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Robert Morris Football Starts Fast Against West Liberty, Claims First Victory of Season

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Robert Morris running back Ethan Shine runs against West Liberty on Sept. 13, 2025 -- RMU Athletics

MOON TWP, Pa. — After Robert Morris (1-2) went through the ringer in the first two games of the season being out-gained in total yardage 1,217-356 and outscored 101-20, they entered Saturday’s home opener against Division-II West Liberty (0-3) looking to get things on track and fast.

Fast was the key word for the Colonials as they jolted out to a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter and did not look back as they went onto beat the Hilltoppers 28-14.

While the scoreboard showed a comfortable victory for the Colonials, it was far from that as they lost three fumbles and allowed nearly 300 yards of total offense against a Division-II opponent but managed to overcome those mistakes in large part because of timely plays from both the offense and defense.

After forcing a Hilltoppers’ punt on the game’s opening drive, the Colonials used their two-headed running back duo of Ethan Shine and Donta Whack and some on-time passes from Zach Tanner to march right down the field for their opening-drive touchdown of the season.

Tanner hit wide receiver Thomas Lee as he crossed across the field and he jolted into the end zone for the score.

Following another Hilltoppers’ punt on their next drive, Whack punched in the Colonials’ second touchdown of the game which on the first play of the second quarter.

After the Colonials’ offense showed off on the first two drives, it was the defense’s turn to flex its muscles as they got two-straight red zone turnovers to keep the Hilltoppers off of the scoreboard.

On the first red zone appearance for the Hilltoppers, Colonials’ defensive back Israel Petite saw an interception drop right into his hands after fellow defensive back Robert Dickerson tipped the pass from Kohl Meisman.

The Hilltoppers defense forced a three-and-out to get the ball back for their offense and a punt that bounced about 15 yards back into Colonials’ territory blessed them with great starting field position.

The Hilltoppers again got the ball down inside of the Colonials’ 10-yard line for the second-consecutive drive but turned the ball over on downs after a crowd of Robert Morris defenders got to and sacked Meisman.

The Colonials extended their lead to 21 points early in the second half after recovering a fumble deep inside of Hilltoppers’ territory. On the scoring play, Tanner threw a great fade ball to wide receiver Jaqai Carter who made an ever better catch over a Hilltoppers’ defensive back for the touchdown.

The Colonials’ defense made another statement stop inside of their own territory on the ensuing drive as they forced Hilltoppers’ 32-yard field goal which went wide right.

While a lot of things went right for Robert Morris, a fumble on their side of the field gave the Hilltoppers a chance to finally get on the board as running back Jaedon Alston rushed in a touchdown from 5-yards out. Alston’s touchdown cut the deficit to 21-7 late in the third quarter.

The Colonials responded immediately as they got went down the field for a fourth touchdown. Shine punched in the score on one-yard rush which re-established a three-touchdown lead at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Hilltoppers scored another touchdown through the air later in the fourth quarter but it was too little, too late as the Colonials closed the win out on their next defensive possession with an interception from Tahseen Howard.

Robert Morris will stay home next weekend to host Dayton as the two teams will renew their rivalry with the last game being played in 2022.

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