The West Liberty football team crossed the goal line just once Thursday night against the University of Charleston. Yet, thanks to the Hilltopper defense holding the Golden Eagles out of the end zone all night, that was good enough to win.
UC outgained West Liberty in terms of yardage, but WLU prevailed 9-6 at West Family Stadium, thanks in part to a pair of Golden Eagles (1-2, 1-2 Mountain East) turnovers. The second turnover, a Bryce Hankins fumble at the UC 12, allowed Christian Morris to hit a 31-yard field goal and give the Hilltoppers (2-1, 2-1 MEC) a 9-0 lead. Dylan Miles kicked a 33-yard field goal as time ran out in the first half, then added a 35-yard field goal near the end of the third quarter. But his 34-yarder with time running out in the game sailed wide and allowed West Liberty to hold on.
The game was UC's first without head coach Pat Kirkland, who has taken leave from the team following a medical situation last Saturday. Offensive coordinator Paul Johnson is serving as interim head coach.
Mason Olszewski led UC with 139 yards on 12-for-18 passing and an interception, while Vernard Roberts led the Golden Eagles with 71 rushing yards and James Bryant added a game-high 72 receiving yards. West Liberty quarterback Brent Colabella went 17 for 24 with 178 yards, an interception and a touchdown, the first score of the game, a 14-yard pass to Marcus Malara. Miles missed the extra point on that score. UC outgained WLU 308-221.
The Golden Eagles will play their third of four straight Thursday night games at 7 p.m. Sept. 21, hosting Fairmont State at UC Stadium.