WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – A historic milestone season kicks off Thursday night when the West Liberty University football team travels to Walsh University for the 100th season opener in Hilltopper history.
This will be the 17th all-time meeting between the programs, with Walsh holding a narrow 9-7 series advantage. The Cavaliers have won the last three matchups, including last year's 27-13 decision, but West Liberty's last victory in the series was a memorable one — a 41-38 overtime thriller in 2019.
Head coach Roger Waialae, now entering his 21st season on the hilltop, sees plenty of reasons for optimism as the Hilltoppers embark on their centennial campaign. A strong core of returning playmakers is joined by an influx of new talent, creating depth and competition across the board.
Junior Hunter Patterson headlines the attack after a breakout 2024 season that earned him All-Mountain East Conference Second Team honors. A do-it-all weapon, Patterson rushed for 858 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 36 receptions for 417 yards and four more scores. His game-breaking speed was also on display during track season, where he won conference titles in the 60- and 100-meter dashes and earned All-America honors in the 60. Redshirt freshman transfer Rashid Sesay, a former Ohio Mr. Football finalist from Ohio State, adds another explosive option in the backfield after impressing throughout spring drills.
At quarterback, Waialae has perhaps the deepest group of his tenure. Transfer Kohl Meisman (San Bernardino Valley College) shined in spring practice and joins a five-man competition under center. On the outside, junior Osama Hurst anchors the receiving corps after finishing with 27 catches for 302 yards and three scores a year ago. Up front, three starters return to stabilize the offensive line, led by two-sport standout Isaac Tavo, an NCAA All-American in track and field, along with veteran center Mason Fraley and right guard Curtis Hayes.
On defense, the Hilltoppers will look to set the tone with a disruptive front led by Grant Thompson, Grant Neiswonger, and Bre'Andre Horsley. Thompson posted 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks last fall, while Horsley flashed elite potential with 3.5 sacks in just three games before an injury cut his season short. Senior linebacker Nolan Shimp returns to quarterback the unit after tallying 45 tackles, joined by sophomore Sawyer VanMatre and Central Arkansas transfer Seth Poriah at the second level. The secondary features plenty of intrigue with 23 players battling for time, including returner Junus McGraw and graduate transfer Christian Bell, who broke up 15 passes at the NJCAA level last season. At safety, twins Justice and Nasir Lawrence bring experience and leadership to a deep group of defensive backs.
"The depth we have this year is really exciting," Waialae said. "There's competition at every position, and that's only going to make us better as the season goes on. To be able to start our 100th season with this kind of energy around the program is pretty special."
The Hilltoppers will look to set the tone for their milestone season on Thursday night before returning home the following week. West Liberty opens its home schedule at West Family Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. against Seton Hill.
Game Details:
West Liberty vs Walsh
Thursday, August 28
Larry Staudt Field
North Canton, Ohio
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
