WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory, West Liberty stunned West Virginia State 47-41 on Saturday afternoon at West Family Stadium, clinching the victory on the game's final play. Quarterback Antevious Jackson found Osama Hurst in the end zone for a 40-yard touchdown as time expired, lifting the Hilltoppers to a thrilling win in a high-scoring shootout.
The victory marked West Liberty's first conference win of the season, improving the Hilltoppers to 1-5 overall and 1-2 in MEC play.
West Liberty's comeback was fueled by a relentless fourth quarter in which the Hilltoppers scored 26 points to erase a late deficit. Jackson led the charge, finishing with 275 passing yards and four touchdowns, while adding 87 yards and a rushing score. Running back Hunter Patterson powered the ground game with 141 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and also caught six passes for 130 yards and another score.
The game opened with fireworks on both sides. West Virginia State struck first with a 59-yard touchdown pass, but Patterson's 6-yard scoring run quickly gave West Liberty a 7-6 lead. The Yellow Jackets surged ahead 20-7 before Patterson broke free for a 37-yard touchdown to keep the Hilltoppers within striking distance.
West Liberty's defense helped spark the comeback, recording two key interceptions from Carson Moore and Charles Coy III to stall promising drives. In the third quarter, Jackson's touchdown strike to Jaylin Harcum cut the deficit to 27-21, setting the stage for a wild finish.
Early in the fourth, Jackson connected with Levi Gullion for a 28-yard score to tie it, then delivered a game-changing 80-yard touchdown to Patterson moments later to give WLU its first lead since the opening quarter. West Virginia State answered twice in the closing minutes, tying the game at 41-all with under a minute to play.
But the final possession belonged to the Hilltoppers. With the clock winding down, Jackson scrambled and launched a deep strike to Hurst, who caught the ball in the end zone as time expired — sending the home crowd into celebration and sealing the 47-41 win.
Defensively, Bre'Andre Horsley led the Hilltoppers with six tackles, while Donovan Elliott added seven tackles and a forced fumble.
The victory also gave head coach Roger Waialae the 99th win in his career.
The Hilltoppers now head into their bye week before returning to action Oct.18 at West Virginia Wesleyan. West Liberty's next home game is Oct.25 when they host Glenville State for homecoming.
