The good news for the Colorado Buffaloes is that they didn’t give up 50 or more points in their first game in three weeks. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to save their season.

A 29-22 loss to the West Virginia Mountaineers takes the Buffs out of bowl contention and effectively ends their season with two games left. Despite that, numerous fans and media members walked away feeling more positive about the future of Deion Sanders‘ team than they have all year, thanks to the fight they showed and the emerging stars.

Here are the four players who stood out in Colorado’s frustrating loss to West Virginia.

QB Julian Lewis

One of the primary reasons Colorado fans woke up this morning a little more hopeful about their team is Lewis. Once the true freshman got his feet underneath him in his first start, he looked like a veteran commanding the offense behind a makeshift offensive line. Lewis’s poise and ability to create in the pocket were a bit unexpected, but his arm talent was on full display. This game is not even close without Lewis under center, and it’s a promising sight for the Buffs.

DT Brandon Davis-Swain

Davis-Swain has been an on-and-off player for the Buffaloes’ front-7, but on Saturday, he had his best game of the season. The sophomore defensive tackle was a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the field, racking up four tackles, including a sack. His forced fumble was a turning point that kept the Buffaloes in the game, down 9-0 after a failed fourth-down conversion.

WR Joseph Williams

While Omarion Miller was Colorado’s top wideout, Williams was not far behind. The sophomore emerged early in the season as a deep threat, but he’s continued to develop his game to work within the numbers. The Tulsa transfer appears to be developing a connection with Lewis, which, if given time, could turn into a special duo for Colorado.

S Tawfiq Byard

If you just looked at the stat sheet, you’d have no idea that Byard was forced to miss the first half due to a targeting penalty against Arizona. There’s no question that Byard likes to hit people, but his presence on the defense made an incredible impact to open the second half. The sophomore safety was part of their midseason renaissance, and he’ll play a significant role in the team’s future.

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

TRIADELPHIA, W.V. (WTRF) — Tables filled with destination hot spots from across the ocean to right here in the states filled the Highlands Event Center during Uniglobe’s annual Travel Show. 

Whether it’s taking a scenic train through the U.S. or riding aboard a top cruise liner, travel experts had all the tips for the top vacation spots around.  

Owner Jennifer Merryman says each year this event helps clients gather inspiration for their next great getaway. 

“It’s a walk-through event where you can go and visit with vendors, talk to them, get inspired about where to go, ask questions as well as just learn about destinations. It’s not a forced booking; it’s a leisurely event to figure out where your next adventure is going to be.”

Jennifer Merryman, owner, Uniglobe Ohio Valley Travel

For more information on Uniglobe visit their website here Full-Service Travel Agency | Uniglobe Ohio Valley Travel | United States

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind “Ambrosia!”—an award-winning West Virginia–made screwball comedy—continues to build as filmmakers announced that the film has been nominated for Best Picture at the Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival.

A contingent from the production that was filmed in Beckley will attend the festival screening in Rehoboth Beach, with hopes high for an award, filmmakers say.

“We’ll update you with pictures and such from the weekend,” producer Saja Montague said in a Facebook post. “Thanks to all who were involved. We are keeping the train rolling.”

Produced by Butter Chicken Pictures and Mtn Craft, the 90-minute comedy “Ambrosia!” was written and directed by Shane Pierce and David Gravely, who set out to create a modern throwback to the screwball comedies of Hollywood’s golden age.

The story follows an innkeeper navigating a houseful of eccentric guests and unpredictable staff—an ensemble-driven setup reminiscent of comedy classics such as “Bringing Up Baby” (1938).

Producer Saja Montague said audience interest in digital access has been strong, although streaming availability will be available later.

“We’ve had many excited community members asking about its availability on digital streaming services, but most film festivals will not accept the film if it is streaming,” Montague said. “So we won’t be able to make those commitments until later.”

Montague said the team is currently coordinating with theaters across West Virginia and the region, a process that requires individual agreements for each venue. “It’s an involved process that couldn’t be approached until the movie was ready,” she said.

Meet the comedy makers

The all–West Virginia cast and crew is a point of pride for the filmmakers. Principal cast members—listed alphabetically—include Sandeep Chugg, Eliska Hahn-Diller, Kelsey Hofe, Sam Ingram, Afsheen Misaghi, Hannah Moore-Hughes, Robby Moore, Chris Oxley, David Sibray, and Adam Taylor.

Behind the camera, the production includes director of photography Justin Litton, composer Mathew Jackfert, and sound recordist and audio engineer Aaron Griffin. Executive producers are Chris Oxley, Ann Worley, Richard Hendrick, Kim and Jason Vance, and Sharon and David Gravely Sr.

Supporting cast and background performers include Scott Worley, Steve Clark, Maury Kaplan, Christian Kaplan, Kati Grimmett, Seth Hughes, Robert John Quesenberry, Danny Boyd, Dave Traube, Mariah Plante, Jim Wolfe, Kevin Traube, Christian Shumate, and Debra, Preston, Devyn, Maddy, and Barbara Lanna.

Production-crew members include Dylan Cane, Tijah Bumgarner, Sam Payne, Emilee Pyrtle, DeeDee Ellison, Ann Worley, Will Radford, Kati Grimmett, Tyler Evans, and Emily Butcher.

Film sponsors include Ann Worley, Richard Hendrick, Kim and Jason Vance, Chris Oxley, David Gravely, and Sharon Gravely.

Following its regional screenings, “Ambrosia!” is expected to be released globally on streaming platforms, though specific dates have not yet been set.

“Ambrosia!” has also won Best Feature Comedy at the Western Canada International Film Festival.

Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!