The University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s Chavon Wright carries the ball for a big gain against Kutztown during an NCAA Division II football playoff game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.
The University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s Chavon Wright carries the ball for a big gain against Kutztown during an NCAA Division II football playoff game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.
The University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, the defending Mountain East Conference football champion and preseason coaches poll pick to do it again, is scheduled to open its campaign in non-league action on Saturday at Livingstone.
Third-year Golden Eagles coach Quinn Sanders returns 20 starters, according to an MEC news release, for ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s lidlifter in Salisbury, North Carolina, on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Running back Chavon Wright, the 2023 MEC Offensive Player of the Year, and quarterback Javonte Howard are among them.
Wright ran for 1,518 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, while Howard completed 195 of 307 passes for 2,699 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Yves Bosmans and Marquan Herron were second and third, respectively, in receiving yards for the Golden Eagles last season and return to head up that unit. Bosmans had 49 catches for 576 yards and six TDs, and Herron made 25 receptions for 514 yards and six house calls.
ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, ranked 23rd in the AFCA preseason poll and 24th by D2Football.com, also returns its top four tacklers from last season.
Willie Floyd led the Golden Eagles with 74 stops, including 57 solo. He had seven tackles for loss and three sacks. Aden Miller made 71 tackles, 53 solo and 5.5 for a loss. Ra’Shaad Morris and Cashawn Beasley were third and fourth in that department last year, respectively.
The Blue Bears were 4-6 last season and 4-4 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association games.
Livingstone returns leading rusher JyMikaah Wells (264 yards and four TDs on 94 attempts) and No. 2 receiver Devontay Deloatch (47 catches, 499 yards, six scores).
Elsewhere in Week 1 play involving MEC teams, Fairmont State won its opener on Thursday night, topping Seton Hill 56-24, while West Liberty and Wheeling fell on opening night. Walsh beat the Hilltoppers 42-21 and Mercyhurst edged the Cardinals 28-25.
On Saturday, West Virginia Wesleyan travels to Post, Glenville State goes to Emory & Henry and UNC Pembroke hosts Wingate. West Virginia State doesn’t open until Sept. 5, at Barton College.
