Wheeling, W. VA. – In the first two games of the season, the Wheeling University rugby team (2-0) took it to their opponents and together scored 126 points against Franciscan University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They are now ready to present their high-profile offensive to Bishop Schmitt Field when they are welcomed to West Virginia University on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Last time they competed against IUP and scored a 45-10 win with no attempts allowed until the second half. They had a 22-3 lead at halftime and were led by a big day in their sophomore year Ayoub Jalli (Casablanca, Morocco / Yassmine Oasis). Jalli scored two attempts that day, converting three conversion kicks and two penalties that day. He leads the team with 11 conversion kicks this season and scored his first two attempts of the season in the effort.
In total, four different players scored attempts in the game and two different cardinals scored two tries. Together with Jalli, Mohammed Haddar (Marrakech, Morocco / Les Printemps) added two more attempts this season and now leads the team with six attempts in two games played. The offense has shown that it can distribute the ball and it was shown on the statistics board this season. At least four different players have scored attempts in each of the first two games and it has resulted in two straight wins at the start of the season.
Wheeling is now returning home for the first time in the fall of 2021 after winning 6-0 at Bishop Schmitt Field in the spring. West Virginia University is another great physical team, and Wheeling will continue to have to be tough. Head Coach Mike Geibel believes they can keep this up after hitting a very physical opponent in the IUD last week.
“We’re happy to play at home and get our first 15-a-side game in front of our home fans in a few years,” said Geibel. “This week we went to Steenrod Elementary School to teach them flag rugby and invited them to the game. We want to involve the community and watch us play.”
The history
The Cardinals and Mountaineers have met six times in the Mountain State Showdown, with Wheeling going 5-1 in those games. Their last official meeting, however, was on September 30thNS, 2016. Wheeling has won four games in a row against WVU and wants to make their home opener their fifth win in a row.
At their last meeting, Wheeling finished in the top 72-12 at Bishop Schmitt Field. Former Cardinal Allan Hanson opened the scoring and led the Cardinals to victory with four conversion shots and one penalty. Since Wheelings Offense is clicking on all cylinders again this year, they are looking for a similar success.
The details
The kick-off for the game on Saturday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Bishop Schmitt Field. You can follow the game live or follow the live statistics right here on WUCARDINALS.COM.
