Wheeling, W. Va. - After a grueling three weeks of Training Camp, the time is here for the Wheeling University Football team to kick-off the 2022 season. They begin the year on Thursday when they host Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rival Seton Hill at 7 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field. After a milestone season in 2021, the Cardinals are looking to set more records in year four as a full-time member of the Mountain East Conference (MEC).
In 2021, the team finished 5-6 overall and 5-5 in MEC play, breaking the school's program win record while also posting a .500 record in conference play for the second season in a row. Along the way, the team hit several other milestones, including the program's first ever shutout against West Virginia Wesleyan on October 1st and the first home win against West Liberty on Homecoming (October 22nd). With many of the stars from last season back in 2022, the Cardinals look to take the next step towards becoming a competitor year in and year out for the MEC Championship.
On the offensive side of the ball, running back Sy Alli IV returns leads the ground game after winning the MEC's regular season rushing title a year ago. He rushed for 1,014 yards while averaging just over 92 yards per game to become the program's first 1,000-yard rusher. The receiving corps is led by returners Lowell Patron and Jake Keenan, who each eclipsed the 150-yard receiving mark last season. Patron led the group with 584 receiving yards and three touchdowns while Keenan had 194 yards and one touchdown. A quarterback battle has been brewing all camp with Graduate Students Trent Jackson and Chad Palmer battling with Redshirt Junior Javon Davis to lead the offense. The battle will play out on Thursday when the Cardinals take the field.
The Wheeling defense put together their best season in program history last season, holding opponents to 21.73 points per game, and they look to continue that success this season. Anchoring the defensive line will be Redshirt Senior Brandon Munoz, who finished ninth in the MEC with 7.0 sacks last season. He, Chase Nolan, and Myck Brown all return to create a pass rush up front to pressure the quarterback. In the secondary, Jason Simon and Jayvon Johnson each return to the linebacking corps, with Simon finishing second on the team with 62.0 tackles. Rich White III returns to lead the defensive back group after finishing tied for the MEC lead with 16 pass breakups last season. He was the first All-American in program history, winning the Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-American award in 2021 and looks for another strong season in 2022.
Thursday will be the first time the Cardinals get to hit a guy in another jersey after battling through a few intersquad scrimmages during camp. It will give them an opportunity to see what they can do against a tough PSAC opponent before they open up MEC play next Saturday. The Cardinals dropped their first game of the season in each of the last three seasons and are looking to start 2022 off on a strong note Thursday night.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Griffins will be meeting for the second time in program history on Thursday night at Bishop Schmitt Field. The Cardinals are 0-1 against Seton Hill, after dropping last season's opener 16-14 in a game that came down to the final few possessions. This will be Seton Hill's first-ever trip to Wheeling, West Virginia and the Cardinals look to welcome them with a battle on the field.
In last year's meeting, the defense led the way causing six turnovers in the game, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. Sy Alli netted 98 yards on the ground on 21 carries while quarterback Trent Jackson went 15-28 for 128 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Former Cardinal Jaquaun Davidson led the receiving effort with five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.
The Details
Kick-off for Thursday night's game is scheduled for 7 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field. Get your tickets now by clicking HERE. You can also watch the game live HERE, Listen on Fox Sports Wheeling (103.9 FM/1400AM), or follow Live Stats HERE.
