YSU FOOTBALL Hilltoppers happy to finally play a game

Western Kentucky has won three straight against Youngstown State.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Western Kentucky had an unexpected week off on its football schedule, thanks to Hurricane Jeanne.
The Hilltoppers (2-1), ranked No. 6 in this week's I-AA poll, were scheduled to play Florida International in Miami, Fla., last Saturday, but decided it wasn't in the team's best interest to fly with the hurricane approaching.
Saturday, the Hilltoppers play host to Youngstown State at 7:30 p.m. at L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky.
Western Kentucky has rescheduled its contest with Florida International for Nov. 20 at FIU.
The Hilltoppers lost their season opener against No. 12-ranked Kansas State, 27-13, then came back to rout Division II Concord (W. Va.) 58-0 and defeated cross-state rival Eastern Kentucky 21-8 in their last contest Sept. 18.
Western Kentucky is coached by David Elson, who is in his second season and has a record of 11-5, which includes a trip to the I-AA playoffs a year ago where the Hilltoppers beat Jacksonville State, 45-7, before losing to Wofford, 34-17.
The Hilltoppers are a play-action, run-oriented team that has some outstanding skill players.
Haddix returns at QB
Sophomore quarterback Justin Haddix directs the offense.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder has completed 50 percent of his passes (29 of 58) for 448 yards and two touchdowns while being intercepted just once.
His top receiver is junior wide receiver Maurice Perkins (5-9, 170), who has 12 receptions for 212 yards and a touchdown.
The running game is led by junior Lerron Moore (5-10, 210) who has accounted for 176 yards on 41 carries with four touchdowns.
The Hilltoppers have two other backs with over 100 yards.
Freshman Stephen Willis has 158 yards and two scores, while sophomore Brian Portis has 115 yards and two TDs.
The offensive line is led by All-Gateway standout Buster Ashley at tackle.
The 6-4, 300 senior has already earned Gateway lineman of the week honors this season.
The Hilltopper defense has helped the team to a plus-12 turnover margin which is ranked No. 1 nationally.
Western Kentucky has committed just three turnovers in three games, while forcing 15 turnovers, including 12 interceptions, including seven in the win over Eastern Kentucky.
Leading tacklers
Inside linebacker Charles Thompson (6-1, 240) leads the team in tackles with 35, while senior linebacker Donte Smith has four tackles for losses.
Senior cornerback Antonio Thomas leads the team with four interceptions, while defensive backs Artis Neal and Marion Rumph and linebacker Getty Cavitt each had two interceptions.
The Hilltoppers also have an outstanding punter in senior Brian Claybourn, who is averaging 43.3 yards on 13 punts this season and has four inside the 20.
The Hilltoppers, who have beaten the Penguins three straight years since joining the Gateway, are 9-4 overall against the Penguins. YSU hasn't beaten the Hilltoppers since 1990 when they posted a 17-14 win in Bowling Green.
mollica@vindy.com