MORGANTOWN — This year’s edition of the Mohawk Bowl is just another game for the teams involved in this classic rivalry.
“We’re just going about our usual weekly prep,” University head coach John Kelley said. “We’re focusing on what we need to do.”
So is Morgantown.
“We haven’t talked about this game before this week,” MHS head coach Sean Biser said. “But here it is and it’s the only game on our schedule. It’s all we’re focused on, rivalry or not, it’s just the next game.”
The Mohigans enter Friday night’s game winners of the last three Mohawk Bowls, outscoring the Hawks 176-31 in those victories. Last year MHS beat UHS, 69-15.
“They humiliated us last year, but coach Biser was first-class all the way,” Kelley said. “They probably could have scored 80 points on us.”
That was Biser’s first taste of the Mohawk Bowl in his first season leading the Mohigans. MHS scored early and often in that contest, racing to a 21-0 lead in the first few minutes. Deondre Crudup, who headed to Glenville State, and Caden Biser, who now plays at WVU, each scored three touchdowns.
In the all-time series, Morgantown leads University 55-12-3, with the series dating back to 1947.
“I haven’t brought it up, but I actually hope that taste is still in our kids’ mouths,” Kelley said. “We’re a better football team than we showed last year. But here’s the bottom line — you can’t use revenge as a motivator. Each year is different and you can’t prepare with (revenge) as your main focus.”
University remains undefeated (8-0) and checks in tied at No. 5 with Jefferson in the most-recent WVSSAC Class AAA rankings. Last week, the Hawks trounced Preston, 56-8. Chase Edwards was 15-of -3 passing for 299 yards and four touchdowns, with Jaeden Hammack as the top receiver with five catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. Elija Jackson caught two touchdown passes as nine UHS players caught at least one pass from either Edwards or backup quarterback Luke Hudson.
The University offense remained efficient, racking up 20 first downs in only 18 minutes of possession. The defense was fierce, too, allowing just 2.1 yards per play against Preston.
“We need to keep doing what’s been working for us all season,” Kelley said. “We’ve had some good practices so far, but Morgantown does a lot of things well, too.”
Morgantown (4-4) is No. 14 in the WVSSAC rankings. Last week, the Mohigans knocked off John Marshall 33-7 in Moundsville. A special teams recovery tilted the opening kickoff in the Mohigans’ favor, leading by two touchdowns following their first two possessions. MHS was able to practically put it away in the second quarter on a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown.
“One phase of the game has to feed off another,” Biser said. “A big stop or a forced turnover is a great momentum builder.”
In the win, Caleb Nutter ran 17 times for 134 yards and a touchdown, Davon Eldridge ran three times for 16 yards and touchdown, and Jarrett Lawrence ran 12 times for 28 yards and two touchdowns.
“They made a great move moving Lawrence to quarterback,” Kelley said. “Having a quarterback that can run like he can is a great addition to the offense. It’s like what they did last year with (Cam) Rice. I think that’s what coach Biser wanted and they’ve been implementing that well over the past few games. That’s opened things up for them.”
The Mohigans forced and recovered two John Marshall fumbles a week ago. They enter the Mohawk Bowl winners of two straight, having beaten Parkersburg South 21-7 on Oct. 15.
“We’ve had two good weeks because our kids have played really hard,” Biser said. “They’ve practiced well all season and it’s been paying off here late in the season. Each week we’ve just tried to correct our mistakes and get better. We’ve carried that into this week to prepare for University.”
This will be the Hawks’ first home game in about five weeks, and although rain is in the forecast and temperatures may drop into the low 50s, Kelley is expecting a big crowd. Last year’s Mohawk Bowl wasn’t quite the same because of limited attendance at Pony Lewis Field due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The entire community is welcome at Mylan Pharmaceuticals Stadium this season, Kelley said.
“There’s a lot of good reasons to come to this football game, beyond just two great teams,” Kelley said. “Two great bands, dedicated cheerleaders and support staff — two of the best schools in the state of West Virginia and a great community. Come out and support whoever you want to cheer for, but come out and be a part of something special for this part of our state.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
By MATTHEW PEASLEE
