MORGANTOWN – For University High School football head coach Eric Snyder, looking at his players can sometimes feel like looking at his own reflection in the mirror.
With a returning roster loaded with a junior class that made noise in 2024 as sophomores, Snyder, entering his second season as head coach, has seen the progress his players have made during the offseason in preparation for their junior campaign, and hopes to see the same growth within himself.
“Last year, both my roster and I were young when it came to our experience as players and as a head coach,” Snyder said. “I hope that I can reciprocate what they’ve done during the offseason because they have done a fantastic job at working to get bigger, faster, and stronger. That’s one of the best things about coaching high school athletics: being able to watch these young kids grow into young adults naturally, and you’re able to be a small part of that. One thing that can be forgotten on a long road trip is nutrition and fueling the kids for the game so they have the energy to get through.”
The Hawks begin their 2025 season on the road as they visit Musselman on Friday for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.
“It’s a big test off the bat for us,” Snyder said. “The good news is that last week we went to Keyser for a scrimmage, and that helped us understand a little bit of the travel and the flow we want to get into on gameday. We want to try and arrive at the field 90 minutes before the game starts, that way there isn’t too much downtime, and the kids can get into their routines
The Applemen are coming off a 1-10 record, but bring some experience to the field and should show signs of improvement from last season. The two teams last met in November of 2020, with Musselman winning 64-26.
“Musselman is a 100-percent improved team,” Snyder said. “Coach (Brian) Thomas has done a great job there. We watched some film of them from a year ago, and I can guarantee what you see from last season is nowhere near the caliber of team we will see Friday night. This year, they’re downhill, they’re strong, and they’re powerful. We are excited for the challenge.”
Musselman averaged 15.5 points per game on offense in 2024, while allowing 42 to opponents. The Hawks scored 23 points per contest last season, giving up 33.3 on defense.
The biggest question on everyone’s mind going into Friday for UHS was who would be named the starting quarterback, as healthy competition grew between Harrison Helbig and Luke Byrer during fall camp.
“We were able to decide on Monday to go with Harrison Helbig this week,” Snyder said. “One thing to keep in mind is that it’s still a battle. After we decided on Monday, Jack came out on Wednesday and had an incredible practice. He didn’t falter or get upset. He is a great leader and teammate, and will be the first one to encourage Harrison or discuss something with him when he needs it. We trust both of those guys and are excited for Harrison and the opportunity.”
