Last time out, Wheeling welcomed in UNC Pembroke, in what would be the final MEC meeting between the two teams. After both teams had problems getting going, with the first half ending at 0-0, the Cardinals would be the first team to hit a run on the day. Wheeling would score three touchdowns during the second quarter, with all three coming on the ground. Wheeling went into the locker room leading 21-7 as they looked to continue that momentum into the second half. However, it was UNC Pembroke who would get the momentum, scoring three third quarter touchdowns and it would be a 28-21 Braves lead after four. It would be that lead that stood as UNC Pembroke went on to win 35-32, dropping the Cardinals to 1-2 in conference play.
 

Leading the way for the Cardinals offense was Javon Davis, who put together his best game of the season. He finished 26-38, while throwing for 289 yards and a touchdown, while carrying the ball 12 times and scoring one of the team's three rushing touchdowns. He has been trending up over the last three games throwing for 240+ yards each time out, while setting a season high against UNC Pembroke. Davis has been a dual threat since he first came to the Cardinals back during the 2022 season, and has used his legs effectively, running for 104 yards and a touchdown this season. Davis has led the Cardinal's offense to 30+ points in each of the last two games, and look to continue to put points on the board for the Cardinals.
 

Ever since his breakout game against Fairmont State, Tre Holloway has continued to excel on special teams. He didn't break a kick return touchdown a week ago, but finished with 81 return yards and set the Cardinals offense up for success throughout the day. This past week, it was Holloway's receiving game that led the way, with Holloway setting a career high. He pulled in nine catches for 110 yards on the day. While he didn't pick up a receiving touchdown on the day, he served as an integral part of the Cardinal offense. Special Teams continued to make an impact in this game with punter Trey Brady having a big day. He would punt the ball six times on the day, with three of those landing inside the 20 yard line. He helped the Cardinals control the battle for field position and looks to continue his success.
 

As Wheeling continues down this final six game stretch, they have a chance to climb the conference standings. Of their remaining six opponents, three of them sit ahead of them in the conference standings as the Cardinals sit just two games behind Charleston for the top spot in the conference. After a couple of last second losses the last two times they took the field, the Cardinals are looking to continue their competitive nature. They also have the advantage of being at home during that stretch, with three of their final five games being at Bishop Schmitt Field. Despite their 0-3 record at home this season the Cardinals have played well at home and look to use their home field advantage to help get back in the win column down the stretch.
 

The Matchup
 

The Cardinals and Golden Eagles are meeting for the fourth time in program history, with Charleston leading the all-time series at 3-0. It will be just the second time that the Cardinals are going to Charleston, West Virginia, with their last trip coming on November 6th, 2021. The teams were not on each other's schedules a season ago and they look to continue their series strong as they have averaged 17 points per game.
 

Their last meeting came on November 5th, 2022, in a game that the Golden Eagles would win 22-19. It was former Cardinal Jake Keenan who led the way, accounting for almost half of the Cardinal offense with six catches for 100-yards and a touchdown. Former Cardinal Sy Alli led the ground game, carrying the ball 14 times for 65 yards. It was a big day for the defense with former Cardinal Jayvon Johnson, who finished with 14 tackles, four solo and 10 assists, including one tackle for loss.
 

The Details
 

Kick-off for Saturday's game is scheduled for noon inside the University Of Charleston stadium in the campus of the University of Charleston. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.