D3-CFB Game Preview: Hilbert Hawks (0-0) vs. Saint Vincent Bearcats (0-0)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Chuck Noll Field – Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. ET

Broadcast: Saint Vincent Bearcats Sports Network (video), Hilbert Hawks Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites

Capacity: ~2,500

Weather Forecast (Latrobe, PA – Kickoff)

Conditions: Mostly sunny, mild

Temperature: ~67°F (19°C) at kickoff, warming into the low 70s by the second half

Wind: NW at 5–8 mph

Precipitation: <10%

Impact: Ideal early‑season football weather; minimal wind effect on passing or kicking

Injury Report

Hilbert

No major preseason injuries reported.

QB position unsettled after 2024 struggles; likely starter Ethan Belcher.

RB Malik Brooks (team’s leading rusher in 2024) healthy.

WR Tyler Simmons returns as top target.

Defense returns LB Chris Johnson (team leader in tackles).

Saint Vincent

No significant absences reported.

QB Brady Walker back after missing late 2024 with injury.

RB Ethan Carr (team’s leading rusher) healthy.

WR Damon Black (deep threat) available.

Defense anchored by LB Logan Pfeuffer and DB Jalen Bell.

Team Records & 2024 Recap

Hilbert: 0‑10 overall (independent); averaged 10.4 PPG, allowed 43.7 PPG.

Saint Vincent: 1‑9 overall, 1‑8 PAC; averaged 12.9 PPG, allowed 43.1 PPG.

Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)

Hilbert

L vs. Utica 36‑6

L @ Morrisville State 38‑8

L @ Hartwick 36‑21

L vs. The College at Brockport 51‑0

L vs. St. John Fisher 52‑6

Saint Vincent

L vs. Bethany 21‑13

L @ Thiel 20‑10

L vs. Carnegie Mellon 69‑7

L @ Westminster (PA) 56‑0

L @ Case Western Reserve 49‑0

Key Player Matchups

QB Ethan Belcher (HIL) vs. SVC Secondary

Belcher must protect the football against a defense that struggled in 2024 but returns experienced DBs.

RB Malik Brooks (HIL) vs. SVC Front Seven

Brooks’ ability to grind out yards vs. a unit that allowed over 200 rush yds/game last season.

QB Brady Walker (SVC) vs. Hilbert Pass Rush

Walker’s experience and arm talent could exploit a defense that gave up 43+ PPG in 2024.

WR Damon Black (SVC) vs. Hilbert CB2

Black’s speed and vertical threat could create explosive plays.

Special Teams

Field position could be pivotal; both teams struggled in punt coverage last season.

Series History

All-Time: First meeting between the programs.

Betting Trends

Hilbert: Lost 24 straight since program inception; 3‑7 ATS in 2024; OVER in 6 of last 8.

Saint Vincent: Lost 8 straight; 4‑6 ATS in 2024; UNDER in 5 of last 8.

Both teams: Offenses ranked in bottom 10 nationally in scoring in 2024.

Game Odds

Hilbert Hawks                                    – 9.5

Saint Vincent Bearcats                   48

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025