WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — In his final rivalry week as head coach, Roger Waialae is preparing his Hilltoppers for Saturday's home showdown against Wheeling while reflecting on more than three decades of service to West Liberty University.

Waialae, who has spent 33 years on the Hilltop — including more than 20 as head coach — said the outpouring of messages and support in recent weeks has been "overwhelming."

"I'm just appreciative," Waialae said. "Appreciative of the people who helped us change the face of this campus." He added, "The biggest wins are the young men who tell you they wouldn't have gone to college or graduated without this program," he said. "That's what matters most."

Saturday's matchup with the Cardinals carries the same intensity it always has — the natural rivalry, the proximity, and the history built since Wheeling added football. Waialae doesn't expect to deliver a stirring pregame speech. "You hope you don't have to say much," he said. "It's rivalry week. They know what this game means."

Discipline, he added, will be a major point of emphasis. "One of the biggest keys is staying disciplined," Waialae said. "You can't get baited into penalties or chatter."

Wheeling enters the rivalry game with a balanced offense and depth at the skill positions. "They're balanced. You have to prepare for two quarterbacks," Waialae said. "Both do things differently. They've got two good running backs and a really strong receiver group. And they're physical up front."

Defensively, the Cardinals' multiple fronts and coverages present challenges. "They show a lot — inverted Cover 2, Tampa 2, straight Cover 3," Waialae said. "They make you identify coverage after the snap. Their front four is as good as anyone in the conference."

Offensively, Waialae said West Liberty must establish the run and stay ahead of the chains with quarterback Kohl Meisman and standout running back Hunter Patterson. "We've got to be able to run the football," he said. "Kohl can extend plays, and he takes care of the football. But we have to be creative getting Hunter touches."

Defensively, eliminating explosive plays remains the priority. "That's been our Achilles heel," Waialae said. "We have to get off the field on third down and take away the big plays."

Special teams — an area that swung last week's game — will again be critical.

Though this week focuses on football, the moment is undeniably larger. Waialae acknowledged receiving hundreds of messages from former players, coaches, and friends across the country.

"You don't realize the impact until you start hearing from everyone," he said. "It's been pretty special — and kind of shocking." He knows the magnitude of it will hit even harder once the season ends, but for now, everything is narrowed to his final rivalry matchup. "I'm still in coach mode," Waialae said with a smile. "Right now, it's about Wheeling."

Kickoff is set for noon Saturday at West Family Stadium.