Long wait over for Vulcans
By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
For the first time in over 650 days, the Cal U football team will take the field with the opportunity to hit another team other than those wearing black and red.
The Vulcans open the 2021 season tonight when they travel to Fairmont State to take on the Fighting Falcons at 7 p.m.
This is the first time the two teams have met since the season opener in 2006. Before that, there were 14 straight seasons of matchups between the rivals. The Vulcans currently own a seven-game winning streak in the series.
The Vulcans return 11 starters from the 2019 season, including four All-PSAC West selections. Quarterback Noah Mitchell returns to lead the offense after throwing for just under 2,500 yards and 26 total touchdowns.
Preseason All-Americans Gerald Brown on the defensive line and linebacker Noah Dillow headline the defense. Brown led the defense with 16 1/2 tackles for loss in 2019.
Cal U head coach Gary Dunn is entering his sixth season at the helm of the program with a 34-12 overall record.
Fairmont State finished seventh in the Mountain East Conference in 2019. The Falcons are led by Jason Woodman, who is entering his ninth season as head coach.
The Falcons led the MEC and finishing fifth in the nation allowing only 77 yards rushing per game defensively. Senior defensive lineman Chirnovic Mukulu is the leading tackler returning to the Falcons defensive in 2021. He finished with 42 tackles and led the team with seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
Fairmont State finished with 15 interceptions in 2019, ranking second in the MEC.
Taking a look at the Vulcans’ depth chart, Kyle Brunson – a transfer from Tiffin – will lead the Cal U ground game. He’ll be backed up from redshirt-freshman Eric McKan III.
Serra Catholic graduate Jaquae Jackson is expected to be in the starting lineup along with Tyson Hill, who is the leading returning receiver after ending 2019 with over 900 yards. Cam Tarrant or Jackson Daugherty will also start at receiver.
Ian Edenfield will be the tight end for Mitchell.
Along the offensive line will be Noel Brouse (LT), Jake Smetak (LG), Bryce Perkins (C), Fritz-Kelly Edmond (RG) and Eric Hudanick (RT) will be in charge of keeping Mitchell upright.
Joining Brown on the defensive line will be Noah Silva, Derick Korboi at nose guard and Stephon Brown.
Marvin Maddox, Matt Tobey, Dillow and Izzy Xavier will be the linebackers with junior captain Jermal Martin Jr. anchoring the secondary from his cornerback position.
Naszhir Taylor will be on the other side out wide with Clairton’s Dom Solomon Jr., a redshirt freshman, at strong safety and Kavon Morman at free safety.
McKeesport grad Anthony Beitko won the place-kicking job with Joseph Wells doing the punting. Both are freshmen.
GAME NOTES: Belle Vernon Area graduate Anthony Evans is a 6-3 freshman offensive lineman for the Falcons. … The Fairmont State campus requires all fans wear masks regardless of vaccination status. Masks will be required at all indoor and outdoor spaces. … Fans can watch a livestream of the game at fightingfalcons.com. … Since 2004, the Vulcans are 13-3 in season openers.
