Game #1: Charleston at West Virginia Wesleyan (November 3, 2012): This game was picked as one of my top 5 games to watch overall in Division II, so it’s only common sense to include it in the WVIAC games to watch. I think this game will decide the WVIAC crown. Charleston has a ton of talent returning on both sides of the ball lead by RB Jordan Roberts. For West Virginia Wesleyan, they will have to replace their QB from last year, but that shouldn’t be hard with their newest transfer Nate Montana.
DE Jonas Celian will be back on the defensive line and could cause a load of problems for the Charleston Offensive Line.
Game #2: Shepherd at Shippensburg (September 1, 2012): This non-conference matchup is huge for the WVIAC. Shippensburg is a sleeper team in the PSAC this season behind one of the best defensive lines in the country.
The question for Shippensburg is whether or not the offense can provide enough support to allow them to win. Shepherd needs to replace RB Thomas Addison, but that won’t be an issue with RB Kenny Williams. Williams has the talent to carry the load, but will he receive enough support from the rest of his teammates to keep the Shippensburg defense honest?
Game #3: Winston-Salem State at Concord (September 8, 2012): Another huge non-conference matchup that pins the 2011 conference champions of each respective conference. Concord will be solid once again and in the hunt for the WVIAC title. This game features two of the best QB’s in D2 with Zack Grossi of Concord and Kameron Smith of Winston-Salem State. Both of these teams will rely on the outstanding play of their Quarterbacks.
Game #4: Fairmont St. at Glenville St. (September 6, 2012): Both of these teams were middle of the pack teams last year. This season I predict more of the same. Fairmont State seems to be a more talented team this year with players such as Wilmer, Monroe, Davis, and McDonald returning, but Glenville St. returns some talent as well. Joe Mesadieu will carry the load on offense. He’ll have a solid offensive line to run behind especially with Mark Jackson opening up holes for him. If either team wants to make a run at the title this season this early season matchup will be crucial.
2012 Predictions:
WVIAC Champion: Charleston
Sleeper: Fairmont St.
-Justin Pacovsky
