WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University came up just short in a back-and-forth Homecoming matchup on Saturday, falling to Glenville State College 32–28 at Russek Field. Despite a strong fourth-quarter surge and standout performances from Hunter Patterson and Antevious Jackson, the Hilltoppers were unable to complete the comeback.
Patterson led the Hilltopper offense rushing for 148 yards on 17 carries and scoring three total touchdowns — two on the ground and one through the air. Jackson threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a successful two-point conversion on the ground.
West Liberty struck first midway through the opening quarter when Patterson broke free for a 68-yard touchdown run, giving the Hilltoppers an early 6–0 advantage. However, Glenville State answered with a defensive PAT return and a touchdown on its next drive to close the quarter ahead 9–6.
The Hilltoppers threatened late in the second quarter after a 38-yard connection from Kohl Meisman to Silas Hinson brought the ball to the Glenville State 1-yard line, but time expired before they could capitalize. The Pioneers tacked on a pair of field goals to take a 15–6 lead at halftime.
West Liberty regained momentum early in the third quarter behind Patterson's second rushing score, a 7-yard burst that pulled the Hilltoppers ahead 13–12 after the PAT. The defense followed with a big takeaway as Junus McGraw intercepted a pass to stall a Glenville State drive. However, the Pioneers regained the lead late in the frame with a 32-yard field goal, entering the final quarter up 18–13.
The fourth quarter featured explosive offense from both teams. Jackson found Patterson on a 29-yard touchdown pass to narrow the gap, and later connected with Rashad Murray on a 3-yard score to give West Liberty a 28–25 lead after a successful two-point conversion. Glenville State responded with a late touchdown from Anthony Garrett to Koraun Perdue to retake the lead at 32–28 with just over a minute remaining. The Hilltoppers' final drive stalled in the closing seconds, sealing the narrow defeat.
Defensively, Bre'Andre Horsley paced the Hilltoppers with 14 tackles, while McGraw's interception and several key red-zone stops kept the game within reach.
West Liberty, now 3–6 overall, returns to action next Saturday, hosting Fairmont State University at West Family Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
