Wheeling, W. Va. – Five years ago, the Wheeling University Football was formed under Head Coach Zac Bruney. On Saturday, the Cardinals will honor some of the men who were pillars of the program when they host Fairmont State at 2 PM. It will be the regular season finale for the Cardinals as they try to break the single season win record with a win.
Last time out, the Cardinals dropped a heartbreaker to The University of Charleston 22-19. For the fourth game in a row the Cardinals had a quick strike offense scoring on their first drive. However, Charleston would also score on their first drive and it would be 7-7 after one quarter. Both defenses tightened up as the second quarter began a Wheeling field goal was all the Cardinals could add as they went into halftime ahead 10-7. The third quarter produced the same as Greenwood added his second field goal of the day and Wheeling lead 13-7 after three quarters of play. The fourth quarter began with another Wheeling touchdown and with just over six to play Wheeling was ahead 19-7. However, Charleston would score 15 unanswered points and ended up taking down Wheeling 22-19.
The Cardinals defense led the way throughout the day, and they were lead by middle linebacker Jayvon Johnson. Johnson broke the Wheeling single-game record with 14 tackles on the day, four solo and 10 assisted, as he was all over the field. Of those 14 tackles, one went for a loss as he helped big in the run game. Johnson also dropped back in coverage a few times and finished with two pass breakups. Defensive Lineman Brandon Muñoz also had a big day, finishing with six tackles and a tackle for loss. However, his biggest moment of the day was in the second quarter when he grabbed his first career interception. The defense looks to finish the season strong against the Falcons.
On the offensive end, running back Sy Alli reached a milestone mark in his collegiate career. The running back led Wheeling's offensive attack, carrying the ball 14 times for 65 yards. With the effort, Alli eclipsed the 3000 yard rushing mark for his career and became the first Cardinals running back to hit the mark. It was also a big day for wide receiver Jake Keenan, who hit a season best mark and scored the first touchdown of the day. Keenan pulled in six catches for 100 yards and the one touchdown to lead the passing game. The other Cardinal's touchdown came from running back Elijah Young, who carried the ball 14 times for 56 yards and the fourth quarter score.
With the NCAA Division II playoffs now out of reach, the Cardinals are looking to finish the 2022 season strong as they prepare for the off-season. They currently sit at 6-4 overall and 5-4 in conference play and once again have a chance to make history in year four as a varsity program. A win on Saturday would help them add to the single-season program win record, and would secure their first winning season in program history. Last season, the Cardinals went 5-6 overall, setting their best season in program history. This year, they are at the six win mark and will look to finish the year strong to grab that final winning record. It will be a big day all around for this senior class as they play their final games on Bishop Schmitt Field and get ready for the future.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Falcons are meeting for the third time in program history with Fairmont State leading the all-time series at 2-0. However, Saturday will be the first time that these two teams meet at Bishop Schmitt Field as the Cardinals look to take advantage of their home field. In the first two meetings, the Cardinals have averaged 12 points per game, scoring exactly 12 points in each contest. Last season, Wheeling fell to Fairmont State 29-14 in what was their regular season finale.
Chad Palmer got the start at quarterback and went 11-26 throwing for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Jake Keenan and Former Cardinal Jaquaun Davidson would pull in those scores while Sy Alli added 78 yards rushing on the ground. Former Cardinal Ryan Gorman led the defense with 10 tackles while former Cardinal Josiah Wright and Chase Nolan finished behind him with seven tackles.
The Details
Kick-off for Saturday's game is scheduled for 2 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
