NORTH CANTON, Ohio – The West Liberty University football team opened its 2025 season on the road Thursday night, falling to Walsh by a 38-10 score under the lights at Larry Staudt Field.

The Hilltoppers (0-1) struck first after an early special teams spark. Following a 35-yard punt that was muffed and recovered at the Cavaliers’ 3-yard line by Sophia Poriah, West Liberty’s offense was in business. Though the drive was pushed back by penalties, Morgan Williamson drilled a 34-yard field goal at the 9:54 mark of the first quarter to give the Hilltoppers a 3-0 lead.

Walsh responded with a lengthy 13-play, 75-yard march, capped by a touchdown pass from Hunter Wickard to Alex Knowles, to take a 7-3 edge. West Liberty continued to move the football behind quarterback Kohl Meisman, who connected with Trey Singleton for a 38-yard strike early and later found Jay Harcum on a 26-yard completion to drive into the red zone. However, a key interception at the Walsh 2-yard line late in the first quarter stalled a promising chance.

The second quarter saw the Hilltoppers string together more offense. Meisman hit Singleton, Caleb Ratcliffe, and Thonye Charles on intermediate gains, then hooked up with Singleton again for an 18-yard reception to the Walsh 11-yard line. A false start and consecutive incompletions forced a 39-yard field goal attempt, but the kick sailed wide, keeping it a 7-3 game.

Walsh capitalized shortly after when running back Jalen Gill finished a short-field drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to extend the Cavaliers’ lead to 14-3. West Liberty nearly answered before the half, as Singleton reeled in a 34-yard reception down to the Walsh 26 in the final minute, but a 40-yard field goal attempt was no good as time expired.

Out of the locker room, Walsh seized control with a field goal and two quick touchdown drives in the third quarter, stretching the margin to 31-3. West Liberty’s defense got stops from Grant Thompson (sack) and Donovan Elliott (seven tackles), but the Cavaliers’ rushing attack found momentum.

The Hilltoppers broke through in the fourth quarter with their lone touchdown. On the first play of the period, Meisman connected with Singleton for a 55-yard strike, then Hunter Patterson punched it in from five yards out to make it 38-10. Patterson finished the night with 75 total yards (18 rushing, 57 receiving) and the score.

Offensively, Meisman threw for 296 yards on 23 completions, highlighted by Singleton’s standout line of six receptions for 163 yards. Harcum chipped in 42 receiving yards, and Rashid Sesay provided a late spark with a 43-yard run.

Defensively, Elliott and Junus McGraw tied for the team lead with seven tackles each, while Thompson and Cameron Moore contributed key stops up front.

West Liberty finished with 322 yards of total offense and a slight edge in time of possession, while Walsh’s balanced attack used short fields and a dominant third quarter to secure the win.

The Hilltoppers return to action on Saturday, September 6, hosting Seton Hill in their home opener at West Family Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.