hall of Fame At a Glance – Class of 2025

• Damon Brooks – Football
   

• Cory Delguzzo – Baseball
   

• Ed Garczyk – Baseball
   

• C.J. Hester – Men's Basketball
   

• Mark Johnston – Football
   

• Lena Kalvans – Women's Basketball
   

• Hillary Southworth – Women's Basketball