WATERBURY, Conn. — The West Liberty University football team hits the road for the first time in 2026 on Saturday when the Hilltoppers travel to Connecticut for a 1 p.m. matchup against Post University at Municipal Stadium.

West Liberty enters the contest at 1-1 following last Saturday's 28-24 victory against Seton Hill. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Seton Hill but was moved to the Hilltop, making Saturday's trip to Waterbury the Hilltoppers' first true road game of the season.

The Hilltoppers opened the year with a 30-27 setback against Walsh before rallying for their first victory of the season against the Griffins.

Head coach Chad Salisbury has liked the fight he's seen from his team through the opening two games, but he also knows there is plenty of room for improvement.

"I think we know that we have a team that's going to continue to fight and continue to play into the fourth quarter, but unfortunately, I also know that we're still making a lot of silly mistakes," Salisbury said. "The kids worked hard this week so far and they're trying to correct those mistakes. And when we do, if we can add that to the effort, hopefully we can have a good result."

That combination of toughness and continued improvement has been evident on both sides of the football.

West Liberty has rushed for 442 yards through its first two games, an average of 221.0 yards per contest, while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Junior running back Hunter Patterson has accounted for 361 of those yards on 44 carries and enters Saturday's game with 2,147 career rushing yards.

Patterson rushed for a career-high 219 yards in last week's victory, but Salisbury has been equally impressed with the work being done up front.

"I guess probably the grit that our offensive line has shown has been a positive," Salisbury said. "I think we played against a really difficult defense last week. Everybody knew we were going to run the ball because of the player we have, and we were still able to do it."

Quarterback Kohl Meisman has also shown his toughness through the opening two games while helping lead an offense that has produced 780 total yards.

"Kohl Meisman is as tough a quarterback as I've been around," Salisbury said. "He's going to take the shots, he's going to continue to come back."

While the Hilltoppers have shown plenty of positive signs offensively, Salisbury said consistency will be the key to taking another step forward.

"One thing we talk about a lot is it's about us. It's about how we operate, how we execute," Salisbury said. "I think once we become more consistent, our offense could be pretty good."

The defense has also produced timely plays through the first two weeks. West Liberty has recorded 14 tackles for loss and forced four turnovers, including a late interception by freshman Luca Neal that helped seal the Seton Hill victory.

Salisbury said the young defensive unit is continuing to learn from both its successes and mistakes.

"They've been opportunistic, I think," Salisbury said. "When we've given up points, you wish a kid would have been in the right spot ... but they have come up with timely stops because I think they play hard and that's what we're hoping that we get out of them every play."

Post presents another challenge for that young defense.

The Eagles opened their season Aug. 29 with a 31-13 loss at West Virginia Wesleyan and enter Saturday's home opener at 0-1 following a bye week.

Salisbury said the film from that game showed a Post team that is both athletic and physical.

"They are a very athletic team," Salisbury said. "They're a physical tough team."

The Eagles are led by quarterback Tyler Phommachanh, who accounted for 151 yards of total offense against West Virginia Wesleyan, including 112 yards passing and 39 rushing yards. Salisbury said the dual-threat quarterback will present a particular challenge for the Hilltopper defense.

"Along with a lot of talented kids, they have a quarterback that can really throw, not only can he throw it, but he is dangerous with his legs," Salisbury said. "Our guys are going to have to do some things in the secondary and chase him down. He's a good athlete."

Post has had two weeks to prepare for the Hilltoppers following its season opener, something Salisbury recognizes will make Saturday's challenge even more difficult.

"It's everybody deals with playing teams that have had a bye week. It is what it is," Salisbury said. "We'll drive up there and give them our best shot."

The trip itself will also provide a new experience for Salisbury's team. The approximately eight-hour journey to Connecticut represents West Liberty's first extended road trip of the season and the program's first true road game under Salisbury.

Rather than viewing the trip simply as another obstacle, Salisbury sees it as an opportunity for the Hilltoppers to strengthen their bond.

"It's gonna be a difficult trip because it's 8 hours. It's across how many states, but it's also an opportunity for our guys to grow together," Salisbury said.

That opportunity is something Salisbury believes can be valuable throughout the season.

"I've always thought that away games are that," Salisbury said. "Now they're much more difficult to win, obviously, but it is a chance for us to grow as a group."

The Hilltoppers aren't looking at last week's win as a reason to ease up, either.

Salisbury stressed to his team that the work ethic cannot fluctuate based on the outcome of a game.

"One thing we made a point of saying on Monday was that our work ethic can't change based on the result," Salisbury said. "We need to continue to work like we did after a loss because we haven't played our best game yet."

Saturday's game will be the first meeting between West Liberty and Post.

The Hilltoppers return home Sept. 19 to host Frostburg State during West Liberty's annual Hall of Fame weekend.
 

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.