Offense sells the tickets, but defense and special teams are usually what play the biggest role in winning games.

Whether it’s a regular-season game or the annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game, that still applies.

Hence why University and West Virginia head coach John Kelley paid significant attention to the defensive side of the ball and specialists when selecting the Mountain State squad for the July 23rd battle with Ohio at Wheeling Island Stadium.

Kelley completed the breakdown of his players with the announcement of the linebackers, defensive backs and kicker.

Here’s a capsule look at the players:

MARCUS BARNES, Magnolia — This former Blue Eagle was a running back and played in the secondary for Coach Doc Chapman’s team.

The 5-9, 195-pounder scored 12 touchdowns, rushed for 960 yards and 300 passing yards.

Along with football, Barnes also lettered four times in track and field.

Marcus, who is the son of Christina Stickler, plans to attend West Virginia Northern Community College.

DYLAN CONLEY, Oak Glen — This former Golden Bear was impressive at inside linebacker for Coach Ted Arneault’s team.

The 5-10, 180 pounder was named First Team All-OVAC and served as a team captain.

Away from football, Conley was a member of the National Honor Society and prom committee.

Dylan, who plans to attend Marshall, is the son of Garray and Crystal Brown.

CORBAN CROSS, University — This fomer Hawk shined at a myriad of positions for Coach John Kelley’s team.

Cross is the son of John and Sandy Cross.

ALEC DULEY, Morgantown — This ex-Mohigan standout roamed at linebacker for Coach Sean Biser’s team.

Alec, who plans to attend Fairmont State, is the son of Mike and Chana Duley.

PRESTON HARMAN, Morgantown — This former Mohigan was a force at linebacker for Coach Sean Biser’s team.

The 5-10, 205 pounder posted 70tackles and recovered a fumble.

Along with football, Harman plays lacrosse and was a wrestler.

Undecided on his future plans, Preston is the son of Perry and Jackie Harman.

BEN MCCARDLE, John Marshall — This former Monarch shined on both sides of the ball for Coach Justin Kropka’s team.

The 5-10, 190-pounder was listed as a WVSSAC Male Athlete of the Year.

Ben, who plans to attend WVU with hopes of becoming a physicians assistant, is the son of Josh and Angie McCardle.

JACOB MORGAN, Weir — This former Red Rider served as the kicker and punter for Coach Frank Sissini’s team.

The 6-2, 160-pounder posted an average of 35 yards per punt. He was 10-of-13 on kicking extra points and landed 90% of his kickoffs inside the 10, including five touchbacks.

Jacob, who plans to attend West Virginia University, is the son of Bill and Michelle Morgan.

HUNTER NIXON, Wheeling Park — This former Patriot was a force for Coach Chris Daugherty’s team.

The 6-0, 195 pounder was a three-year starter and played both linebacker and running back. He led the Patriots in tackles last season.

Along with football, Nixon was a starter for the Patriots’ state-championship wrestling team. He’s also a member of the Drug Free Clubs of America.

Hunter, who plans to attend West Virginia State University, is the son of Ron Nixon and Monica Nixon.

BRODIE SELMON, Linsly — This former Cadet was a standout at linebacker for Coach BJ Depew’s team.

The 5-10, 190 pounder was his team’s leading tackler with 83 stops and received the coach’s award as well as served as a captain.

Away from the field, Selmon was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and was a Junior and Senior Prefect.

Along with football, Selmon lettered in baseball and was part of the concert band and was a volunteer for the Wheeling Symphony.

Brodie, who is the son of Dan and Julie Selmon, plans to attend Denison University.

NATE SHELEK, Wheeling Park — This former Patriot played with bad intentions in the secondary for Coach Daugherty’s team.

The 5-10, 155-pounder finished his prep career with more than 200 tackles and eight interceptions.

Shelek’s fine career earned First-Team All-State as a senior and Second-Team All-State as a junior.

Along with football, Shelek was a multiple-time state wrestling champion and a key cog in the Patriots’ team championship. In the classroom, Shelek is a member of the National Honor Society.

Nate, who is the son of Todd and Anita Shelek, plans to attend West Liberty University.

COLT THOMAS, Wheeling Park — This middle linebacker gave opposing offenses fits as he was one of the leaders for Coach Chris Daugherty’s defense.

The 5-10, 210 pounder posted 102 tackles as a senior, including 78 solo. As a junior, he recorded 78 solo and 74 as a sophomore.

His fine season was recognized by his placement on First Team All-State, All-OVAC, All-Valley and he was a finalist for Ohio Valley Defensive Player of the Year.

Along with football, Thomas played lacrosse for the Patriots.

Colt, who plans to attend Marietta College, is the son of JT and Tara Thomas.