It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Historic Rosedale in Charlotte, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Charlotte, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I love working for this company.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I love working for this company.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Freedom Park in Charlotte, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Bentley's Restaurant or visit The Charlotte Museum of History, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Charlotte, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Charlotte, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Charlotte, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Those struggling to find affordable living spaces often face compounded challenges. The Lotus Campaign, a nonprofit based in North Carolina, tackles homelessness and the housing crisis using an economic strategy.Crystal Smith, who fought through addiction and homelessness, proudly showed her daughters their own room in their cozy apartment.“We faced homelessness. We (were) homeless. We (were), every two weeks, packing up, going from campground to campground,” Smith said.Smith and her h...
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Those struggling to find affordable living spaces often face compounded challenges. The Lotus Campaign, a nonprofit based in North Carolina, tackles homelessness and the housing crisis using an economic strategy.
Crystal Smith, who fought through addiction and homelessness, proudly showed her daughters their own room in their cozy apartment.
“We faced homelessness. We (were) homeless. We (were), every two weeks, packing up, going from campground to campground,” Smith said.
Smith and her husband have now been sober for two and a half years.
“We finally made a decision. Like, we really don’t want to live like that no more. We don’t want to be homeless. It’s not fun. It’s very hard, very rough thing to go through, especially during the summer. In the winter,” she added.
The Lotus Campaign works directly with landlords to help people who typically wouldn’t qualify for safe, affordable housing. They cover application fees, renter’s insurance and guarantee against loss of rent, encouraging landlords to take a chance on candidates like the Smiths.
“The Lotus Campaign, they remove some of those barriers. They provide guarantees. So we can turn what would typically be a no into a yes,” said Jamie Cruz, a landlord working with the campaign.
The Lotus Campaign held a Key Party event in Charlotte, bringing together real estate leaders, philanthropists and social service advocates to explore innovative homelessness solutions.
Smith shared her story.
“We never thought we would get to this point. And just the stability of having a home to come to and having a place for my kids to come to, and it’d be safe. And, you know, it’s just really, it’s really awesome,” she said.
Data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition show that in North Carolina, there are only 38 affordable and available rental homes per 100 of the nearly 350,000 extremely low-income households.
“If there’s not enough housing that’s affordable, people (who) have the least amount of resources are the ones that are left most vulnerable.” Beth Silverman of the Lotus Campaign explained. “So, as you know, affordability becomes more and more of a challenge. It is a direct correlation to homelessness and people being at risk of homelessness.”
The Smiths are among many striving every day to improve their lives.
The Lotus Campaign has helped over 850 people in North Carolina find housing, boasting approximately a 90% success rate of people staying housed after one year, and less than a 5% eviction rate.
Follow us on Instagram at for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Unusually hot September weather is driving high electricity demand across parts of the Carolinas. Duke Energy is asking customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to voluntarily reduce electricity use from 2-8 p.m. today, Sept. 18, to help reduce demand on the power grid during the day’s peak period.Customers can help by taking simple steps during this peak period:“Above-average heat puts pressure on the system during peak hours,” said Kendal Bowman, president of Du...
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Unusually hot September weather is driving high electricity demand across parts of the Carolinas. Duke Energy is asking customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to voluntarily reduce electricity use from 2-8 p.m. today, Sept. 18, to help reduce demand on the power grid during the day’s peak period.
Customers can help by taking simple steps during this peak period:
“Above-average heat puts pressure on the system during peak hours,” said Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy’s utility operations in North Carolina. “Small actions during the late afternoon and early evening can help reduce strain on the grid and support reliable service for everyone.”
“We recognize it is inconvenient to reduce electric use, but it makes a real difference," said Tim Pearson, president of Duke Energy’s utility operations in South Carolina. “We’re using every available resource to meet demand so power keeps flowing to our communities.”
Duke Energy has approximately 3.9 million electric customers in North Carolina and more than 870,000 electric customers in South Carolina.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.
More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face 25th-ranked Virginia in the Duke's Mayo Classic in Bank of America Stadium is on tap for the West Virginia University football team this Saturday.The game came about as a result of the two schools partnering with the Charlotte Sports Foundation to take advantage of their strong alumni presences in the region and the opportunity to rekindle a regular season rivalry that was last played in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1985 – a 27-7 Cavalier victory....
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face 25th-ranked Virginia in the Duke's Mayo Classic in Bank of America Stadium is on tap for the West Virginia University football team this Saturday.
The game came about as a result of the two schools partnering with the Charlotte Sports Foundation to take advantage of their strong alumni presences in the region and the opportunity to rekindle a regular season rivalry that was last played in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1985 – a 27-7 Cavalier victory.
The two schools also met in Charlotte in the Continental Tire Bowl, now known as the Duke's Mayo Bowl, in 2002, when West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez was in year two of his first coaching stint with the Mountaineers.
Virginia also claimed that game 48-22.
From 1972 to 1981, West Virginia captured six straight meetings in an intermittent series that has seen 23 games played since 1898. Six of them occurred at neutral-site venues, the seventh taking place on Saturday.
The two schools are also contracted to face each other again in 2032 in Charlotte.
This year's Virginia team, coached by Tony Elliott, could be among the strongest Cavalier squads the Mountaineers have ever faced.
Elliott, who played for Mountaineer alum Tommy Bowden at Clemson when Rodriguez was Bowden's offensive coordinator, led Virginia to its best season in school history in 2025 and was an overtime loss to Duke in last year's ACC championship game away from qualifying for the College Football Playoffs.
He has done a masterful job building his roster through the transfer portal and assembling a team that reflects the way he wants to play football.
"I've heard good things about their NIL and the way that they're structuring things," one anonymous ACC assistant coach was quoted in this year's Athlon Magazine. "They've got a really unique incentive package for how they're (going) do stuff to be sustainable and not have to pay boatloads of money up front to anyone, even if they're a good player, but that it was still going to be able to incentivize guys to come while motivating them to get on the field."
"They've done a great job of getting their guys in, retaining them and developing them," Rodriguez added. "Now, they're playing with a bunch of grown men, and it shows on film. They're an experienced team that doesn't make many mistakes."
Virginia is considered the 16th-most experienced team in the country this year, according to Phil Steele, with an offensive line that features fifth-, sixth- and even two seventh-year players. Based on a posting by the Blue & Gold News, the group has a combined 175 game's-worth of starting experience heading into Saturday's clash against West Virginia.
Unable to get a sixth season for last year's starting quarterback Chandler Morris, Elliott outbid a host of others in the transfer portal to sign Missouri's Beau Pribula and Pitt's Eli Holstein – two players with whom West Virginia is well acquainted.
Pribula, who began his collegiate career at Penn State and was once heavily recruited by former West Virginia coach Neal Brown, has been better than advertised through the team's dominant victories over NC State and Norfolk State. The senior has completed 21 of his 25 pass attempts for 317 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception.
Throwing picks was an issue for him last year at Missouri when nine of his 182 aerials landed in enemy arms. As a runner, the York, Pennsylvania, resident has gained 102 yards on 17 attempts and is now just 30 yards shy of 1,000 for his collegiate career.
"You have to account for all 11 guys on offense with Pribula," Rodriguez said.
Virginia's ground game features a duo of backs who have already surpassed 100 yards – sophomore Xay Davis (120) and senior Noah Vaughn (102) – and is averaging 247.5 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry.
In the opener against NC State, a 34-8 victory, the Cavaliers had a 23-play scoring drive that consumed 12:15 and ended with Davis's 1-yard touchdown run. The Cavs ran the ball 18 times, attempted five passes, and were successful four times on fourth down.
"They will run it until you stop them," Rodriguez said.
That plays well with an impressive Cavalier defense that was one of the stingiest in the country last year, allowing just 19.6 points, 113.9 yards rushing and 309.5 yards per game.
Many of the key performers on that unit are back, including linebacker Kam Robinson, who earned third team All-ACC honors in 2025 despite playing just eight games because of collarbone and knee injuries. Still, he managed to block a punt, return an interception for a touchdown and recover a fumble, demonstrating his big-play capabilities.
After sitting out the opener, the 6-foot-2, 239-pound senior was one of 98 players to see the field in Virginia's 56-point win over Norfolk State last Friday night and despite limited snaps, he managed to produce five tackles, including his 200th as a collegiate player.
Brandyn Hillman, a 6-foot, 190-pound senior strong safety, has already picked off three passes and must be accounted for when the Mountaineers throw the football.
Virginia limited Norfolk State to just 11 first downs and 223 total yards, which was actually more than NC State could muster in its week-zero encounter with the Cavaliers in Charlottesville.
The Wolfpack produced only 168 total yards and 10 first downs, resulting in a lone third-quarter touchdown. The 168-yard performance was the best by a Virginia defense since limiting VMI to 78 total yards in 2013.
"They make you earn every blade of grass that you get," Rodriguez said.
That is what's confronting West Virginia on Saturday night.
The Mountaineers, in year two of Rodriguez's return to Morgantown and 2-0 to start a season for the first time since 2018, are still working through their second full-roster overhaul since Brown's departure in 2024.
This year's roster reboot includes 80+ new players from the transfer portal, junior college and high school ranks, including the team's top two rushers - Michael Hawkins Jr. and Cam Cook.
Hawkins, an Oklahoma transfer, has gained 199 yards and three touchdowns on the ground so far this season, including a 71-yard touchdown run in last week's 52-7 victory over UT Martin. That was the longest run by a Mountaineer quarterback in 21 years.
Cook, a Jacksonville State transfer, carried the ball 30 times for 142 yards in West Virginia's season-opening win over Coastal Carolina to share Big 12 Player of the Week honors, and has rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns in two games.
Overall, the West Virginia rushing attack has accounted for nearly 64% of the Mountaineers' 938 total yards.
Like his Virginia counterpart Pribula, Hawkins has been efficient on limited passing attempts. The sophomore is completing 76.2% of his 21 aerials for 287 yards and three touchdowns - five of those going to Troy transfer D.J. Epps for 148 yards and a touchdown.
"We haven't thrown much because we haven't had to," Rodriguez pointed out. "We're confident that we can throw the ball."
Defensively, junior UNLV transfer Isaiah Patterson has been the team's top performer with 14 tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry from his linebacker position. Safeties Geimere Latimer II, a Wisconsin transfer, and Kamari Wilson, a Memphis transfer who began his collegiate career at Florida, have also generated double-digit stops.
Despite giving up 271.5 yards per game through the air, the Mountaineer defense has already posted four scoreless quarters in two games.
"The challenge for us this week is now we have five days," Elliott observed. "The last two games, we've had at least two weeks to prepare for that game, so now we have to transition to the normal rhythm of getting ready for a game."
Saturday's contest will kick off at 7:35 p.m. and will be televised nationally on the ACC Network (Wes Durham, Max Browne and Madison Fitzpatrick).
Mountaineer Sports Network radio coverage with Tony Caridi, Dwight Wallace and Jed Drenning will get underway at 4:30 p.m. with the GoMart Mountaineer Tailgate Show leading into regular network coverage at 6:30 p.m.
Fans can access the radio broadcast on many stations throughout West Virginia, online via WVUsports.com and the Varsity Network and WVU Gameday apps.
West Virginia and favored Virginia will be meeting for the 24th time with the Cavaliers owning a 12-10-1 edge in series play.
The Mountaineers are making their sixth visit to Charlotte and their third in regular season action. The last time WVU played a regular season game at Bank America Stadium in 2018, the Mountaineers topped Tennessee 40-14 before 66,793 spectators.
West Virginia's games against Virginia in 2002, against North Carolina in the 2008 Meineke Bowl and against Tennessee in 2018, each drew more than 66,000 spectators.
Another strong contingent of Mountaineer fans is expected to be in the Queen City on Saturday night.
| Tale of the Tape | UVA (2-0) | WVU (2-0) |
| Points Per Game | 46.5 | 41.5 |
| Points Against | 5.5 | 15.5 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 247.5 | 298.5 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game | 65.5 | 100.0 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 192.0 | 170.5 |
| Passing Yards Allowed Per Game | 130.0 | 271.5 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 439.5 | 469.0 |
| Total Yards Allowed Per Game | 195.5 | 371.5 |
| First Downs For | 44 | 41 |
| First Downs Against | 21 | 40 |
| Fumbles/Lost | 0/0 | 3/2 |
| Interceptions/Return Yards | 4/100 | 4/3 |
| Net Punting | 43.3 | 39.1 |
| Field Goal/Attempts | 3/3 | 2/2 |
| Time of Possession | 33:08 | 29:06 |
| Penalties/Yards | 8/76 | 9/79 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 7/22 | 17/30 |
| 3rd Down Conversion Defense | 8/30 | 9/26 |
| 4th Down Conversions | 5/5 | 1/1 |
| 4th Down Conversion Defense | 0/3 | 2/5 |
| Sacks By/Yards Lost | 4/23 | 7/49 |
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Rain and severe thunderstorms were possible Friday in the Charlotte region, with more rain possibly on the way throughout the evening.Storms were seen popping up, especially in the Charlotte region, on Friday, Sept. 18. You can track any showers and storms using the interactive radar below.You can change the layers of the interactive map using the button in the bottom right corner. You can play the past and future radar using the buttons on the bottom left. Use the button with arrows pointing ...
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Rain and severe thunderstorms were possible Friday in the Charlotte region, with more rain possibly on the way throughout the evening.
Storms were seen popping up, especially in the Charlotte region, on Friday, Sept. 18. You can track any showers and storms using the interactive radar below.
You can change the layers of the interactive map using the button in the bottom right corner. You can play the past and future radar using the buttons on the bottom left. Use the button with arrows pointing in all directions to make the radar full screen.
WBTV Meteorologist Paul Heggen said higher humidity on Friday will lead to higher chance of scattered storms in the afternoon and evening. Some storms could be strong.
Damaging wind gusts will be the primary concern, although any storm will be capable of producing heavy downpours and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning.
If severe weather knocks down power lines, it is vital to avoid them at all costs.
Here are some safety tips regarding downed power lines, from Duke Energy:
---> Related:
We want to see what rain, storms, and storm damage look like where you are. Share your photos or videos to the below, and we may feature them on TV or online.
Please be sure to note what city, town, or village the photo was taken in.
See More
Download the free on your mobile device to receive weather alerts and to get the latest forecast on the go. You can also catch the latest forecast on WBTV’s streaming app -- find it in the app store on your smart TV or streaming device.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Emails reviewed by WBTV on Thursday showed that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools had overdue payments equaling $67,000 -- the latest issue for the embattled district.An email was sent by the district’s Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz to the superintendent, alerting her to unpaid invoices, WBTV learned on Thursday, Sept 17. There were concerns that the finance department was unable to locate a contract or purchase order for the expenses.Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill sent an email to board membe...
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Emails reviewed by WBTV on Thursday showed that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools had overdue payments equaling $67,000 -- the latest issue for the embattled district.
An email was sent by the district’s Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz to the superintendent, alerting her to unpaid invoices, WBTV learned on Thursday, Sept 17. There were concerns that the finance department was unable to locate a contract or purchase order for the expenses.
Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill sent an email to board members, asking for clarification about the invoices.
“Time is of the essence,” Hill said at the end of her email.
Board Vice Chair Dee Rankin responded to the situation, saying that the invoice confusion was likely caused by the district’s transition to a new financial system.
Rankin said that during the transition, a new purchase order couldn’t be made before the work was completed.
On Friday, the district attorney for Mecklenburg County submit a formal request for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to investigate “alleged financial irregularities within transactions involving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.”
The invoice concern is just the latest in a recent string of issues at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and highlights a disconnect between the education board and district leadership.
---> Related:
CFO Kluttz, who sent the invoice-related email to Superintendent Hill, is one of several top executives in the district who are stepping down.
Kluttz, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Melissa Balknight, and Chief Human Resource Officer Angela Wood are all stepping down from their roles, officials confirmed last week. Balknight and Kluttz were expected to retire on Jan. 1, 2027, and Wood resigned from her position effective Sept. 14.
Just days later, the district’s Chief Operations Officer Tim Ivey announced his retirement. Ivey said his retirement would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
It was not immediately said why the executives were stepping down from their roles at the same time.
The departures come just after Superintendent Dr. Hill returned to her role following a weekslong investigation. The changes also come as several Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board members seek to remove the board chair from her role.
Here’s a look at both of those situations.
Superintendent Hill was placed on paid temporary leave in June while a third party reviewed matters of administrative and operational oversight, as the district described it. Dr. Hill said then that she didn’t know why she was being investigated, but would participate “fully and openly.”
Weeks later, on Aug. 11, the board voted to return Hill to her role as superintendent.
According to a statement from the board then, the investigation uncovered “issues” related to “leadership and operational practices.” The board did not immediately reveal what those issues were, but said they would be addressed “directly with Dr. Hill.”
In August, the school board voted in favor of releasing a detailed report about the investigation into Dr. Hill. The vote was 6-3 in favor of releasing the findings, with those three votes from board members who abstained.
The board was expected to share that report by the end of September.
In an interview earlier in September, Dr. Hill said the investigation proved there was no wrongdoing on her part. Hill also said it was difficult to return to work, but that she came back for the students and the community.
The investigation into Dr. Hill cost taxpayers around $380,000.
---> Read more:
Three members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board were looking to remove board Chair Stephanie Sneed from her role, WBTV learned last week.
In an email, three board members said they don’t feel comfortable with the current leadership, and said a change is necessary to “preserve a positive reputation.”
Those three members were Cynthia Stone, Lenora Shipp, and Dr. Monty Witherspoon. Their proposal to remove Sneed was expected to be discussed at the next board meeting, happening on Sept. 22.
Some board members say they were surprised and disappointed by the move.
In response, board Chair Sneed said she’s been the subject of discrimination, according to a message shared by a source. In that message, Sneed said she has faced “unlawful targeting, bullying, discrimination, harassment and retaliation in connection with” her service on the board.
In that message, Sneed also said that she added the change in leadership proposal to the agenda for the Sept. 22 meeting, and that the vice chairman would lead that discussion.
704-552-8581
