Football Opens Season Tonight - West Virginia State University Athletics

West Virginia State University Athletics

   The WVSU football team makes the short trip to Charleston tonight to take on rival University of Charleston in the season opener for both squads.

   Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Laidley Field.

   The Yellow Jackets won last season's meeting between the programs 51-28 also in the season's first game.

   WVSU will have a different look behind center this season as junior Austin Hensley takes over at quarterback for four-year starter Matt Kinnick.

   Kinnick finished 22-of-27 passing for 311 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions last year. His 59 yard scoring strike to former WVSU receiver Quinton Gray on the third play of the game set the tone in that contest as the Jackets jumped out to a quick 20-0 lead.

    But Hensley put up impressive numbers when he had the chance to step in for a few games and may be an even bigger long play threat.

     WVSU has junior A.J. Barrette, senior Tyrell Henderson, junior Zach Pate, and junior Jamal Brown returning at the wide receiver spots. They were second, third, fourth, and fifth in receptions last season with Wilkins sixth.

     The Golden Eagles will have senior Mason Olszewski back at quarterback. He was 10-15 passing for 78 yards with a touchdown and an interception a year ago. He hurt WVSU more with his legs as he ran for 182 yards on 19 carries.

       Olszewski will have leading receiver D'Andre Brooks returning. The senior led the Golden Eagles with 30 receptions in 2017 while Olszewski was the squad's top ground threat with 462 yards on the season.

      Charleston ended the game with 352 yards on the ground compared to 227 for the Yellow Jackets. That was not enough to make up for the Jackets' passing advantage as they won the passing game with 311 yards to 112.

       The bulk of the WVSU ground game came in the form of Calil Wilkins who gained 191 yards on 24 carries in his first college game.

       The sophomore will be in the backfield again this year and is looking for another big season after being named the MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year last season after finishing with 819 yards on the ground and another 141 through the air in spite of missing two games due to a minor injury.

       He will be running against a Golden Eagle defense that features a pair of returning senior defensive ends in John Cominsky (6-foot-6, 290) and Kahzin Daniels (6-4, 240) and senior linebacker Jalen Nelson (6-2, 250).

      In all UC is expected to start six seniors on offense and eight on defense.

     WVSU counters with just one senior on defense and three on offense.

     It will be up to the Yellow Jacket offensive line to protect Hensley and open holes for Wilkins.

    That front five includes junior Josh Durst (6-5, 305), senior Chase Henderson (6-1, 300), junior Devon Bradshaw (6-2, 300), sophomore Colin Beckner (5-9, 295), and sophomore Lavon Cottemond (6-1, 270).

      Senior defensive back Moises Valcarcel (6-0, 200) leads the Yellow Jacket defense after finishing second on the team in tackles a year ago.

     If you are unable to make it to the field here are the links to follow the Yellow Jackets in action.

     Click here for live video

     Click here for WVSU radio broadcast

     Click here for live stats

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