NORTH CANTON, OH: It was the first night football game at Larry Staudt Field and then turned into the first win of the season for the 2023 Walsh Football team. With a close to capacity crowd, the Maroon and Gold started hot thanks to a Garrett Waite 70 yard kickoff return, setting the Cavs up with prime field position. In just about two minutes, Cameron Macon ran into the end zone, putting the Cavs ahead. It wasn't much later that Dom Jennings broke loose, adding six points to the Cavs score with a 65 yard rushing touchdown. The half ended with a 40 yard field goal from Trent Doerfler, giving the Cavs a 17-0 lead. 

Just as the first half was started, the second half mirrored it with a quick start from the home team. Delshawn Petrosky intercepted West Liberty Quarterback, Rudy Garcia, running it back for a 33 yard pick six, giving the Cavs a 24-0 advantage. West Liberty would not fold quite yet as they scored a touchdown at the end of the 3rd, midway through the 4th, and with 1:19 in the 4th. The Hilltoppers were also successful on a two point conversion, making the score 24-21. 

To close out the game, Amare Jenkins ran out the clock, securing a Walsh Football win on opening night. The Cavs will look to keep the momentum going as they head to Charlotte, North Carolina to face Johnson C. Smith University on September 9th at 1pm. 

SCORE: Walsh 24 - West Liberty 21
LOCATION: Larry Staudt Field
RECORDS: Walsh 1-0, West Liberty 0-1

FOR THE CAVS 

• Cameron Macon and Dom Jennings led the rushing attack for the Cavs. Macon rushed for 101 yards with one touchdown. Jennings rushed for 75 yards with one touchdown.
• Anthony Harris and Garrett Waite were key receivers, each catching three passes, for a combined 80 yards. 
• Cam Hollobaugh was everywhere on the defensive side of the ball, recording 9 tackles.
• Terrell Grier and Delshawn Petrosky had seven and six tackles, respectively. Petrosky added a 33 yard interception and returned it for a touchdown.