University High efficient, delibrate in all-around 35-3 victory over Musselman to open 2026
Trending
MORGANTOWN – The University High School football team earned a solid victory to begin 2026 over Musselman on Friday night at Mylan Pharmaceutical Stadium on Baker's Ridge.
Despite the Applemen holding advantages in time of possession, total plays, and first downs, UHS (1-0) flexed its efficiency and experience to the tune of a 35-3 victory to open the new campaign.
A 7-3 lead grew to multiple scores by halftime, and the Hawks defense stood their ground in the second half against the Musselman multi-option style of offense.
"Our offense was extremely efficient tonight," UHS head coach Eric Snyder said. "Musselman did a great job moving the ball down the field on us, and we have some things to clean up, but I was very happy with how we handled the opportunity, and we had some players rise to the occasion tonight."
Musselman (0-1) attempted 62 carries for 276 yards on Friday night while only throwing the ball four times (all incompletions).
UHS rushed the ball 16 times as a team for 159 yards and two of its touchdowns, while completing eight passes for 284 yards and three scores.
"We knew they wanted to shorten the game and they did well keeping the ball from us and moving extending drives," Snyder said. "We had some opportunistic turnovers there that helped us out as well and a couple of big stands on fourth down on defense. We've got some guys on defense who just love to fly to the football and do their job."
The Hawks defense produced two turnovers (one fumble recovery, one interception) and held Musselman to 7/18 on third down.
Senior quarterback Harrison Helbig tallied 352 total yards and four touchdowns (3 passing, one rushing), carrying the ball eight times for 68 yards and a score and completing eight of his 14 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns.
Senior wideout Hayden George had a trio of catches for 123 yards, finding the end zone twice on a 52-yard pass that broke the ice in the first quarter and a 62-yard catch-and-run in the second.
Junior Brody Kehler ran for 74 yards on four carries and a 71-yard touchdown in his return from a season-ending shoulder injury in 2025.
Helbig also connected with Branden Custer for a 95-yard strike in midway through the third before scoring with his legs in the final frame to put the game out of reach for the visitors.
The lone Musselman scoring play came on a 40-yard field goal by Eric Hugas.
University will hit the road in Week 2 for a matchup with Parkersburg South, which fell to Wheeling Park on Friday.
Musselman will travel to Loudoun Valley (VA) next Thursday.
BOX SCORE
University 35, Musselman 3
MUSS 3 0 0 0 – 3
UHS 7 14 7 7 – 35
SCORING SUMMARY
UHS – Helbig 52 pass/George (Goodenow PAT)
MUSS – Hugas 40 FG
UHS – Kehler 71 run (Goodenow PAT)
UHS – Helbig 62 pass/George (Goodenow PAT)
UHS – Helbig 95 pass/Custer (Goodenow PAT)
UHS – Helbig 5 run (Goodenow PAT)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: University – Kehler 4-74 TD, Helbig 8-68 TD, Maisel 4-17. Musselman – Johnson 16-96 FUM, Barra 18-63, Warren 7-36, Henderson 4-33, Thomas 9-26, Cornell 5-10, Mathes 1-4, Quarles 1-4, Price 1-4.
PASSING: University – Helbig 8/14-284 3TD, Maisel 0/1 INT. Musselman – Barra 0-1, Thomas 0/3 INT.
RECEIVING: University – George 3-123 2TD, Custer 2-123 TD. Musselman – N/A