MORGANTOWN — Former Morgantown High football players were all over the field during WVU’s 66-0 win over Long Island on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium, and not just for the Mountaineers.
Ben Waibogha, who played for the Mohigans from 2014-17, started at defensive end for Long Island, fulfilling a dream of playing on Mountaineer Field. He finished with five tackles, third most for the Sharks.
For WVU, the Mohigans’ pipeline through WVU’s walk-on was on full display as four MHS alums saw action — offensive lineman Nick Malone, wide receiver Preston Fox, linebacker Caden Biser and defensive lineman Cam Rice.
Fox recorded his first catch, as well, hauling in an 8-yard pass from quarterback Will Crowder in the fourth quarter.
9/11 remembrance
On the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, WVU honored former quarterback Chris Gray by beginning the Chris Gray Memorial Scholarship in his name.
Gray was killed at the World Trade Center in New York City when the North Tower collapsed. He played for WVU coach Don Nehlen from 1987-91.
West Virginia first responders were also recognized during a media timeout, with state troopers, police offers, firefighters and EMS personnel.
2020 seniors
After last season’s home finale against Oklahoma was canceled twice because of COVID-19 issues inside both programs, the 2020 senior did not receiver a Senior Day.
Instead, the Mountaineers and coach Neal Brown honored those who could make it to Saturday’s game during halftime, including West Virginia natives Kyle Poland (Morgantown), Darius Stills (Fairmont), Dante Bonamico (Bridgeport) and Dylan Tonkery (Bridgeport).
Full capacity returns
For the first time since November 2019, there were no fan restrictions at Milan Puskar Stadium, with an announced attendance of 50,911.
Last year, the first two games of the season against Eastern Kentucky and Baylor were limited to just players’ families, and the remaining games were capped at 25% capacity.
Next week’s game against rival Virginia Tech is already a sellout with the Hokies coming to Morgantown for the first time since 2005.
Pacman Jones in attendance
Former WVU cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, the former No. 6 overall pick in the NFL draft who played for the Mountaineers from 2002-04, made an appearance during the game, and was joined by the sons of former WVU receiver Chris Henry.
Henry, who also played for WVU from 2002-04, was killed in a domestic incident in 2009.
Jones officially adopted Henry’s sons, Seini, Chris Jr. and DeMarcus, this month.
