Duquesne Opens Up Home Slate with 35-0 Win over West Virginia Wesleyan
Duquesne extended its winning streak to two games with a dominant 35-0 shutout victory over West Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday, as the Dukes continued to show their strength at home on Rooney Field. The win moved the Dukes to 2-2 on the season, while the non-Division I Bobcats dropped to 0-3. For Duquesne, this victory was a statement as they completed their true non-conference schedule with another commanding performance, building further momentum heading into NEC play.
The game, which took place before a crowd of 1,864, saw Duquesne firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jordan Heisey, making his first start in place of injured preseason Walter Payton Watchlist candidate Darrius Perrantes, was nearly flawless in guiding the Dukes’ offense. According to Coach Schmitt, Perrantes was in concussion protocol but should be able to return for their next game. Heisey completed 17 of 23 passes for 161 yards, throwing three touchdowns and just one interception. His ability to distribute the ball efficiently kept the Bobcats’ defense off balance, as he connected with a variety of receivers throughout the afternoon.
The scoring began late in the first quarter, with reigning NEC Blitz Player of the Week JaMario Clements capping a short four-play, 26-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, putting the Dukes up 7-0. Duquesne then exploded in the second quarter, starting with Heisey finding Joey Isabella for a 3-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 14-0. After a couple of defensive stops, the Dukes struck again, with Heisey connecting twice with wide receiver Jermaine Johnson, once on a 10-yard score and later on an 8-yard pass just before halftime. These two drives, highlighted by Heisey’s sharp passing and Duquesne’s efficient ground game, helped build a commanding 28-0 lead at the break.
The Dukes’ defense was equally dominant, pitching a shutout and forcing West Virginia Wesleyan into mistakes throughout the game. Linebacker Luke Miller and cornerback CJ Barnes each recorded an interception, while the defensive front stifled the Bobcats' rushing attack, allowing just 16 yards on 16 carries. Wesleyan’s offense, led by quarterback Quinton Pulley, was held to 160 total yards, and despite a few decent plays in the passing game, they were unable to mount any serious threat.
After a scoreless third quarter, Duquesne put the game beyond any doubt early in the fourth quarter, when running back Shawn Solomon Jr. broke free for a 7-yard touchdown run, capping a four-play, 49-yard drive that put the Dukes up 35-0. Solomon was a key contributor on the ground, finishing the game with 89 yards on 10 carries, while teammate Dazhaun Hopkins added 70 yards on 14 carries as part of a balanced rushing attack that totaled 265 yards on the day.
West Virginia Wesleyan’s offense struggled to find rhythm, as Pulley completed just 9 of 21 passes for 85 yards and two interceptions. The Bobcats' lone bright spot came from receiver Wesley Sweeney, who led the team with four catches for 38 yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Duquesne’s relentless defense.
Special teams also played a factor for Duquesne, as they managed to pin West Virginia Wesleyan deep in their own territory on multiple occasions, helping the defense control field position. Punter Kyle Romenick averaged 39 yards on three punts, with two landing inside the 20-yard line.
Head coach Jerry Schmitt, now in his 20th season at the helm, reached a significant milestone with his 150th career win. Schmitt, who has led the Dukes to consistent success over the years, continues to build on a legacy of excellence at Duquesne. Under his leadership, Duquesne remains one of the top teams in the Northeast Conference and is a perennial contender for the NEC title. The victory over Wesleyan also marked Duquesne’s 17th straight home-opening win and extended their non-conference home dominance to 25-1 since 2008.
Looking ahead, Duquesne will now turn its attention to the NEC schedule, where they’ll face a Long Island team that has been competitive despite a winless start. With star quarterback Darrius Perrantes expected to return for that game, the Dukes will be looking to build on their momentum and make a push for the conference title. The matchup against Long Island, set for October 5th after a bye week, will be a key test as the Dukes aim to make their mark in NEC play and push for a top-25 FCS ranking.
For now, Duquesne can savor this dominant victory, as they once again demonstrated their ability to control all phases of the game. If they can continue this form, the Dukes will be a team to watch in the NEC this season, with their sights set firmly on postseason success.
