CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A strong start and a standout passing performance weren't enough for the West Liberty University football team on Saturday afternoon, as host Charleston used a dominant fourth quarter to pull away for a 45–28 victory at University of Charleston Stadium.
The Hilltoppers' aerial attack was a bright spot in the contest, with Kohl Meisman completing 21 of 32 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Golden Eagles controlled the ground game, rushing for five touchdowns — including three in the decisive final quarter.
Charleston capitalized on an early turnover to grab momentum, turning a first-quarter fumble and an interception into quick touchdowns for a 14–0 lead. West Liberty answered with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Meisman to Trey Singleton, set up by a 28-yard strike to Hunter Patterson, trimming the deficit to 14–7 by the end of the opening quarter.
The Hilltoppers carried that energy into the second quarter. A 19-yard Meisman run helped set up a 14-yard touchdown pass to Levi Gullion to tie the game at 14–14. Minutes later, Meisman found Silas Hinson on a 20-yard scoring toss to give West Liberty its first lead at 21–14. Charleston, however, struck back late in the half to knot the score at 21–21 heading into the break.
Defense took center stage early in the third quarter, with Charles Coy III delivering a key tackle for loss to stall a Charleston drive. The Golden Eagles managed a field goal to edge ahead 24–21, and despite steady movement from West Liberty's offense, the visitors were unable to retake the lead before the end of the quarter.
Early in the fourth, Patterson punched in a 5-yard rushing touchdown to put West Liberty back in front, 28–24, after Morgan Williamson's extra point. Charleston responded immediately, however, scoring three unanswered touchdowns in the final 10 minutes to secure the win.
Singleton led the receiving corps with four catches for 71 yards and a touchdown, while Patterson added 80 rushing yards and a score on 19 carries. On defense, Grant Thompson paced the Hilltoppers with six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.
West Liberty (now 2-8 overall, 2-5 MEC) will return home next Saturday to host Wheeling in the season finale at noon inside West Family Stadium.
