In some ways, it’s like a movie. In some ways, it’s like a theater production. In others, it’s hyped pomp and circumstance with smoking mirrors.

“There’s a rush that goes through you, ladies and gentlemen, that’s unknown to man, unless you’ve been in the arena,” said head coach Bill Stewart.

“It’s absolutely … breathtaking when you come out of that tunnel on any stadium, on any field, on any level.”

I can faintly hear Proximo telling Maximus in the movie Gladiator of his exploits as a former to-the-death fighter just before Maximus rushes out into the ancient arena and dishes out pain in order to preserve his own life.

“Win the crowd…” Proximo instructed Maximus, who was poignantly played by actor Russell Crowe.

Earlier in the film, Maximus, a commander in the Roman army, inspires his men, saying, “Brothers, what we do in life … echoes in eternity.”

Though those instances can be used as motivating movie clips for a football team, putting theatrics aside, it is still just a game. But it is a game that is passionately followed by fans across the nation. However you look at it, though, Saturday marks the official kickoff of the 2009 season for many teams. Coaches, players and fans alike have waited, often impatiently, for the first football to be teed up and booted downfield, signaling the start of the season.

Enter, stage left, West Virginia.

Now enter, stage right, the visiting Liberty Flames, who will clash with WVU for the first time ever. You’ve already been introduced to Stewart, who we’ll call the director.

Meet the cast:

Sorting though a roster of more than 100 players, Stewart and his staff had the task of assigning who will go where in this 2009 installment of Mountaineer football.

The head coach is asking his team, “What will your role be in it?”

Names and faces like the unflappable, Florida-laid-back quarterback Jarrett Brown, speedy running back Noel Devine and steadfast middle linebacker Reed Williams will be looked to take starring
roles. No matter how riveting a performance can be from a lead, no production comes full circle without the help from its supporting cast. There are plenty of returning players on offense and defense who will be integral parts of the well-oiled machine.

There are also a handful of fresh-faced up-and-comers who Mountaineers fans will likely be introduced to very soon. Among the newcomers who may make an immediate impact this year are Tavon Austin, a dashing freshman slot receiver, along backup quarterback Geno Smith -- like Brown, a cool customer. Stewart downplayed Austin’s potential role for this season. “I don’t know what Tavon Austin is going to do. He might run the wrong way.”

“I probably would,” kidded the coach.

No script exists without conflict, nor without a few villains or potential speed bumps for the heroes. Tommy Beecher and Mike Brown are two Liberty quarterbacks who will look to spoil WVU’s home-opener. Beecher is a senior transfer from South Carolina. While playing in the rugged SEC, Beecher got playing time in 17 games and went 30-of-51 for 320 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Brown, a redshirt sophomore, is the more athletic of the two quarterbacks. Last year, LU used Brown as both a receiver and a running back. He saw action in all 12 games, catching 19 passes for 331 yards and a touchdown. Brown carried the ball 15 times for 143 yards (a whopping 11.8 average) and two touchdowns.

“They bring a lot to the table,” Stewart said and added he was unsure of which quarterback the Flames will use. “I don’t know what they’ll do.”

WVU is planning on defending an option offensive look from LU, particularly with a package that deals to Brown’s athleticism.

“We will have a plan for that,” Stewart said. “Someone will be assigned to him.”

Stewart has known of Brown‘s ability when Brown was a prep standout at Monticello High School, in Charlottesville, Va. “He’s a really talented athlete.”

The Flames’ defense will also look to create problems for the Mountaineers.

“They come after you,” Stewart said. “I worry about them blitzing us, trying to confuse our offensive line.”

Asa Chapman, a 6-foot-5, 377-pound nose guard, who at one time was recruited to play for WVU, will line up against the old gold and blue come Saturday. Chapman dictates much of what happens up front for LU’s defense.

“He just sorts them out,” Stewart said.

In order to thwart the Flames’ defense, Stewart said, “We’re going to make them try to defend the whole field. That’s one of our objectives.”

By all indications, WVU is not overlooking its week one opponent.

“This is a good football team. We’re just going to have to not get too fancy on either side of the ball,” said Stewart.

“The fans, I know, are excited.”

Like a dramatic movie series, one with ups and downs, twists and turns, the Mountaineers’ latest saga starts very soon. Show time is set for 12 p.m.

“Saturday, ladies and gentlemen,” Stewart said, “… our journey will begin.”