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PrintGame On: Game-Day Guide
Get amped for the most exciting time of the year! This Game-Day guide is your ticket into West Virginia's 2011 college football season with tips on who to watch and what to expect.
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Fairmont State University
Location: Fairmont
Head Coach: Mike Lopez ’98
Nickname: Falcons
Colors: Maroon & White
Fairmont State’s football team will be working toward a high level of consistency in 2011 to make sure it continues to make strides toward being one of the top teams in the WVIAC and in the region. Consistency is key. Whether its from practice to practice, play to play, or game to game, consistently performing at the highest level is what makes good teams great, and ultimately, what separates the winners from the losers.
With quarterback Logan Moore leading the offense, the Falcons have several other offensive weapons. Tall receiver Eric Eitson had 25 catches for 325 yards and three touchdowns, and Florida State transfer Tim Orange has good speed and hands to make an impact on the team this year. Chris St. Hilaire made an immediate impact in his first season as a slot receiver with 27 catches and 418 yards, many of which came after the catch. The coaches love slot receiver and running back Matt Wilmer’s work ethic, speed, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field and hope to get the ball in Wilmer’s hands one way or another. Grafton native Damon Waters finished the 2010 season strong as running back for the Falcons. He rushed for a career-high 138 yards and two touchdowns in the final game of the season against West Virginia State University.
Defensively, the Falcons have several players among the best in the country. Dewey McDonald, a Ranson native, is a big free safety who has the speed to cover receivers and the strength to support the run. He was an all-region player last year and a second team academic all-district pick in 2009. Greg Underwood is a hybrid linebacker and safety in FSU’s 3-3-5 stack defense and is always around the ball. Last year, Underwood led the team with 93 total tackles and four interceptions. Luke Black, standing at 6’6” and 270 pounds, is a defensive end who always draws a double team. The Falcons will need to replenish their linebacking corps and find depth on the defensive line to be sure to stop the run and allow the secondary the freedom to make plays.
On special teams, Frank Keenan, who came all the way from Byfleet, England, was a first team All-WVIAC placekicker last year and looks to continue to provide his talent at that position.
QB Spotlight: Logan Moore
In recent years, FSU’s quarterback position has not been the team’s strongpoint. Things are different this year, however, as Fairmont native Logan Moore takes the reigns of the offense. The 2010 WVIAC Freshman of the Year, Moore started every game and set the FSU record for total offense as a freshman. Moore tossed for 1,874 yards with 18 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. Moore provides the Falcons with talent and leadership from the most important position on the field and only promises to continue to grow and blossom with more experience.
Top Returning Players
Logan Moore (QB)
Eric Eitson (WR)
Chris St. Hilaire (WR)
Matt Wilmer (WR/PR)
Frank Keenan (K)
Greg Underwood (OLB/SS)
Dewey McDonald (FS)
Garrett Davis (MLB)
Daniel Strosnider (OLB)
Luke Black (DE)
Alumni Insight
“The game day experience is fantastic. The whole community participates—from local businesses, to local government officials, to the local high school’s band. Our student organizations, fraternities, sororities…everyone is out and supporting the Falcons. It’s like one big celebration.” Mike Arcure ’58
“It’s great to tailgate with all the Falcon fans. I always look forward to tailgating and meeting up with old friends at the alumni tent.” Chris Pallotta, Sr. ’71
“Game day is the best. You can feel the excitement in the air as the fans make their way through the gates, and see the joy on their face when they are talking to old friends and cheering on the Falcons.” Emily Swain ’06, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
Game Day in Fairmont
Falcons Fanatics—students who wear maroon shirts and paint their faces and really get into the game—can always be found in the Falcons Nest where there’s always live music, food, and give-aways, while FSU’s other most avid fans tailgate before the game and head to the Erickson Alumni Center for post-game receptions. Fan favorites historically include indulging with Country Club Bakery pepperoni rolls and feasting at the annual chili cook-off.
2011 Schedule
Sept. 1 Clarion University, Fairmont, 7 p.m.
Sept. 10 at WVU-Tech, Montgomery, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 Glenville State College*, Fairmont, 12 p.m.
Sept. 24 at West Liberty University*, West Liberty, 1 p.m.
Oct. 1 University of Charleston*, Fairmont, 12 p.m.
Oct. 6 Bowie State University, Fairmont, 7 p.m.
Oct. 15 at West Virginia Wesleyan College*, Buckhannon, 1 p.m.
Oct. 22 at Seton Hill University*, Greensburg, PA, 6 p.m.
Oct. 29 Concord University*, Fairmont, 2 p.m.
Nov. 5 at West Virginia State University*, Institute, 1 p.m.
Nov. 12 Shepherd University*, Fairmont, 12 p.m.
*Conference Game
Courtesy of Fairmont State University Athletics
