BETHANY — Nick Falbo and Dawson Mellinger will fulfill a dream tonight when they suit up to play in the OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game at Wheeling Island Stadium.

It just so happens, though, neither’s dream turned out just how it was originally portrayed.

Both have attended many OVAC Games, sitting on the Ohio side, rooting for the Buckeye State. After all they attended St. Clairsville and Union Local, respectively, before opting to enroll at Linsly.

When they step onto the turf tonight for the 7:15 kickoff, they’ll wearing the Mountain State’s Blue and Gold, representing Linsly School. Both admitted that it’s a weird feeling leaving the scarlet and gray behind … at least for a night.

“I don’t think I even went over to the West Virginia side when I’ve attended this game,” Falbo, who resides in St. Clairsville, joked. “I just didn’t know anyone over there, but I am excited to be on that side now.”

Falbo transferred to Linsly for his junior and senior seasons after enjoying a solid sophomore campaign at St. Clairsville.

As a Cadet, Falbo shined at running back and linebacker for Coach B.J. Depew’s team. He will get the start at free safety for the Mountaineers this evening.

Headed to Ohio University in the fall, Falbo is looking for one more time to shine on the Ohio Valley gridiron.

“I’ve been waiting a long time on this opportunity to play in this game,” Falbo said. “I can’t wait. I love the atmosphere that comes with this game and the chance to play in it is something that I am really excited about.”

Ironically, when Falbo was first thinking about going to Linsly, he shadowed with Mellinger during his visits to the Leatherwood campus.

“I knew Nick a little bit from when we were growing up and playing sports and stuff, but we really got to know each other during that visit,” Mellinger said. “It’s exciting to be able to play with him and Vic (Giovengo) one more time.”

Mellinger’s decision to go to Linsly had nothing to do with athletics. Football was simply a bonus for him.

“It was academics,” Mellinger said. “I wanted to focus and be challenged more from an academic standpoint.”

Entering his sophomore year, Mellinger transferred from Union Local.

“It was definitely a transition,” Mellinger said. “Leaving all my friends and buddies was tough after coming all the way up with them into high school. But, I still keep in touch with some of them, which is nice.”

Mellinger said he was welcomed to Linsly with open arms by everyone from the students, faculty and administration.

“Linsly took me into their family and that’s what the school is … a family,” Mellinger said. “I was able to find my niche there and it’s where I wanted to be.”

Mellinger will line up along the offensive line tonight for the Mountain State, getting the start at left guard.