WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Riding a seven-game winning streak and carrying national and regional rankings into the weekend, the West Liberty University football team travels to Fairmont State on Saturday for another chapter in the longest-running series in program history. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Duvall-Rosier Field.

The Hilltoppers enter the Mountain East Conference matchup at 7-1 overall and 5-0 in league play, sitting alone atop the MEC standings. West Liberty earned the No. 23 spot in the latest American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches Poll and D2Football.com Poll, released Monday, marking the program's first appearance in the AFCA national Top 25 since September 2010.

West Liberty also ranks sixth in Super Region 1 in the latest NCAA Division II Football Power Index (NPI), released Sunday. The Hilltoppers are the highest-ranked MEC team in the regional rankings as they continue their push toward postseason consideration.

Saturday's opponent, Fairmont State, enters at 2-6 overall and 2-3 in conference play after dropping a 52-49 decision at Charleston last weekend. Despite the difference in records, the Falcons have demonstrated their offensive potential, making the annual rivalry another important test for the Hilltoppers as they look to extend their winning streak.

West Liberty and Fairmont State have met 91 times, with the Hilltoppers holding a 40-46-5 record in the series. The matchup is the longest series in West Liberty football history, and recent meetings have produced some of the most competitive games in the rivalry.

The Hilltoppers have dropped each of the last three meetings, including a 45-44 overtime loss at West Liberty last November. The Falcons also edged the Hilltoppers, 36-35, in Fairmont in 2024 after winning a 42-29 decision in West Liberty in 2023.
West Liberty's most recent victory in the series came in 2022, when the Hilltoppers earned a 27-24 overtime win on the road.

With two of the last three meetings decided by one point, Saturday's contest presents another opportunity for West Liberty to reverse the recent trend while protecting its position atop the conference standings.

Senior running back Hunter Patterson enters Saturday's game on the verge of a historic performance, needing just 16 rushing yards to break West Liberty's single-season rushing record, 100 yards to establish a new career rushing record and one rushing touchdown to claim sole possession of the program's career rushing touchdown record.

Patterson has rushed for 1,514 yards and 17 touchdowns on 177 carries through eight games, averaging 8.6 yards per attempt and 189.3 yards per game. The single-season rushing record stands at 1,529 yards, putting Patterson within reach of the mark as the Hilltoppers travel to Fairmont.

Patterson also has 3,591 career rushing yards, just 99 short of the school record of 3,690. In addition, he has scored 43 career rushing touchdowns, tying Kevon Calhoun (2007-10) for the most in program history. One more rushing touchdown would give Patterson sole possession of the career record.

Patterson leads the Mountain East Conference in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and rushing yards per game. Nationally, he ranks second in both rushing yards and rushing yards per game and third in rushing touchdowns. He also leads NCAA Division II in all-purpose yards per game at 228.6, ranks second in scoring with 134 points and is tied for second nationally with 22 total touchdowns.

Patterson delivered another standout performance in West Liberty's 44-22 victory at Glenville State on Oct. 24, rushing for 161 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries. His three scores brought his career rushing touchdown total to 43, tying Calhoun for the most in program history.

Quarterback Kohl Meisman adds another dimension to the Hilltoppers' attack. Meisman has completed 64.6% of his passes for 1,464 yards and 16 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He has averaged 183.0 passing yards per game while helping West Liberty maintain balance between its passing and rushing attacks.

The Hilltoppers are averaging 36.1 points and 413.0 yards of total offense per game, ranking second and third, respectively, in the MEC. West Liberty leads the conference in rushing offense at 224.8 yards per game and has scored 38 touchdowns through eight games.

The Hilltoppers have scored at least 28 points in each of their last seven games, including 40 or more in four contests. Their ability to sustain offensive production will be important against a Fairmont State team that has shown it can score in bunches.

Fairmont State averages 26.4 points and 334.9 yards of total offense per game. Quarterback Nino Marzullo has thrown for 1,213 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 223 rushing yards and four rushing scores.

The Falcons are coming off a 52-49 loss at Charleston, in which their offense helped produce a 101-point contest. Fairmont also owns conference victories over West Virginia State and Glenville State, demonstrating its ability to compete against MEC opponents.

Head coach Chad Salisbury emphasized that the Hilltoppers must be prepared for a talented quarterback and a solid Fairmont defense.

"I think they got a really good quarterback," Salisbury said. "He's been player of the week, I think, a couple of times, and their defense is solid."

Salisbury also identified special teams as a major emphasis entering the road matchup. After studying Fairmont State's games, he noted that the Falcons returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in two of the performances his staff considered their best.

"I think where it's going to start is the kick game," Salisbury said. "We've watched every one of their games. And the two best games that we thought they've played, and that's our opinion, they've returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown."

Salisbury said the Hilltoppers must be disciplined in their kickoff coverage and execution.

"We've got to be disciplined. We've got to run. Our kicker's got to put the ball where he wants to be," Salisbury said.

The Hilltoppers will look to limit explosive returns and avoid giving Fairmont favorable field position early. West Liberty's defense has allowed 26.9 points per game, ranking third in the MEC, while surrendering 381.1 yards per contest.

The defensive unit has received production from throughout the roster. Linebacker Samuel Hobbs has recorded 58 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, while Seamus Mahon has added 59 tackles and two interceptions. Defensive lineman Dominic Maultsby has contributed four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.

West Liberty's current run has brought renewed national attention to the program, but Salisbury said his team's focus remains on preparation and continued improvement.

Reflecting on the Hilltoppers' performance at Glenville State, Salisbury praised his players' response to adversity both on and off the field.

"They handled an adverse situation really, really well, and that's growth in my opinion," Salisbury said.

He also pointed to the importance of maintaining composure in a difficult environment, noting that the team responded well when circumstances could have led to frustration. Salisbury was pleased with the defense's effort after halftime against Glenville, emphasizing that the unit forced the Pioneers to earn their points with a sustained drive.

Salisbury also highlighted the importance of having contributions from throughout the roster as the Hilltoppers pursue their championship goals.

"We told the kids yesterday at practice we're going to need every single one of them if they want to accomplish what they're trying to accomplish," Salisbury said.

That message was evident against Glenville State, where Anthony May stepped into an expanded role and made an impact in the running game. Salisbury praised May's performance, noting that a long touchdown run was called back by a holding penalty.

"He should of have three touchdowns," Salisbury said. "He's just such a great kid. I really enjoyed that he had success finally."

The Hilltoppers' national ranking has provided welcome recognition for a team that has put together seven consecutive victories, but Salisbury does not want the attention to change its approach.

"I'm happy that these kids are getting recognition because they work hard," Salisbury said. "It doesn't mean that we work any less. It doesn't mean that we rest."

Instead, the focus remains on daily improvement and preparation. Salisbury said the responsibility falls on his staff to make sure the players are ready for the opponent, the venue and the demands of another road game.

"Whether the Fairmont trip's going to be a little easier or a little harder, it doesn't matter," Salisbury said. "I've got to prepare them for what we're walking into."

Salisbury acknowledged the quality of the challenge awaiting West Liberty, but believes the Hilltoppers will put themselves in position to compete if they execute their assignments.

"If we control what we can control and we do it to the best of our ability, then we'll have a really good chance," Salisbury said. "But we're playing a really good football team."

The Hilltoppers will aim to protect their unbeaten conference record, extend their winning streak to eight games and earn their first victory over Fairmont State since 2022 when the teams meet Saturday at 1 p.m. in Fairmont.





West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.