Wheeling, W. Va. - After a week 0 loss on the road to Clarion, the Wheeling University Football team (0-1, 0-0) will be back at Bishop Schmitt Field for the first time in 2025 on Saturday. The Cardinals continue their three-game non-conference schedule to open the season on Saturday, September 6th, when they host Walsh University in a primetime match-up, with kick-off at 6 PM. It will be the lone home game for the Cardinals during the month of September, as the Cardinals look to take advantage of their home field.
In week 0, the Cardinals made the trip to Clarion, Pennsylvania to battle Clarion University from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). It was a back-and-forth defensive battle throughout the game, with only 14 total points being scored in the first 30 minutes. The Cardinals made a few pushes for the redzone early, being deined on an early field goal chance, but were unable to get on the board. Their special teams unit gave the Golden Eagles a long field to work with throughout the day, but Clarion would put up two scores before half to make it a 14-0 affair. As the Cardinals came out for the second half, the offense continued to struggle finding their footing against Clarion, and a 13-point second quarter swing was enough to help Clarion pull away. They went on to win by the final score of 34-0 as the Cardinals moved to 0-2 when they open the season on the road.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Cardinals were able to win the battle for field position thanks to the work of punter Carter Blake. The redshirt sophomore would hit five punts on the night, averaging 39.2 yards per punt, while putting three of those punts inside the 20-yard line. His first punt of the night pinned Clarion down at their own two-yard line, and his second punt of the quarter would be the longest in the MEC, going 60 yards inside the Clarion 10-yard line. For his efforts, Bake was named the MEC's Special Teams Player of the Week, an award he took home for the first time in his career. He would also make contributions on the defensive side, finishing with four tackles, two solo and two assisted, while adding a pass break-up. He looks to continue his success on the field in week one as the Cardinals look for their first win in 2025.
There were several other strong individual efforts throughout the evening, led by safety Kameron Reynolds on defense. Head Coach Zac Bruney called him "the Cardinals best player on the field" on Saturday, when he set a career-high with 11 tackles, six solo and five assisted, including one tackle for loss. Reynolds, who has been a solid back-up for the Cardinals over the last two seasons, shined in his first career start as he helps lead the defensive secondary. The wide receiver core saw several new faces in starting roles on Saturday, led by Graduate transfer Hilton McClain Jr. The transfer from Geneva College made five catches in his Wheeling debut, finishing with 53 yards. He netted the Cardinals two first downs throughout the day and looks to continue to be a big part of the Cardinal offense moving forward.
As Wheeling continues through their non-conference schedule, the team will relish the opportunity to be at home this Saturday. It will be the Cardinal's only home game in the month of September, with the team having to go back on the road two more two more times before their bye week in week four of the season. The Cardinals played six home games a season ago, finishing 2-4 across those six games, and over the last three seasons they have played well at Bishop Schmitt Field with a record of 10-7. Wheeling looks to start the 2025 season strong on their home field as they look to get back on track with two more non-conference games ahead.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Cavaliers are meeting for the second time in program history, with Wheeling leading the all-time series at 1-0. It will be the first time that the Cardinals welcome the Cavaliers to Bishop Schmitt Field after the teams were locked in a tight battle a season ago. Defense ruled the day, with the two teams combining for just 24 points, and the Wheeling stout defense will look to duplicate that effort this time around.
Their last meeting came on September 7th, 2024, in a game that the Cardinals would win 14-10. It was a big day for the Cardinals on the ground, led by Dawaun Green, who finished with 14 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown in the effort. Former Cardinal Javon Davis finished 20-34, throwing for 168 yards and a touchdown, while Steven Mitchell caught that touchdown and finished with 15 yards receiving. The defensive effort was led by former Cardinal Jack Parry, who finished with nine tackles, three solo and six assisted, while former Cardinals Justin McIlwain and Rashard Jackson each added five tackles.
The Details
Kick-off for Saturday night's game is scheduled for 6 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
