CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Liberty University football team heads south this weekend to face one of the Mountain East Conference's top programs, as the Hilltoppers visit the University of Charleston on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the University of Charleston Stadium.

West Liberty (2-7, 2-4 MEC) enters the matchup looking to bounce back from a narrow 45–44 setback to Fairmont State last weekend. The Hilltoppers will be aiming to snap a four-game skid in the all-time series against Charleston (6-3, 5-1 MEC), which currently sits tied for second in the league standings.

Charleston holds a 19–14–1 advantage in the series, though the programs' first meeting dates all the way back to 1927, when West Liberty defeated the then–Morris Harvey College 13–6.

Hilltoppers on the Rise Offensively

The Hilltoppers' offense has surged in recent weeks behind standout performances from running back Hunter Patterson, who has rushed for 755 yards and nine touchdowns over the last four games. Patterson now ranks among the MEC's best in multiple categories, including:

• 1st in scoring (9.8 points per game)
   

• 1st in total touchdowns (13)
   

• 2nd in rushing yards (938)
   

• 2nd in all-purpose yards per game (156.5)
   

Quarterback Antevious Jackson has also been dynamic, accounting for 1,123 yards of total offense and 11 touchdowns over the past four contests — an average of 280.8 yards and 2.7 scores per game.

Wide receiver Trey Singleton remains a big-play threat, ranking third in the MEC in receiving yards (526) and fifth in all-purpose yards (947).

Defensive and Special Teams Strength

Defensively, the Hilltoppers continue to make disruptive plays, leading the MEC in forced fumbles (9). Linebacker Grant Thompson tops the conference in tackles for loss (11) and ranks second in sacks (4), while Nolan Shimp is eighth in total tackles (73). Seth Poria leads the league in fumble recoveries (2), and Charles Coy III is tied for third in interceptions (2).

In the secondary, Justice Lawrence stands third in the MEC in passes defended (1.11 per game). On special teams, punter Morgan Williamson continues to be a weapon, sitting second in punts inside the 20 (11) and third in average per punt (39.3).

UC Numbers

The Golden Eagles (6-3, 5-1 MEC) enter the weekend averaging 35.0 points per game while allowing just 23.1 points per contest. Charleston has been dominant on the ground this fall, rushing for more than 235 yards per game and scoring 22 touchdowns on the ground. Their offense averages nearly 397 total yards per game, balanced by a physical defense that limits opponents to just 113.8 rushing yards per outing.

In the air, the Golden Eagles have completed 117 of 221 passes for 1,455 yards and 15 touchdowns while holding opponents to a 54.6% completion rate. Charleston also ranks among the MEC leaders in third-down conversions (47.5%) and time of possession (33:03 per game), emphasizing a ball-control attack and efficient execution.

Coach Waialae's Take

Head coach Roger Waialae expects another challenging matchup against a Charleston team known for its physicality and balance on both sides of the ball.

"They're still very similar schematically — solid up front and very experienced," Waialae said. "Offensively, it depends on which quarterback they go with. If it's Hamrick, they'll use more zone-read and designed quarterback runs. If it's Frye, they'll throw it more with play action and movement. So we've got to prepare for both styles."

On defense, Waialae noted that Charleston's 3-3 stack front brings pressure from multiple spots.

"They're more aggressive in their stack than some of the other teams we've seen," he added. "They'll bring anyone at any time — safeties, linebackers, you name it. We've got to be sound in protection and patient in our run game."

After back-to-back heartbreakers, Waialae said the key is finishing games stronger and eliminating big plays.

"We've had chances to win the last two weeks," he said. "We just need to tackle better defensively and execute in short-yardage situations offensively. If we stay balanced and take care of the football, we'll give ourselves a shot."

Up Next

West Liberty returns home next Saturday to close the regular season, hosting rival Wheeling University in a noon kickoff at West Family Stadium.