The Gridiron 2017 - High School Football Preview

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The Index

Aug. 23, 2017

3

Features

Cover Story: Area head coaches talk about how the win/loss record reflects on a team .................. 6 Calvin Jones statue closer to a reality in Steubenville ................................................................................ 7 Sports editor Joe Catullo: Ohio Valley football is always memorable .................................................... 8 Sports writer Andrew Grimm: Football is being a part of something special ...................................... 8 Sports correspondent Ed Looman: A career covering football still remains fresh .............................. 8 Sports correspondent Ralph Cox: On covering his first high school fooball game ............................ 8 Hicks and Arneault are back for a second season .................................................................................... 33 Moses is no stranger to Edison football ...................................................................................................... 49 For Pierro, keeping it in the family is key .................................................................................................... 66 Herbert embracing the coaching challenge at Buckeye Local ................................................................ 75 2016 stats ...................................................................................................................................................... 96-97 Off the Field Talk........................................................................................................................................ 102, 110 Every Play Counts .............................................................................................................................................. 118 Weekly high school schedule ........................................................................................................................ 125 OVAC schedule .................................................................................................................................................. 126 Meet the coaches ............................................................................................................................................ 128

The Teams

Steubenville Big Red .......................................................................................................................................... 10 Weir Red Riders .................................................................................................................................................. 16 Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders ...................................................................................................... 22 Weirton Madonna Blue Dons .......................................................................................................................... 28 Indian Creek Redskins ...................................................................................................................................... 34 Brooke Bruins ...................................................................................................................................................... 40 Edison Wildcats .................................................................................................................................................. 48 Oak Glen Golden Bears .................................................................................................................................... 54 Toronto Red Knights ..........................................................................................................................................60 Harrison Central Huskies .................................................................................................................................. 68 Buckeye Local Panthers .................................................................................................................................... 74

Other Teams

St. Clairsville ........................................................................................................................................................ 82 Wheeling Park .................................................................................................................................................... 88 Martins Ferry ...................................................................................................................................................... 94 Wheeling Central .............................................................................................................................................. 104 THANK YOU: This publication would not be possible without t he combined effor ts of many member s of the st aff, including: The H eraldStar/Weir ton Daily Times spor ts depar tment staff of Joe Catullo, Andrew Grimm, Ed Looman, Ralph Cox and Aaron Petchal; Michael D. McElwain; the newsroom, led by Ross Gallabrese; the adver tising depar tment, led by Denise Delatore; the spor ts depar tments of the Times Leader and The Intelligencer ; and the coaches, players and athletic directors for their cooperation at all media days. A special thank you to Newbrough Photo, Action Images and Rich Cernansky for their suppor t, kindness and tremendous help during the media days. We hope ever yone has a successful and safe football season.

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6

Aug. 23, 2017

Getting coaches on the record

High school football is more than just the end-of-season standings

T

By JOE CATULLO For The Gridiron

he hard work, sweat and determination that goes into every high school football season wraps into one important statistic.

Accolades are nice. College scholarships are even better. But when people look back in time, a team is measured by wins and losses.

Coaches gain and lose jobs because of wins and losses. Wins guide teams to the promised land. Losses do not.

“Winning is always first,” Steubenville head coach Reno Saccoccia said. “We really don’t talk a lot about our wins total. We want to get enough wins to get into the playoffs —that’s our goal.”

“The record is obviously something a lot of people look at,” Oak Glen head coach Ted Arneault said. “When people look back in history, they obviously look at how a team did. The record is dug up as the defining characteristic for how successful a team was that season. A record is used to show how a team is doing, but it only speaks a partial truth.”

“Obviously, you’re in this business for a reason. It’s really worked its way down to high school,” Harrison Central head coach Justin Kropka said. “You are judged on wins and

losses by outsiders. You’re judged on how many wins did you get and did you make the postseason. Early on in my career, it was a lot more important than it is now. How we play is a lot more important now.”

Winning allows teams to achieve great success like regional titles, state titles and, possibly, a chance to play at the next level. Losing makes life harder on and off the field. What more could there be?

“It’s always been the same for me.

It’s about what the kids take from the program and what they learned from the program,” Indian Creek head coach Andrew Connor said. “That goes far beyond wins and losses.

Each kid builds a sense of family and friendship with us that we put together during the last 15 years I’ve been coaching here. It’s great to win games, but that’s something that’s in the moment.”

“As a coach, job one is to win,” Brooke head coach Mac McLean said. “Sometimes the reality of what you have as far as talent, there may be some years where the W’s and L’s don’t measure how successful you were with getting the most you could out of your football team.”

“The most important thing is to make sure I’m building fantastic young men who are going to be leaders and successful in anything they choose to be in the next four years,”

File photo

Toronto head coach Eric Meek says the goal is for a team to reach its full potential, adding it’s also a matter of building character.

Madonna head coach Darrin Hicks said. “I tell our guys all the time that they’ll be successful in the four years they’re here for, but it’s more important to make sure they are on the right path.”

Sometimes building character is the ultimate victory.

“What we’ve always stressed is how to reach your full potential,” Toronto head coach Eric Meek said.

“For some teams it might be going 10-0. For others, going 5-5 or 6-4 is enough. We want to win and get to

the playoffs. We live in a very competitive society and country. These men will be competing their entire lives for jobs and promotions. High school football is very important for that.”

“You want to win every game,” new Edison Wildcats head coach Nate Moses said. “You want to go into every game with the mindset that you are going to go 1-0 that week and that’s what our goal is going to be each week.”

See RECORD Page 17

In 2016, Steubenville Big Red labeled itself as the “Defenders of the Crimson and the Black.”

Photo by Michael D. McElwain

Aug. 23, 2017

7

Jones statue closer to a reality

Steubenville football player made his mark in history through skill, grace

By ED LOOMAN For The Gridiron

STEUBENVILLE — When it comes to the legacy of Calvin Jones, a 1952 Big Red graduate, veteran coach Reno Saccoccia said it best.

“Wherever he played, he is in the hall of fame,” Saccoccia said. “It’s an honor to even talk about him. Big Red football has such an outstanding history. To be the best player to ever play here is just an honor.”

Jones earned All-American honors three times during his playing days at the University of Iowa. He was the first African-American to win the Outland Trophy, presented annually to the top lineman in college football, and became the first African-American to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. That took place in the Sept. 27, 1954, edition.

His No. 62 Iowa Hawkeye

jersey is one of two numbers retired at the school.

He declined offers to play in the National Football League because of lower wages that were paid to African-American professional football players and joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL, where he quickly made a name for himself and was chosen to play in the Canadian League All-Star game in Vancouver.

Jones died on Dec. 9, 1956, when an airplane he was a passenger on crashed in the Canadian Rockies. At the time, he was returning from Vancouver after representing the Blue Bombers in the East-West All-Star Game.

Plans to immortalize the hometown legend through the erection of a life-size bronze statue at the entrance to Harding Stadium continue to move forward.

Ted Gorman, Steubenville

High School principal, recently issued a progress report on the Calvin Jones Statue Project. He pointed out that due to the expansion of the cafeteria at Harding Middle School, work on the Jones project will be delayed until the end of the 2017 football season.

“The project is going forward and that’s definitely a positive,” Gorman said. “The middle school expansion project is expected to be completed by mid-September. Once it is done, we will begin construction on the Jones statue project. Bids currently are being accepted and a company will be selected in the next few weeks.

“We will hold a groundbreaking ceremony the week after the last home football game in November. Construction will last through the winter and will be completed Contributed in the spring. The statue un- Calvin Jones was the first African-American to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in the Sept. 27, 1954, edition.

See STATUE Page 115

8

It’s a memorable game

Aug. 23, 2017

Our sports writers recall contests that made a real impact

S

Ohio Valley football is always memorable

JOE CATULLO

teubenville has always been a part of my life before the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times hired me as the new sports editor.

Many Big Red fans may not like the fact that I am a 2008 graduate of Boardman High School (and my Spartans head down to Harding Stadium on Sept. 15). Despite not being the biggest

ANDREW GRIMM

ver since I was old enough to understand football, it has been quite clear what the game means to people around here, especially at the high school level. As a resident of the Ohio Valley my entire life, it’s obvious that the people of this region’s connection with the sport truly is something special.

Growing up around here, it becomes

ED LOOMAN

he conversation took place more than 40 years ago (hard to believe), but I remember it (even harder to believe) like it happened just a day or two ago.

It was late summer of 1974 and I was a young, somewhat brash reporter for the Herald-Star, handling the city beat, which back then was a position of honor. I landed the post, my first pro-

RALPH COX

ow Joe Catullo, our new sports editor at the HeraldStar and Daily Times, has given me a real challenge. He suggested that I write a column about the first high school football game I ever covered.

He hasn’t been around long enough yet to know that I have difficulty remembering what I did yesterday. Now

E

T

N

Boardman football supporter and the fact that the Spartans stunk during that time, everybody knew about the rivalry.

But my fondest (and only) memory of Big Red football came during the first week of the 2015 season. My first couple of months went by with the Morning Journal in Lisbon, and I was eager to cover my first football game as

a full-time sports writer.

“Where am I headed tonight?” I asked sports editor Ron Firth.

“Um, Steubenville probably,” he replied.

“I didn’t realize we even covered them.”

“We don’t. There’s a doubleheader.

Steubenville plays first, but you’ll be See CATULLO Page 117

clear a lot of people’s lives, come late summer and early fall, revolve around what happens on Friday (or sometimes Thursday and Saturday) nights.

Your team wins, you can enjoy it briefly then start thinking about the next game, the next opponent and how your team matches up, running through hypothetical scenario after hypothetical scenario about how the game might go.

If your team comes up short, the process of thinking about the next one probably begins a little sooner after getting over the disappointment. As the end of the regular season approaches, scores from out-of-town games become just as important to you as that of the game your team played because of how it will impact the playoffs, whether it See GRIMM Page 117

fessional gig following graduation from Ohio State University, after heeding the many hand-written messages my father taped to the walls of our Oak Grove Avenue home.

His message simply said: Ed— things to do today—GET A JOB! Anyway, back to the conversation…

John Kirker, the longtime and legendary sports editor of this newspaper,

summoned me to his desk in the smoke-filled newsroom and asked “Hey, you have any interest in covering high school football?”

Since sports writing was a short-term career goal, I quickly replied with a “yes sir.” John then gave me my assignment for the season—cover the Toronto football team.

See LOOMAN Page 91

he wants me to remember something that happened 55 years ago.

Yes, the first game I covered was in September 1962 at what was then called Weirton Municipal Stadium. It was called that because the City of Weirton briefly took ownership of the stadium from the Hancock County School Board. The old stadium later was named Jimmy Carey Stadium in

honor of the late Burdell “Jimmy” Carey, a legendary and hall of fame coach of the Weir High Red Riders.

Ironically, Carey retired from coaching football following the 1961 football season after taking the Weir High Red Riders to consecutive state championships.

Football is being a part of something special

A career covering football still remains fresh

Covering my first high school football game

See COX Page 122

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12

Aug. 23, 2017

2017 Schedule Aug. 25 Upper St. Clair

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Sept. 8 St. Joseph’s Catholic Sept. 15 Boardman

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By ED LOOMAN

Saccoccia: Tradition never graduates

For The Gridiron

The Coaches

STEUBENVILLE—As veteran coach Reno Saccoccia likes to say—year in and year out, “kids graduate.

One thing, however, that never graduates is tradition.”

Saccoccia and his 2017 Big Red squad will be looking to “add to the great tradition of Steubenville High School football in particular and Ohio high school football in general” when it opens its season Friday against visiting Upper St. Clair, Pa. “Something we are proud of here is our tradition,” Saccoccia, who is entering his 34th season as Big Red’s grid boss, said in early August. “Our goal each year is to add to the tradition. Right now, we’re part of the tradition, but it’s very important for us to work hard, improve every day and add to that great tradition.”

Big Red’s football tradition includes the following: ≤ 29 total playoff appearances. ≤ 16 consecutive trips to the post-season. ≤ An all-time playoff record of 61-26. ≤ Four straight Division IV Region 13 championships. ≤ Back-to-back appearances in the D IV title game.

Steubenville fell just short

of claiming its fourth state championship when it lost to Columbus Bishop Hartley 24-21 on a field goal as time expired in 2016. A year earlier, the Hawks handed Big Red a 31-28 defeat in the D IV finale.

“As a team, last season is in the rearview mirror,” Saccoccia stated. “As individuals, however, you don’t forget seasons like we had in 2015 and 2016. For some of us, it definitely is a motivator to go a step further.

“For others, it puts a focus on developing team chemistry, unity and work ethic.

That’s something we’ll worry about later. Right now, our goal is just devel-

oping this team.”

When he looks at his 2017 club, Saccoccia likes what he sees. He cautions, however, that “we’re not very deep.”

“One of the main goals of two-a-days is to develop depth,” he pointed out. “At this point, we’re not sure what type of team we’re going to be this year. Every team develops its own identity over time. We have to get a feel for that as coaches.

‘We’re not sure yet what the strength of this team is.

Our main goal is to develop depth and develop chemistry between the team and the coaching staff.”

Offensively, Big Red lost

plenty of weapons, but several key pieces return from the 2016 unit, which averaged 36.3 points per game, return.

Javon Davis, who passed for more than 2,000 yards as a junior, is back at quarterback.

“He worked hard in the off-season and has shown his leadership ability,” Saccoccia said of his senior signal caller.

Senior Johnny Agresta also saw some time at quarterback last season and could possibly spell Davis.

Junior Clayton Criss and sophomore Randy Mitchell

JIM· ROBINSON

See BIG RED Page 15

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13

The Seniors

From The Coach ...

“Something we are proud of here is our tradition. Our goal each year is to add to the tradition. Right now, we’re part of the tradition but it’s very important for us to work hard, improve every day and add to that great tradition.”

— Reno Saccoccia

Seniors (20) 6 .......................... Dujuan Jones 7 .............................. Gino Pierro 8 ...................... Johnny Agresta 9 ............................ Javon Davis 11 .............................. Alec Taylor 15 .............................. Abe Zane 25 ...................... Jacob Bernard 28 .................... Jamal Petteway 47 .......................... Lucas Koval 48 .......... Jonathon Blackmon 50 .................. Quentin Moore 53 .......................... Devin Evans 54 .......................... Ryan Neely 55 .................... Reuben Saxon 56 .................... Alijah Demitras 58 ................ Marlon Lawrence 60 ........................ Jordan Viers 70 .............. Richard Lawrence 72 ................................ Tyler Ely 77 .............................. Zach Ekey Juniors (25) 16 ........................ Clayton Criss 17 .......................... Ryan Rauch 21 .......................... Jorian Jones 22 .................... Caleb Mitchell 23 .............. Dumaka McGhee 24 .................. Jeziah Blackwell 26 .................... Nicco Bracone 29 ........ Taveon Montgomery 30 ...................... Anthony Rice 31 .................. Antoni Demitras 33 ................ Kwadre Williams 34 .............................. Ty Arlesic 35 ............................ Ian Phillips 40 .................. Desmond Smith 41 ................................ Eric Lulla 43 ............ Dylan Cunningham 46 ................ James Roundtree

49 ........................ Joe Gabrielli 51 .................... Cameron Boley 57 .............. Donavin Thornton 63 ........................ Elijah Simon 68 .................. Cesare Jennings 69 .................. Keonte Holmes 75 ........................ Caleb Brown 89 ................ Freedom Harper Sophomores (24) 14 .................... Randy Mitchell 18 .................... Preston Haney 27 .............. Tayveon Crawford 32 .......................... Jo Jo Brown 36 ...................... Tanner Power 38 ...................... Nick Horvath 42 ........................ Stone Biacco 44 .......................... David Tuttle 45 .................. Brayden Pearce 59 .................... Terrance Norris 61 .................... Anthony Boley 62 ........................ Keith Bodnar 64 .................... Leroy Fordham 66 ...................... Ethan Waugh 67 .................... Kaisean Wilson 71 ...................... Brad Valentine 73 .......................... Blaine Cook 74 ........................ Amari Brown 78 ........................ Ryan Burger 79 .................... Emanual Ware 80 ............ Deonbre Anderson 81 ................ Johnny Nodianos 86 ................ Draven Martinau 87 ............................ James Still

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Aug. 23, 2017

15

Big Red

provide depth.

Jacob Bernard, the team’s leading rusher (1,364 yards) returns at tailback.

An injury suffered in the state semifinal victory over Perry kept Bernard out of the 2016 title game.

Senior Jamal Petteway compiled 324 rushing yards from the tailback spot last season.

Others looking for an opportunity to tote the rock are juniors Caleb Mitchell, Dumaka McGhee, Jeziah Blackwell, Taveon Montgomery and Anthony Rice. Sophomore JoJo Brown also is among the tailback candidates.

Also listed in Big Red’s stable of running backs are senior Desmond Smith and juniors Nicco Bracone, Antoni Demitras and Eric Lulla; and sophomore Tayveon Crawford.

Seniors Lucas Koval and Jonathon Blackmon are candidates at fullback, along with junior Ty Arlesic and sophomore David Tuttle.

Back at wide receiver is Alec Taylor, one of Davis’ favorites for the long ball. Taylor, who recently gave a verbal commitment to attend Ohio State and play baseball, had 377 receiving yards as a junior. Seniors Dujuan Jones, Gino Pierro and Abe Zane also return.

Agresta also will see action here.

Juniors vying for time at wide receiver are Ryan Rauch and Jorian Jones. Sophomores Preston Haney,

Tanner Power, Noah Horvath, Stone Biacco, Deonbre Anderson, Draven Martinau and James Still add depth.

Kwadre Williams, a junior who saw considerable action on the defensive side of the ball as a sophomore, is one tight end candidate. Arlesic and Lulla also are getting looks there. Juniors Dylan Cunningham, James Roundtree IV, Freedom Harper and Joe Gabrielli are competing for the spot along with sophomores Brayden Pearce and Johnny Nodianos.

Seniors Tyler Ely (6-4, 285) and Alijah Demitras (6-2, 250) were starters on the offensive line in last season’s state championship game. Reuben Saxon, also a senior, returns after missing most of 2016 with an injury. Saxon goes 6-0, 260.

Zach Ekey, a 6-4, 285 senior, will see time at tackle while seniors Quentin Moore (6-2, 235) and Marlon Lawrence (6-2, 290) also are back.

“I think the last time we had a big team like this probably was 1987,” Saccoccia said. “We have a lot of big kids, but we also have a lot of big kids who haven’t earned a position on the team yet. Honestly, I don’t think about size when I’m working on developing a team. The size of a player really doesn’t fit into my planning yet.

“The biggest part of a team is the heart. I feel that aspect of athletics and competing will never change. The person with the most de-

From Page 12

sire, the most heart, and the most want is going to work the hardest to get where he wants to be. Physical size really doesn’t have much to do with that.”

Other seniors looking for playing time along the offensive front are Devin Evans, Jordan Viers and Richard Lawrence. Senior Ryan Neely, who transferred from Catholic Central, will join the mix once he becomes eligible in Week 6.

Junior linemen include Cameron Boley, Blaine Cook, Donavin Thornton, Elijah Simon, Cesare Jennings, Keonte Holmes and Caleb Brown.

Ten sophomores will provide depth along the line. They are Terrance Norris, Anthony Boley, Keith Bednar, Leroy Fordham, Ethan Waugh, Kaisean Wilson, Brad Valentine, Amari Brown, Ryan Burger and Emanual Ware.

Defensively, Moore, Evans, Saxon, Demitras, M. Lawrence, R. Lawrence, Ely, Ekey, Viers and Smith are the senior candidates for playing time along the line. Neely also will compete for a spot. Juniors include Williams, Arlesic, Roundtree, Gabrielli, C. Boley, Cook, Thornton, Simon, Jennings, Holmes and C. Brown.

Sophomore candidates are Pearce, Norris, A. Boley, Bodnar, Fordham, Waugh, Wilson, Valentine, A. Brown, Burger, Ware and Nodianos.

Seniors competing for playing time at linebacker include Agresta, See BIG RED Page 109

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Reno Saccoccia

Assistant Coaches Anthony Pierro Mike Haney Gus DiMarzio JoJo Saccoccia Joe Pierro Todd Filtz Dan Filtz Jason Kernahan Duke Jones Brian Pruitt

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17

Record

INDICATING SUCCESS OR FAILURE Anybody can look at any high school’s record from a season ago, point its finger and say, “Oh, they only finished with one win. They weren’t very good.” Or maybe “Hey, I didn’t realize they had e i g h t wins. That was a great team.”

It’s easy to point that finger and judge a team by how many victories and defeats a team gathered.

“I don’t get mad when somebody judges us on wins and losses because that’s the society we live in today,” Connor said. “Over the time I’ve been there, it means a lot more to be around the kids, help them and build a relationship with them that they can have 10 or 15 years down the road. That will last a lot longer than winning a football game.”

“That’s not the biggest indicator of success,” Catholic Central coach Steve Daley said. “The bigger thing is your team growing as a family, growing up as young men and learning things that come from playing football.

It takes a lot to be successful.

Those are the lessons you really want to learn.”

If a team finishes with

fewer than five wins, it indicates its opponents were better at least six different weeks for whatever reason. If a team has more than five victories, it was better than its opponents for those weeks. An 0-10, 1-9, 2-8 squad does not necessarily mean the season was a complete failure. A 100, 9-1, 8-2 team doesn’t always mean great success.

What if a team finishes 9-1 and misses the playoffs?

“It’s a lot more than that because a record is a snapshot in progress,” Arneault said. “There are moments where a team might be struggling and moments when they may be doing very well.

For a team like Big Red, an 8-2 season might be disappointing to some people. An 8-2 record for other teams may be a season to remember for life.”

“The old saying is you are what you are, but sometimes I think the record could be misleading,” Saccoccia said.

“Mathematically you are what your record says you are. I think we were better than what (our record was) last year. We just came up a bit short.”

For a lot of schools, maybe all of them, the weekly

From Page 6

Michael D. McElwain

The Weir Red Riders take the football field in a 2016 game against county-rival Oak Glen.

record is more imporant than the one at the end of the season. Going 1-0 week in and week out is the ultimate challenge.

“Anybody who tells you

they don’t look at their overall record every week is not telling the truth,” Weir head coach Tony Filberto said.

“There’s nothing you can do about last week. We talk to

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Wishing All Area Teams “GOOD LUCK”

Weir Red Riders

18

2017 Schedule Aug. 25 at Oak Glen Sept. 1 Anacostia Sept. 8 John Marshall Sept. 15 at Keyser Sept. 23 Petersburg Sept. 29 at Union Local Oct. 6 Fairmont Senior Oct. 13 at Warren Oct. 20 East Liverpool Oct. 27 Brooke

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

By RALPH COX

Aug. 23, 2017

Filberto looking to rebuild, not reload

For The Gridiron

The Coaches

WEIRTON — It is easy to think that when a high school football team loses 13 players — a couple of them all-staters — that the following year will involve rebuilding.

With 15 returning lettermen, veteran Weir High coach Tony Filberto is looking to reload rather than rebuild. After a 7-3 season and a No. 13 ranking in the final West Virginia Class AA ratings, the Red Riders made the playoffs for the third straight season and came back to upset fourthranked Sissonville after being down 22-7 at halftime.

Some offensive players must stay healthy and learn quickly because Filberto only has three returning starters on that side of the ball. But the Riders should continue to be strong defensively because seven regulars are back to bolster a defense that was tops in the 11-school Herald-Star/Daily Times coverage area.

“I think we have built a program that is healthy enough that the next class will offer something,” said Filberto, who is in his 33rd year of coaching. “Every class is different, and I feel our middle school is on solid ground so that every class

can compete as the older kids move on. I don’t think we’ll have any more big dropoffs or high points. I’m pleased with where we are at.

“We won’t have the big backs like we did last year with Cody Enrietti and Domenick Murphy, so we’ll probably throw more. We’ll have Tyler Komorowski at quarterback and we’ll probably use him as our big back like we did a couple of years ago with Will Larch. We’ll have more speed at running back, and I think our defense will be very solid. I expect

us to be a very good football team.”

Offensively, Will Rupert returns to anchor the line at center. Also back are the two guards in Zack Martin, a 290-pounder and biggest of the Red Riders, along with 275-pounder Mason Rice.

Filberto plans to fill out the remainder of the line with 280-pound sophomore Matt O’Neill at right tackle and Mike Zias who saw some action last year on the left side. Junior Crosby Drake and Isaiah Glasure will battle for the back-up

job as swing men at either guard or tackle. Whoever plays tackle, they will have big shoes to fill as two-year first-team all-state tackle and three-year starter Travis Lowther, along with twoyear starter Gaetano Fuscardo, graduated.

Senior Frank “Ty” Hudacheck, a starting linebacker last year, will go both ways in 2017 as Filberto is inserting him in the tight end slot held down by Michael Mills last year. Brooke transfer, senior Josh Taflan, See RED RIDERS Page 21

Aug. 23, 2017

19

2017 Roster

The Seniors

Seniors (8) 10 .............................. Caleb Rea 13 ............................ Josh Taflan 20 .................... Jaylon Bridges 32 ............................ Tyler Mack 33 .......... Frank Ty Hudacheck 51 ............................ Will Rupert 70 .......................... Zach Martin 75 .......................... Mason Rice

From The Coach ...

“I think we have built a program that is healthy enough that the next class will offer something,” — Tony Filberto

Juniors (11) 3 .................... Garet Hostuttler 4 .................. Quincy Dameron 5 ............................ Chad Custer 7 ............................ Jake McCoy 11 .......................... Reed Reitter 15 ................ Tyler Komorowski 25 .................... Deon Trupiano 44 .............. Xavier Wolverton 50 ........................ Julian Farran 85 .......................... Jake McKay 88 .......................... Reese Wills

Sophomores (11) 1 ................ Sebastian Spencer 6 .......................... Zak Wypasek

8 ........................ Skylar Jackson 21 .......................... Drew Curtis 59 .......................... Tysen Riggs 60 .................... Dakota Nutter 68 ........................ Isiah Glasure 69 ................ George Wansack 72 .......................... Matt O’Neill 78 .............................. Mike Zias 86 .......................... Chase Wills

Freshmen (7) 2 .............. Anthony Dimatteis 14 ........................ Gage Reitter 35 .................... Logan Walters 56 .................... Levi Hostuttler 65 ............................ Matt Silver 77 ...................... Jordan Brueck 87 .................. Ethan Commins

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Red Riders will back up Hudacheck.

Filberto will have to find new talent in the ball-totting ranks as the entire backfield of 2016 — quarterback Donavan Spencer, all-state running back Cody Enrietti, and second-team all-state Domenick Murphy —all graduated.

Komorowski, who was a stalwart at defensive end last year and backup quarterback, inherits the signal calling.

“Komorowski is much bigger than Donavan Spencer was,” Filberto said.

“Certainly he’s not as fast as Donavan, who was two-time state champ in the 100 and 200 meters, but he runs well for his size at 6-4 and 235 pounds. He played some at quarterback last year, so he’s a little more comfortable than someone coming directly off the jayvee team and playing his first varsity game.

“Donavan’s brother, Sabastian, who quarterbacked the reserves last year, will be the backup quarterback. He’s got a lot of speed, too, and played some last year at wide receiver. He even caught a pass from his brother in one game.”

Junior Chad Custer and seniors Tyler Mack and Garet Hostettler will get most of the playing time as replacements for Enrietti and Murphy in the backfield. Hostettler saw playing time at Madonna last year, while Mack got

some carries as a sophomore after Enrietti sustained a season-ending knee injury in the eighth game of the season.

“With the offense we play, we need at least three backs,” Filberto said. “We will use all three and there will be times when Hostettler will line up at inside receiver for us. We’ll use a similar offense to last year because we like running between the tackles.”

Filberto is very excited about another transfer who has a connection to Weirton even though he played the last two years at Union High School in Burgettstown. He is Reed Reitter, the grandson of longtime Brooke High basketball and football coach Dave Reitter. He is slated to fill the split end position and safety.

“At 6-4 and 210 pounds, Reitter has the ideal size and speed and is an outstanding athlete,” Filberto said. “I saw him play in a game last year, and without a doubt he was the best athlete on field, and he may be the best athlete we have now.”

Filberto added that Reitter will kick as well. Reitter kicked a 40-yarder last year off grass without a tee. The coach said Reitter already booted a 55-yarder in practice off the Jimmy Carey Stadium turf.

Juniors Quincy Dameron and Jake McKay will be the backups at split

From Page 18

end. Dameron and junior Deon Trupiano are battling for the other wide receiver spot, and Sabastian Spencer and Hostettler will be the inside receivers.

Defense is where the Red Riders should be pretty good.

“We’re really excited about the kids we have returning and some of the reserves that will move up to our defense,” Filberto said. “We’ll miss Allen, Enrietti and Murphy along with some others, but we think we have the kids to plug those holes and perhaps be even better on defense.”

The defensive line will be anchored by the return of Komorowski at strong side defensive end. Komorowski received honorable mention all-state recognition as well as making the AllOVAC team. Also back at defensive end is Drake.

Senior Garrett Johnson looks like he’ll be one of the defensive tackles, and Rice and Mike Zias, both of whom have experience, will share time at the other tackle. O’Neill also is in the mix, while Taflan and Ruppert are contesting for the weak side defensive end.

Mack, a three-year starter, returns at middle linebacker. Drew Curtis or Chris Gillette will be at inside linebacker. The strong outside linebacker See RED RIDERS Page 109

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Tony Filber to

Assistant Coaches Tom Taylor John Durdines Frank Sisinni Terr y Rea Gerrard Spencer David Cowden Anthony Pompa Troy Fetty Mike Buffo Quentin Smith Vance Miller

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Aug. 23, 2017

2017 Schedule

Aug. 25 at Wheeling Central Sept. 2 Oak Glen Sept. 8 at Western Reserve Sept. 15 at South Harrison Sept. 23 Warren JFK Sept. 30 Barnesville Oct. 7 Carrick, Pa. Oct. 14 Edison Oct. 19 at Madonna Oct. 27 at Fort Frye Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Daley: We have size, speed and skill, but ...

By ED LOOMAN For The Gridiron

The Coaches

STEUBENVILLE — Steve Daley likes what he sees when he looks at his 2017 Catholic Central football Crusaders.

Truth be told, however, he’d like to see a few more players wearing the Royal Blue and Gold.

Daley is entering his seventh season at the Central helm. His 2016 team went 5-5, finishing with a fourgame win streak. He has guided the Crusaders to five consecutive campaigns of .500 or better.

“My biggest concern is with our numbers,” Daley said earlier this month. “But I’ve talked to coaches all over the valley and it seems like numbers are down everywhere, whatever the reason. It is what it is.

“We’ll take the field with 29 (18 are returning lettermen) on our roster. I feel we have a good solid group of players. My concern, obviously, is with our depth.

We have to stay healthy and as coaches, we have to be smart when it comes to getting guys rest. At the same time, our younger guys will have to step up, if only for a play or two, and give us the effort we need.”

The numbers might be low, but Central, as Daley pointed out, is pretty strong

when it comes to “size, speed and skill.”

“We have size on the line, especially with our starting five in the interior,” he stated. “We like what we have there. We have players returning at the skilled positions who are experienced. I like the speed that we have there. The speed goes across the board from split end, to slot, to our quarterback.

“We have a running back who runs hard between the tackles and our quarterback finished fourth in the state in the 100-meter dash. As a coach, you have to like that aspect of our team. Offen-

sively, our goal is to spread the ball around, get our speed guys in space and let them make plays.”

Justin Hartzell, 6-3, 180, returns for his second season under center for the Crusaders. The speedy junior threw for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore, despite missing several games with injuries. He also ran for 477 yards and four additional scores.

“Justin has really matured, and you can tell he feels more comfortable as the leader of our offense,” Daley said. “He’s been on the big stage during track

season, so getting under the lights shouldn’t bother him this year. He’s been throwing the ball better this summer and making better decisions with the run and the pass.

“For us to be successful offensively this season, it starts with him. I think he understands that now and is comfortable with what we’re asking him to do.”

Junior Noah Fayak, who took over last season when Hartzell was out, will be the primary backup at quarterback. Fayak has fully recovered from an injury he See CRUSADERS Page 27

Best of luck on the 2017 season, Crusaders! #letsgoblue

follow us on Instagram and Twitter @scscrusaders

From the Administration, Faculty & Staff

2017 Seniors

Amin Butler, Kevin Cuervo, Geno DiBiase, David Miller, Vince Oliver, Jah Sawyer, Levi Thompson & Bill Walsh

Aug. 23, 2017

25

2017 Roster

The Seniors

Seniors (9) 3 .............. Amin Yondez Butler 9................................ Jah Sawyer 11 ............................ David Miller 15 .................... Levi Thompson 19........................ William Walsh 21.................... Christian Frazier 34 ........................ Geno DiBiase 63 ...................... Vince Oliver Jr. 67 ........................ Kevin Cuervo

From The Coach ...

“... our younger guys will have to step up, if only for a play or two, and give us the effort we need.”

— Steve Daley

Juniors (10) 2 .............................. Noah Fayak 4 ........................ Justin Hartzell 5........................ Anthony Fallon 7.................................... Matt Bell 14 ............................ Craig Smith 16 ........................ Matt Kilonsky 24 .................... Dom Argentine 72 .................. Alec Constantini 75 .......................... Jordan Maul 77................................ Jacob Sto

Sophomores (8) 10 .................. Anthony Lefever 12 ...................... Seth Fitzgerald 13...................... Jeffrey Dawson 17........................ Cole Maragos 22 ...................... Jayden Keeder 42 .......... Anthony Smmons Jr. 50 ........................ Indy Marcino 66 ............................ Alex Ialenti Freshmen (2) 18...................... Vinnie Marcino 33 ...................... Jarred Roberts

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Crusaders suffered a season ago. Sophomore Anthony Lefever will provide additional depth.

The running back Daley referred to is junior Craig Smith. He ran for 412 yards and four touchdowns after becoming eligible midway through the 2016 season.

“He’s a hard runner, a punishing runner and he’s put in a lot of work in the offseason,” Daley stated. “He will be a major factor in our offense this year.”

Other running back candidates are sophomore Anthony Simmons and junior Jayden Keeder.

Those vying for time in the slot for Central are senior Amin Butler, Fayak and junior Anthony Fallon.

Split end candidates include senior Geno DiBiase, 15 catches a season ago; senior Jah Sawyer, who had 11 receptions; junior Matt Bell, six grabs; junior Matt Kilonsky; senior David Miller and freshman Jarred Roberts.

Senior Levi Thompson (6-2, 220) is the top prospect at H back. He missed much of last season with injuries. Junior Dom Argentine, sophomore Cole Maragos and freshman Vinnie Marcino also are in the mix.

The “size guys” up front are led by senior Vince Oliver, 6-6, 305, who will be a Central starter for the fourth consecutive season. Oliver, who is receiving considerable attention from schools in the Ivy League, will start at guard along with junior Jordan Maul, 6-2, 315.

“He’s been starting since he was a freshman and he’s gotten bigger and stronger every year,” Daley said of Oliver. “He’s been working hard on his quickness. We’d like to see him become more physical this season and be our leader up front.

“We’re certainly really happy for the opportunities he’s going to have after our season is over. We need major production from him this year in order for our offense to click.”

Returning starters Kevin Cuervo, a senior, and junior Jacob Stoll, 6-3, 270, will man the tackle spots. Sophomore Alex Ialenti will provide backup.

Junior Alec Constantini will take over at center with sophomore Indy Marcino providing depth.

Defensively, the Crusaders will utilize a 3-4 look.

Oliver; Stoll; Constantini; Ialenti; senior Christian Frazier, a transfer from Big Red; senior William Walsh; Maragos; and sophomore Seth Fitzgerald all will be seeing time at defensive end.

Cuervo will again be the starter at the nose. I. Marcino

From Page 24

and Maul will provide depth.

Candidates at inside linebacker are Smith, Argentine, V. Marcino and Simmons.

Thompson will start at one outside linebacker spot along with Bell. DiBiase and Keeder also will see considerable playing time there.

The defensive backfield will include Fayak, Fallon, Kilonsky, Sawyer, Butler, Lefever, Miller, sophomore Jeffrey Dawson and Roberts.

Bell will handle the punting duties, with Roberts doing the kicking.

“Staying healthy—that’s going to be the primary key for us,” Daley commented. “We have to be careful — we certainly have to avoid any injuries that don’t come on the field in game situations.

“I’ve been stressing throughout the off-season the need for us to come together as a family. I think that’s vitally important. We have to play unselfish and play as a team. If that happens, we’re going to be OK.” The Crusaders open their season Friday with a road game against always-strong Wheeling Central.

They’ll host Oak Glen the following week before hitting the road for contests at Berlin Western Reserve and South Harrison, located in Lost Creek, W.Va. The Hawks are one of three new opponents on Central’s schedule.

Four straight home games against Warren JFK, Barnesville, St. Mary’s See CRUSADERS Page 89

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Steve Daley Assistant Coaches Rick Gillette

Frank Marcino Tony Godich

Jeremy Presley

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Aug. 23, 2017

2017 Schedule

Sept. 2 at Tusky Central Sept. 8 at Bridgeport Sept. 15 at Beallsville Sept. 22 Pendleton County Sept. 29 Mathews Oct. 7 Parkersburg Catholic Oct. 13 at Van Oct. 19 Steubenville Central Oct. 28 Wheeling Central Nov. 3 at Clay-Battelle Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Hicks happy with team’s effort going into 2017

By RALPH COX For The Gridiron

The Coaches

WEIRTON — There is some bad news to go along with the good news regarding the Madonna High football team.

The bad news is that the 2-8 season of 2016 isn’t exactly what coach Darrin Hicks envisioned. The good news is this year starts out with 17 lettermen and 14 returners who got starting time last year. The 27-man squad also includes 12 seniors, which is the most seniors a Blue Don team has had since the 15 who were on the 2013 state championship bunch.

That, along with a schedule more suitable to a Class A school, should equate to improvement for 2017.

“Our kids have worked hard in the offseason,” Hicks said. “Our winter weight program was a huge success, with 90 to 95 percent of the team in the weight room, and it continued in the summer. Now we are shifting gears and getting ready for the rigors of camp and a long season.

Conditioning is more of a factor now, but we are very pleased with the progress we made during the past seven months.”

Hicks added that his team cannot “put the cart before the horse.” Working hard

and making sacrifices are keys for a successful season.

“We improved as the season went on last year, and we have continued to improve during the offseason,” he said. “It is great to see these kids work and push each other. It gives us a lot of confidence for the upcoming season.

“I don’t really have a preconceived depth chart. The kids know there is competition for positions and that every position is open, so camp will be competitive.

Everyone understands that one of the main goals is to do the things we have to do to get back to the expecta-

tion that is Madonna. That is competing for the OVAC championship and the playoffs. They know that means getting back to work to get better.”

Hicks lost five seniors to graduation. They are quarterback Dustin Brown, center Jake Gasvoda, tackle Justin Canei and wide receivers Tavon Jeter and Phil Good.

Three players are competing to replace Brown, a twoyear starter at quarterback.

They are junior Gavin Dietrich and seniors Kaleb Smith and Giovanni Lenhart.

Dietrich was the kicker

last year and Smith saw time at running back and defensive back, while Lenhart is out for football for the first time.

“I’m excited to have Lenhart out,” Hicks said.

“He’s a tremendous athlete.

All three of the candidates have a good working relationship and are pushing each other to make the team better.”

Junior Donavan Kirby returns at running back, but Hicks plans to move him around to different places in the offense to utilize his capabilities as an athlete.

See BLUE DONS Page 33

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31

2017 Roster

The Seniors

Seniors (13) 1 ................................ Ryan Ekey 2 ...................... Chayce Lemely 5 .................. Giovanni Lenhart 7 ............................ Vince Pulice 8 ............................ Dylan Austin 9 ............................ Chase Smith 12 .......................... Khalib Smith 15 .................... Jimmy DiMarco 20.......................... Hunter Baird 51 .................... Max Fiedorczyk 53 ............................ Joey Garan 61.............................. Zak Tokash 76 ...................... Mac Raymond Juniors (4) 3 ........................ Gavin Dietrich 32...................... Donavan Kirby 56 ........................ Garrett Cook 65........................ Robby Valenti

From The Coach ...

“Conditioning is more of a factor now, but we are very pleased with the progress we made during the past seven months.”

— Darrin Hicks

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Blue Dons “Kirby is a multiple threat,” Hicks said. “He can carry the football and catch it.”

Seniors Hicks is excited about are Vince Pulice, a returning starter, along with Hunter Baird who didn’t play football last year. Hicks also has Baird‘s brother, sophomore Roman.

All will be in the mix at running back and receiver.

Hicks has a lot of experience with seniors Mac Raymond, Zak Tokash, Bobby Valenti and Max Fiedorczyk, who return to anchor the offensive line. Joey Garan, who didn‘t play last year, joins that squad.

Sophomore Nathan Zanieski saw some time on the line last year as a freshman, and Hicks thinks freshmen Joe Soos, Mason Smith and Jacob Bonner will work their way in this year.

Senior Chayce Lemley and junior Dylan Austin return as wide receivers, along with sophomore Antonio Dadario. Freshmen Thomas Sessi and Ty Ingram both had productive offseasons and will be in the mix.

Hicks has three vying at tight end in seniors Ryan Ekey, Jimmy DeMarco and Chase Smith.

On the defensive side, Ekey, Fiedorczyk, Raymond, DeMarco, Valenti and sophomore Jacob McCombs, who started several games last year, are

33

From Page 30

Hicks, Arneault back for year two

By RALPH COX For The Gridiron

WEIRTON — There were two first-year head coaches at high school varsity football teams in 2016 in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle — Darrin Hicks at Madonna and Ted Arneault Jr. at Oak Glen.

Although both had a lot of experience behind them — Hicks in the college level and Arneault at the middle school and varsity assistant levels with a touch at the collegiate level — both assert that they learned a great deal even as their teams struggled through losing seasons, or perhaps because their teams struggled to win games.

Their coaching careers brushed doing well on the line along with Garen and Zanieski. Hicks said he feels good about his freshmen linemen in Joe Soos, Mason Smith and Bonner.

Tokash, sophomore Josh Gasvoda and Dadario each saw action last year at linebacker, and Hicks said new-

briefly in 2014 at Robert Morris University, where Hicks was the offensive coordinator and Arneault was an intern with the football program.

“I learned a lot from Darrin in that year,” said Arneault, who is familiar with Madonna through coaching the Junior Dons and teaching there. “I know how he coaches and the Blue Dons are very fortunate to have him.”

Hicks, who coached for nearly 20 years as an assistant at various colleges across the country with the last stop at Robert Morris said: “I learned a lot and it is important for me personally to be constantly learning and improving, I found out what worked

2017 Coaches

See BACK Page 59

comers Hunter Baird and Ingram will be good players there as well.

Lemley and Pulice return at defensive back along with Dietrich, Kalib Smith and Chase Smith. Like on ofSee BLUE DONS Page 108

Head Coach

Darrin Hicks Assistant Coaches Tyler Ossman Pete Melnyk

Tom Kikascik

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Indian Creek Redskins

36

Aug. 23, 2017

2017 Schedule Aug. 25 at Cambridge Sept. 1 at East Liverpool Sept. 8 Alliance Sept. 15 Buckeye Local Sept. 22 at St. Clairsville Sept. 29 Brooke Oct. 6 Martins Ferry Oct. 13 Beaver Local Oct. 20 at Columbiana Oct. 27 at Edison

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Connor: O-line will be Creek’s strength

By ANDREW GRIMM For The Gridiron

WINTERSVILLE — The Indian Creek Redskins come into the 2017 season having had to replace several players at the skill positions after losing a talented group of 13 seniors from last season to graduation. One place they will not be replacing key pieces is on the offensive line, where all five will return as starters for head coach Andrew Connor, who is coming into his 15th season with the Redskins.

“In the skill positions, we really lost a lot,” Connor said. “We lost our quarterback in Greg Wade and our tailback in Robert Coppa, and we lost two very good slot recievers in Trey Harton and Austin Rawson. We lost a lot of speed, athleticism and big plays. All of those guys were guys who could take it to the house in one play. It’s going to be tough — that’s a tough thing when you lose that much skillset in one season.

“Other than losing Sam Robinson, who played in the OVAC All-Star game, we return our next five guys after him. Our offensive line, from tackle to tackle, will all have started games for us. There is no question our strength is in our front five.”

Last season came to end at

The Coaches

N U

Harding Stadium with a 3414 loss to Steubenville Big Red in the opening round of the playoffs after an 8-2 regular season campaign, a game that Connor thought was within reach until a series of events put Big Red on top 21-7 at the half and changed the momentum.

“We were competetive,” he said. “We had it at 14-7 right before the half and we dropped one on the four.

They scored going in (to halftime) and that was that.

If we could’ve gone into the half at 14-7 it would’ve been a lot better than (21-7).

“It’s not just that they

scored but the way it happened, we kind of just gave them a touchdown and it took the umph right out of us.”

As a whole, Connor was happy with the 2016 season.

“I think we grew up quickly and bounced back quickly after the Cambridge loss (in week one),” he said.

“We rattled off seven straight wins. I think the kids came together and it culminated in a great effort down at Harding Stadium.”

This year, the youuthful group of Redskins will be looking for a fifth playoff appearence in the last seven

seasons. They will be tested right off the bat, as Indian Creek opens with three of its toughest games right off the bat, starting with games at Cambridge and East Liverpool, before its home opener against a good Alliance team. The Aviators are new to the Redskins schedule this season, a challenge Connor hopes can bring his young players together.

“Alliance returns 18 starters and has a tailback who is considered one of the top 20 backs in the state,” Connor said. “We want to See REDSKINS Page 39

Aug. 23, 2017

37

2017 Roster

The Seniors

Seniors (10) 4 .......................... Will Hopkins 8 .......................... Devon Eakle 9 .......................... Shawn Allen 12 .......................... Devin Eakle 14.................. Aaron Robinson 24 ........................ Keith Maple 50 ................................ Ian Belt 52 ........................ Evan Coppa 60 ................ Andy Waggoner 80 ........................ Kyle Booher

Juniors (14) 2............................ Jakih Scales 5 ........................ Derrick Eakle 6 .......................... Shane Zrinyi 10 ...................... Matt Mamula 16 .................. Brennon Norris 21 .......................... Cody Allan 27 .................. Richie Gualtiere 43 .................... Mitch Wukelic 45...................... Logan Wilson 51 ...................... Nathan Truex 59............................ Luke Allen 64 ...................... Josh Harvey 65 .......................... Trent Bolek 88 ...................... Zach Barnett

From The Coach ...

“Our offensive line, from tackle to tackle, will all have started games for us.

There is no question our strength is in our front five.”

— Andrew Connor

Sophomores (19) 1 ............................ Brock Lucas 3 .............................. Klay Cottis 7 ............................ Sam Mazar 19........................ Kaleb Fenske 20 ........................ JT Downing 22 .............. Brandon Fleming 23 ........................ Trevor Fante

28 ........................ Johnell Blair 29 ................ Malcolm Walker 32 .......................... Sam Baska 33 .................... Brandon Hiles 34.................... Tyler Smarrella 55 ...................... Logan Scheel 56 ................ Garren Swickard 58 ................ Evan Merryman 70 .................. Dylan McMillen 72 ...................... Jacob Hejduk 76.................. Shawn McClurg 84 .................. Parker Rodgers

Freshmen (15) 11 ........................ Skyler Pfouts 15 ...................... David Ferroni 17 ...................... Russel Lough 30 ............ Matthew Schaefer 31 ........................ Skyler Miller 35........................ Pierce Pietro 36 .................... Jeremy Brown 44 ................ Jonathan Giusto 53.................... Jacob Edwards 54 .................. Gage Simmons 61 ...................... Gabriel James 63 ........................ Corey Cottis 73 .......................... Jesse Bolek 74 ...................... Jacob Wright 82 .................. Clayton Parson

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39

Redskins

see where we’re at as a program. It could be (a good team building experience) starting on the road. It worries me a little being out on the road (with new starters).

It would be nice if we started at home. Visiting those two tough places to play early makes me a little worried.

“It’s baptism by fire, and sometimes that’s good and sometimes it’s not, I’m cheering for it to be good.

We’re going up against tough competition. Our kids will have to grow up fast.

I’m hoping this turns out to be one of those years where we get better and better every week. The ceiling is very high for the potential that we have.”

At quarterback Creek will have junior Brennon Norris, who played in two games in 2016, including starting the playoff game at Harding Stadium after Wade went down with an injury. Backing him up will be junior

Shane Zrinyi, who also will see time at wide reciever, and sophomore Sam Mazar.

“Brennan came into the Beaver Local game last year when we were down 14-0 at the half, Wade got taken out in an ambulance,” Connor said. “Brennan rallied us and we won 16-14. He was just fantastic for us as a sophomore quarterback. He got to play the playoff game and made some nice throws down there under a heavy rush at Steubenville, so we feel good about him. He got something you can’t manufacture on the practice field: Playing experience.”

At tailback, Connor is going the comittee route with junior Jakih Scales, sophomore Trevor Fante, and junior Mitch Wukelic, who he thinks will benefit most from running behind the experienced offensive line. Also at tailback for the second half of the season will be senior Will Hopkins,

a transfer from Big Red who will have to sit out the first five games. Fullbacks will be junior Cody Allan and sophomore Tyler Smarrella.

“Having so much experience on the offensive line will make things easier for the running backs especially,” he said. “That’s going to be a big help.”

At reciever, the Redskins will have junior Derrick Eakle, Zrinyi, senior twins Devon and Devin Eakle, sophomore Brandon Fleming, junior Richie Gualtiere, and junior Matt Mamula.

Tight ends will be returning senior Aaron Robinson, senior Shawn Allen, junior Zach Barnett and sophomore Brandon Hiles.

Creek has traditionally been a run-first team, and you can expect more of the same, but Connor feels like with Norris and his cast of recievers he will now have the option of spreading the field as well, making his of-

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fense more diverse.

“I think we’re really going to be able to throw the football,” he said. “Traditionally I’m a run first guy, but we can spread the field out now and throw the ball, too.

We’re going to be playing more spread and trips here than we’ve done in a long time at Indian Creek.”

That experienced line is made up of senior tackles Andy Waggoner and Ian Belt, guards junior Josh Harvey and senior Evan Coppa, and center junior Trent Bolek, with junior Luke Allen and sophomore Shawn McClurg also seeing time up front.

“Those five guys just have something that is special,” Connor said. “I know this may sound weird, but they love being linemen. In a day and age when sometimes you have to move kids to the line and they kind of get upset, these five guys love it.

It’s all going to start with our line for us and I think they are going to provide us with some good opportunities.”

On the other side of the ball, the Redskins will have junior Logan Wilson, Waggoner, Belt, sophomore Parker Rodgers, and Hiles at defensive end, and Harvey, Coppa, Bolek, and McClurg at defensive tackle.

At linebacker will be Devon Eakle and Allan, and Robinson, with Smarrella and Fante also seeing time.

At defensive back, Creek will have Gualtiere, Zrinyi, Fleming, and sophomores Brock Lucas and Klay CotSee REDSKINS Page 101

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Andrew Connor

Assistant Coaches Joe Hammack Sean Grinch Doug Karas Mike Voltz Rob Lucas Mike Wilson Sr. Justin Wilson Todd Mazzaferro Jeremy Pressley Matt Shreve Mike Wilson Jr. Joe Strohmeyer

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Indian Creek

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Aug. 25 at Wheeling Central Sept. 2 Oak Glen Sept. 8 at Western Reserve Sept. 15 at South Harrison Sept. 23 Warren JFK Sept. 30 Barnesville Oct. 7 Carrick, Pa. Oct. 14 Edison Oct. 19 at Madonna Oct. 27 at Fort Frye

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 25 at Cambridge Sept. 1 at East Liverpool Sept. 8 Alliance Sept. 15 Buckeye Local Sept. 22 at St. Clairsville Sept. 29 Brooke Oct. 6 Martins Ferry Oct. 13 Beaver Local Oct. 20 at Columbiana Oct. 27 at Edison Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

*Played at WLU Home games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted

Buckeye Local

Edison

Toronto

Weir High

Aug. 25 Upper St. Clair Sept. 1 at Morgantown Sept. 8 St. Joseph’s Catholic Sept. 15 Boardman Sept. 22 Pittsburgh USO Sept. 29 at Dover Oct. 6 Youngstown Ursuline Oct. 13 New Philadelphia Oct. 20 Cardinal O’Hara Oct. 27 University School.

Aug. 24 at Martins Ferry Sept. 1 Union Local Sept. 8 at Oak Glen Sept. 15 at Indian Creek Sept. 22 Bellaire Sept. 29 at John Marshall Oct. 6 Beaver Local Oct. 13 East Liverpool Oct. 20 at Edison Oct. 27 Harrison Central Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 24 at Wheeling Park* Sept. 8 University Sept. 15 at Morgantown Sept. 22 Pittsburgh Perry Sept. 29 at Indian Creek Oct. 6 Parkersburg South Oct. 13 at John Marshall Oct. 20 Buckhannon-Upshur Oct. 27 at Weir Nov. 3 Princeton

Aug. 25 at East Liverpool Sept. 1 at Wellsville Sept. 8 Toronto Sept. 15 at Beaver Local Sept. 22 Union Local Sept. 29 at Oak Glen Oct. 6 at Harrison Central Oct. 14 at Steubenville Central Oct. 20 Buckeye Local Oct. 27 Indian Creek

Aug. 25 at Shadyside Sept. 1 Bridgeport Sept. 8 at Edison Local Sept. 15 Southern Local Sept. 22 at Leetonia Sept. 29 Columbiana Oct. 6 Lisbon Oct. 13 at East Palestine Oct. 20 United Oct. 27 at Wellsville

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Oak Glen

Weirton Madonna

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 26 at East Hardy* Sept. 1 Clev. Rhodes Sept. 8 Bellaire Sept. 15 Union Local Sept. 22 at Martins Ferry Sept. 29 at St. Clairsville Oct. 6 Edison Oct. 13 Oak Glen Oct. 20 River View Oct. 27 at Buckeye Local *7:30 p.m. kickoff Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 25 Weir Sept. 2 at Steubenville Central Sept. 8 Buckeye Local Sept. 23 Warren Local Sept. 29 Edison Oct. 6 at East Liverpool Oct. 13 at Harrison Central Oct. 20 Fairmont East Oct. 27 at Beaver Local Nov. 3 at Wheeling Central

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Sept. 2 at Tusky Central Sept. 8 at Bridgeport Sept. 15 at Beallsville Sept. 22 Pendleton County Sept. 29 Mathews Oct. 7 Parkersburg Catholic Oct. 13 at Van Oct. 19 Steubenville Central Oct. 28 Wheeling Central Nov. 3 at Clay-Battelle

Brooke Bruins

44

2017 Schedule

Aug. 24 at Wheeling Park* Sept. 8 University Sept. 15 at Morgantown Sept. 22 Pittsburgh Perry Sept. 29 at Indian Creek Oct. 6 Parkersburg South Oct. 13 at John Marshall Oct. 20 Buckhannon-Upshur Oct. 27 at Weir Nov. 3 Princeton *Played at WLU Home games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 23, 2017

McLean entering season with confidence

By ED LOOMAN For The Gridiron

The Coaches

WELLSBURG—Mac McLean enters his fourth year as Brooke’s football coach with a lot of confidence “in my number ones.”

The key, however, to rebounding from last season’s injury-riddled 2-8 season lies with “the supporting cast.”

“Our keys to success might not lie with the top people on our depth chart,” McLean said earlier this month. “The keys are going to be with our supporting cast. We need to find kids in our junior and sophomore classes who can spell our starters. Plus, we need to get our talented ninth graders ready to fill in on special teams.

“When I put my number ones out there and look at them, I say to myself ‘this is going to be a pretty good football team. At the same time, however, I look at how thin we are in some spots.

“The supporting players need to hold things down for three or four plays so we can give our mainstays some breaks and keep them fresh.

Our older guys have to play to their potential and, of course, stay healthy. The key is going to be with the kids who may not be listed in the preseason article but, hopefully, will see their names in articles by the end of the year.”

To say 2016 was a nightmare from an injury standpoint would be a major understatement. By Week 3, 13 names on Brooke’s top 22 list had changed.

“What was amazing about last season was the support I received from other coaches around the valley,” McLean stated. “I heard horror stories from everybody about their experiences with similar seasons.

“One coach told me that even though last season sucked for us, he bet I became a better football coach.

We were reshuffling the deck

all the time. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it makes you work harder. Looking back, I realized I learned a lot of tough lessons and I hope it made me better at what I do.”

McLean noted the offseason was “the best we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

“The attendance in the weight room and the energy in the room was great,” he continued. “We have a lot of guys who were forced into action last season before they were ready. Their reaction to that was I think it kind of put a chip on their shoulders.

When you have a season like

last year, you can have a mutiny. Kids could just turn their backs and walk away.

That hasn’t been my experience.

“Our kids want to get out there and get the ball teed up on Thursday against Wheeling Park. We all want to get this year started and make last year just a memory. It was a trying time around here for players and coaches.

We’re ready to turn the page and move on.”

Brooke has 67 players on its roster, which includes 26 See BRUINS Page 47

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45

2017 Roster

The Seniors

From The Coach ...

“The supporting players need to hold things down for three or four plays so we can give our mainstays some breaks and keep them fresh.”

— Mac McLean

Senior s (14) 1 ........................ Ethan Secrist 6 .................. Nic Provenzano 7 ........................ Tripp Moore 9 ........................ Kenny Taylor 10 .......................... Josh Richie 22 ...................... Zeke Farmer 25 .................... Walker Morris 36 .................. Adam Horvath 43 ...................... Dan Arango 52 .................. Carson Secrist 58 .................... Aaron Adams 68 .......................... Skyler Rice 70 ...................... Kyler Haynes 71 .......... Jonathan Gallagher Juniors (14) 2 .................... Logan Williams 3 ............ Austin Provenzano 4 ............................ Gage Yost 11 ...................... Dalton Valero 13 ...................... Aleksey Rasz 14 ........................ Brett Brown 21 ............................ C.J. Helms 40 .................. Kenton Conley 44 ........ George Makricostas 50 .................. Scott Browning 57 .................... Austin Reitter 63 ............ William McKinney 72 ........................ James Willis 86 ...................... Austin Miller Sophomores (13) 12 .................. Camden Bates 16 .............................. Alex Lilly 20 .................. Max Camilletti 23 .......... Brandon Hodgkins

31 .................... Gabe Hudson 35 .................. David Boardley 46 .................. Noah Horvath 62 .................. Adam Pearson 64 ........................ Logan Bine 65 .................. Austin Williams 80 .................... Dalton Ewing 85 .............. Antonio Taverne 88 .................. Michael Shane

Freshmen (26) 8 ................ Joseph Fuscardo 15 ........................ Josh Shorts 26 ...................... Aaron Scipio 30 .................. Roger Gabbert 32 .................. Brad Anderson 33 .................... Martin Wood 34 ...................... Drake Hukill 41 .................... Colton Shaffer 42 ........................ Cody Byers 45 .................... Sophia Fields 48 ...................... Isaac Lippoli 53 ................ Stephen Hunter 55 .................. Devon Debnar 61 .................. Kurtis Leoaord 66 .................. Jacob Raveaux 67 .................... Samuel Casto 69 ...................... Lance Elliott 73 ................ Matthew Treiber 74 .................... Carson Taylor 75 ............ Dakota Isinghood 76 ...................... Jackson Julio 78 ...................... Ethan Ratcliff 79 ...................... Jacob Smith 81 ................ David McCombs 84 ...................... John George 87 .................... Drew Stewart

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47

Bruins freshmen.

“Numbers-wise, one of the biggest positive, even though it may be an unproven positive, is we have a really, really good group of freshmen,” said McLean, who guided the Bruins to the West Virginia Class AAA playoffs in 2015. “That’s one of the reasons why we decided to fold our freshmen program and move those kids into the JV roster.

“When you look at our depth chart, we have a very small sophomore class.

There are going to be ninth graders on the field for us and they’re going to be out there because they belong out there.

This is the most talented freshmen class that walked in here since I’ve been here.

We’re really excited about that. Now, of course, I wish they were a year older but that’s OK.” As he reviewed his depth chart, McLean couldn’t help but smile when discussing his offensive line.

“I think the biggest strength of our team is the front five on the offensive line,” he stressed. “They are big, strong and did well in linemen competition this summer. They are a weight room group and have really bought into what we are teaching

them. I like what I see but right now we’re seeing them in T-shirts and shorts and everyone looks like a million dollars in T-shirts and shorts.

“The down side is there’s not many of them. If I could take my starting five and only play them on offense, I’d probably have the most dominant offensive line I’ve had as a coach. A lot of these guys, however, won’t get to leave the field. That’s just going to be a problem for me. We have kind of a small enrollment for our division, so we just have to find a way to get through it.”

The line is led by tackles junior Scott Browning, who has started since his freshman season, and senior Jonathan Gallagher, the biggest player on Brooke’s roster at 6-6, 280.

“He dropped 50 pounds in the offseason and has been working really hard,” McLean said of Gallagher. “He should have an outstanding season for us.”

Senior Carson Secrist, who transferred from New Philadelphia, will start at one guard with senior Kyler Haynes manning the other spot.

Brooke’s center will be senior Skyler Rice. McLean noted junior Jimmy Willis will be “the utility guy” along the offensive line, providing relief at all three positions.

Junior Austin Reitter also is ticketed to see

From Page 44

action up front.

Players vying for time at tight end are senior Adam Horvath, junior George Makricostas and senior Walker Morris.

Senior Ethan Secrist is healthy again and will lead Brooke’s experienced receiving corps.

“It’s a shame he missed most of junior year,” McLean said of E. Secrist.

“He’s 6-3 or 6-4, with good hands and speed. He’s someone colleges will be having a look at.”

Junior Aleksey Rasz, who moved to tight end in 2016 “out of necessity,” returns to a receiving spot along with senior Kenny Taylor, who as McLean noted “saw considerable time for us last season.”

Senior Tripp Moore, who transferred from Madonna, and senior Josh “Scrubs” Richie add depth at receiver.

McLean said Moore has been “impressive” as a newcomer to the Brooke program.

At quarterback, McLean reported the Bruins “have a competition going on right now.”

Involved in that competition are juniors Logan Williams and Gage Yost.

Both saw playing time in 2016. Yost passed for 867 yards and eight touchdowns while Williams threw for 456 yards and three scores.

“Logan had a growth spurt in the offseason and he’s turned things into a competition with Gage,” McLean noted.

See BRUINS Page 90

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Mac McLean

Assistant Coaches Paul Julio C.J. Besece Mario DiBias Chuck Taylor Doug Lamp Rich Henr y Ryan Scherich Chris Baldauf Zeke Farmer Jason Williamson Kent Kidder

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Moses is no stranger to Edison football

By ANDREW GRIMM For The Gridiron

RICHMOND — Nate Moses, Edison’s new football coach, is going to have his hands full, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Moses, 39, has been the boy’s basketball coach for the Wildcats for the past six seasons, leading Edison to a 13-7 season last season, and this year he’s adding head football coach to his resume, tasked with taking over the football program, which went 3-7 a season ago, after the abrupt resignation of former coach Derrick Stickles just 66 days before the Wildcats face off with East Liverpool to open the season on Aug. 25.

“Absolutely I’m still going to coach basketball in addition to football,” Moses said. “The plan is that once football finishes up, whenever that may be, the next day I’ll be back to working on coaching basketball. I’ve never coached two sports at the same time before, so this is definately going to be a transition time and adjustment for me.”

Moses has coached several sports for the school in the past, including football, but never two at the same time, something he says will be a unique but exciting challenge that he ready for.

“I have been in this district for about 16 years now,” Moses said. “I’ve coached just about every-

thing you can coach in that time, and been the head basketball coach for the last six years. I have coached football in the past, when I took over as the basketball coach I have kind of got out of it and focused more on that.

“Yes, it’s a very unique challenge, you can say that, but it’s a challenge that I’m really very excited about and really looking forward to.”

Taking over that late in the process poses its challenges, but according to Moses, there has already been improvement.

“The biggest challenge with taking over so late is learning some of the stregths and some of the weaknesses See MOSES Page 51

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2017 Schedule

Aug. 25 at East Liverpool Sept. 1 at Wellsville Sept. 8 Toronto Sept. 15 at Beaver Local Sept. 22 Union Local Sept. 29 at Oak Glen Oct. 6 at Harrison Central Oct. 14 at Steubenville Central Oct. 20 Buckeye Local Oct. 27 Indian Creek Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 23, 2017

Moses: Changes bringing new challenges

By AARON PETCHAL For The Gridiron

The Coaches

RICHMOND — The Edison football team is looking to the future, not the past.

This season, the Wildcats are under the guidance of first-year head coach Nate Moses.

“We are going to work hard,” Moses said. “The kids and the coaching staff are going to work hard and try to make the most out of every day. The key thing is to work hard and improve every day.”

Moses, who also is the head coach of the boys’ basketball team, was hired to take over the program after former head coach Derrick Stickles resigned July 20.

“The transition has been pretty smooth,” Moses said.

“I have got great guys around me. We all have the same goal, and we have kids who are willing to do whatever we ask.”

Edison ended last season with a record of 3-7 after it lost its final four games.

“I told the kids early on that anything that happened in the past is in the past,” Moses said. “We are not going to think about it, and we are not going to dwell on it. It doesn’t matter. We are going to focus on the present, and we are going to focus on the future. Last year is in the past and so is

yesterday.”

This season, the Wildcats will be without the services of 13 seniors who graduated in the spring.

Though Edison was hard hit by graduation, the Wildcats do return a good group of talented players. Edison has 34 players on the roster — seven seniors, 13 juniors, 12 sophomores and two freshmen. The seniors are Dustin Calhoun, Kenny Cranston, Tim McCoy, Hunter West, Dylan Haldamin, Zak Kestner and

Seth Cade.

“We have got a couple of transfers who are going to have to sit out the first five games, but who I think are really going to help us in the second half of the season,” Moses said.

“Kenny Cranston and Zak Kestner both transferred in.”

“We have our backfield back in Seth Cade and River Pappas,” Moses said. “We are going to rely on them on both sides of the ball. They are guys who have experience.

“We are young on the offensive line. We are going to work on continuing to get better there. We have some receivers who are quick, and they are guys we are going to have to get the ball to.

“I think we will have an interesting mesh of being able to run the ball as well as having good receivers on the outside.”

Cade collected 982 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground on 182 carries. He See WILDCATS Page 53

Aug. 23, 2017

51

2017 Roster

The Seniors

Seniors (7)

5...................... Kenny Cranston 11...................... Dustin Calhoun 14 .................... Dylan Haldamin 18 .......................... Hunter West 22.............................. Seth Cade 50 .......................... Zak Kestner 80 ............................Tim McCoy

From The Coach ...

“The kids and the coaching staff are going to work hard and try to make the most out of every day. The key thing is to work hard and improve every day.”

Moses of this team and some of these players in a short time, that’s challenge No. 1,” he said. “At the same time, I try not to look at it as a challenge because we still have guys on the staff who have been here and guys who have a lot of football coaching experience, so we are kind of looking to those guys to kind of get us going at the start here.

“I’m excited, our numbers

— Nate Moses

From Page 49

are up from where they were and the enthusiasm among the team is really coming around. I’m excited to see what these kids can do.”

The goal for Moses’ team is simple: Take it one game at a time and try to improve every week.

“My prediction for this season is that we are going to get better each and every day and get stronger as the season goes on.”

Juniors (13) 10 ............................ Devin Allan 19 .................... Kiethan Woods 20 ...................... Dakota Clifton 25 .................. Bryce McAfoose 33 ........................ River Pappas 54 .............................. Ben Kuntz 58 ............ Dominick Flenniken 62 .................. Logan Morrison 64 .................. Joey McCallister 67 ...................... Kaleb Briganti 73 ...................... Caleb Thorton 78 ................ Dominic Williams 85 ........................ Derek Rohall

Sophomores (12) 2 .......................... Noah Woods 4 .................... Kaleb Waggoner 9 ........................ Tristan Hughes 21 .................... Logan Hanchin 30 .................. Troy Hackathorn 32 .................... Austin Hanning 46 .......... Carter Montgomery 52 .................... Levi Waggoner 55 .................. Cody Waggoner 60 ...................... Lukas McCain 61 .......................... Blake Chesla 77 .................... Kaleb Morrison Freshmen (3) 1 ............................ Tyler Shrieve 29 ...................... Sean Sanchez 74 ........................ Jakob Fenske

Aug. 23, 2017

53

Wildcats also tallied 86 tackles, 49 of which were solo, and an interception as a linebacker.

Pappas produced 121 tackles, 67 of which were solo, three fumble recoveriers, two forced fumbles and two interceptions as a linebacker last season, while picking up 327 yards and six touchdowns on the ground on 90 carries.

As of the first week of August, many positions were still being determined.

“We are still competing every day,” Moses said. “Nothing is set in stone.

We are going to continue to evaluate individuals. We want to have the best 11 kids on both sides of the ball.”

The Wildcats are expected to have a variety of kids playing quarterback.

The list of players who may see time there are sophomore Noah Woods, Dakota Clifton and Cade.

“We are going to look at different things,” Moses said. “We are going to have different packages. We are going to do different things.

“We are trying to get things set. We want to put the kids into positions where we feel they will have success.”

Cade and Pappas led the way at running back, but Kaleb Waggoner and others also will rotate into the backfield.

Several players will have a chance to play at wide receiver. The list includes Bryce Mcafoose, Clifton, Waggoner, Woods and Derek Rohall.

Logan Hanchin will be the team’s main tight end.

“We will attach

him, or we will split him out,” Moses said.

Sophomore Troy Hackathorn is also in the mix at tight end.

Edison is young up front on the offensive line. Ben Kuntz is expected to be the center with the two guards being Cody Waggoner and Levi Waggoner.

Kaleb Morrison and Lukas McCain are in the mix as well as a group of other players.

After years of running a spread offense, the Wildcats went to more of a ground-and-pound attack last season.

“This year it is going to be a combination of the two,” Moses said. “Nothing is set in stone. We want to look dynamic and we want to be able to do different things.”

Defensively, the Wildcats want to be more aggressive this season.

Cody Waggoner, Kaleb Briganti, Kaleb Morrison and McCain are all expected to see time on the line, and Kuntz, Logan Morrison and Blake Chesla are expected to see time at defensive end.

Pappas and Cade are the top two guys at linebacker. Hanchin and Levi Waggoner are also in the mix at the position.

“We are thin at linebacker,” Moses said.

Several players are battling it out for spots in the secondary. That list includes Kaleb Waggoner, Clifton, Devin Allan, Rohall and Woods. Moses said he did not know who would be playing the cornerback and safety positions.

“We are

From Page 50

mixing and matching right now,” he said.

Sophomore Carter Montgomery, who also plays on the boys’ soccer team, will kick off and kick extra points.

Woods is in the mix at punter.

Kuntz will serve as the team’s long snapper, and multiple players are in the mix to be the team’s holder.

Kaleb Waggoner, Clifton and Mcafoose are in the mix to return kicks and punts.

“We have return by committee right now,” Moses said. “We are going to have different guys out there.”

Edison has spent the early part of practice trying to find the best players to put out onto the field.

“Once we get our best 11 guys out onto the field on both sides of the ball, I think speed will be one of our strengths,” Moses said. “One of our weaknesses will be our offensive line.

That’s not because we don’t have talent, it’s just that we don’t have a lot of experience there. They don’t have a lot of experience playing on Friday nights and playing in front of everybody.”

Some of the team’s veterans are being counted on to provide leadership for the team.

“Seth leads by example,” Moses said. “He is not a guy who says a whole lot. He just puts his head down and gets to work. Kuntz is the leader up front.

River Pappas is a leader. He is our vocal leader, while Seth is our quiet leader.”

This season Moses will be assisted

by Spencer Bendle, Ed Weidger, Shane O’Brien, Mike Collopy, Jim Marcus and Mark Smyth, Melissa Hudson, Jacob Hudson and Josh Waggoner.

“They have been a great help,”

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Nate Moses Assistant Coaches Spencer Bendle Shane O’Brien

Josh Waggoner Jim Marcus

Mark Smyth

Melissa Hudson Jacob Hudson

See WILDCATS Page 106

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all of our skilled guys on both sides of the ball. Jaden (Glenn) is the only one returning in the skilled position defensively.

Offensively, we only have Ethan Travis returning.”

Replacing Collins at quarterback is priority No. 1.

Collins completed 58 passes for 766 yards and six touchdowns, but his leadership was the mind-blowing stat not seen on paper.

“The way it works out, there may be a single kid who emerges from that spot

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“We have a really enthusiastic young group of kids in the program. One of the things we really worked on this year is applying ourselves in the offseason with self-discipline, mental attitude and putting in the work in order to be competitive,” Arneault said. “Our kids have responded to that so far.

“There was just a little bit of time last year to establish the offseason culture. I think we finally got a full year to grow and bond. I think one of the biggest differences

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NEW CUMBERLAND — Even with 10 seniors on Oak Glen’s roster for the upcoming season, the Golden Bears are starting fresh on and off the field.

After an underachieving 2-8 record a season ago, second-year head coach Ted Arneault knows this year will be a challenge early on.

It’s just a matter of improving week after week to achieve their goals. That’s all Oak Glen can do at this point.

“We have a lot of fresh faces, and everybody’s excited to get started,” Arneault said. “I think we’ll be a culturally different football team this year. I’m very impressed with how the kids applied themselves in the offseason. We’re not going to be the most experienced team, but I think that will work to our benefit, and I think we’ll get better as the year goes on.”

Arneault looked to Dominic Price, Lance Collins and others last year to lead.

With them out, the skilled positions are up for grabs.

Until they are filled, Arneault will lean on his offensive and defensive lines.

He also knows that whatever happens this season, it won’t be because a lack of effort.

The Coaches

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For The Gridiron

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Aug. 25 Weir Sept. 2 at Steubenville Central Sept. 8 Buckeye Local Sept. 23 Warren Local Sept. 29 Edison Oct. 6 at East Liverpool Oct. 13 at Harrison Central Oct. 20 Fairmont East Oct. 27 at Beaver Local Nov. 3 at Wheeling Central

By JOE CATULLO

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2017 Schedule

Arneault: We finally got a full year to grow and bond

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2017 Roster

The Seniors

From The Coach ...

“I think we’ll be a culturally different football team this year. I’m very impressed with how the kids applied themselves in the offseason.”

— Ted Arneault Jr.

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Seniors (10) 9 .......................... Jaden Glenn 11 ........................ Mac Enriquez 13...................... Collin Williams 36 .................. William Straight 55 ...................... Mathias Cook 58 ........................ Joe Durante 62...................... Noah Toomey 66 .................................. Ty Biela 77 .......................... Tony Minnis 81 ........................ Gus Weekley Junior s (8) 6........................Hunter Skeeles 12 ....................Jackson Chaney 27 ............................Blake Almo 56 ......................Kellen Tropeck 60 ............................Cam Oulds 64 ..................Logan Meadows 70 ..........................Cole English 83 ..........................Ethan Travis Sophomores (5) 2 .......................... Jake McCoy 6 .................... Hunter Skeeles 20 .................... Shawn Moore 27 .......................... Blake Almo 56 .................... Kellen Tropeck 60 ................ Cameron Oulds

Freshmen (17) 1 .................. Brayden Mineard 3 .......................... Chase Smith 4 .................. Hunter Patterson 5...................... Gage Patterson 7 ............................ Evan Geisse 18 ........................ Nich Chaney 20 .................. Paxton Shuman 40 ............................ Ethan Hurl 45 ...................... Camron Reed 51 ...................... Ethan Hooker 51 ...................... Danny Bealles 53.................. Matthew Mallick 67.................... Kyle OáConnor 74.................. Chantz Dopudja 78 .................... William Minnis 80 ...................... Jeremy Taylor 88 .......................... Jerone Dea

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Bears

or a committee of kids,” Arneault said. “We have kids with various skill sets, and are strong in certain areas, so there may be moments where we have to use different kids in certain situations.”

Glenn is competing for starting quarterback along with junior Hunter Skeeles and freshman Nick Chaney.

Even when Arneault finds his guy or guys to take the snaps, his offensive scheme is designed for running.

“We’ll probably be a 60 percent running team, but we have to be able to throw the ball,” he said. “We need kids to make plays on third down. We’ll have no problem throwing it on first down. We have to make it a part of our game.”

The running game could be a committee of backs with various skills. Oak Glen only rushed for 692 yards last year, 500 from Price alone. Price also only reached the end zone two times. Seniors William Straight and Collin Williams

From Page 56

are leading the charge, while juniors Blake Almo and Michael Lemley are not far behind.

Williams is competing for time as a fullback, even though that position will basically just be a second running back. Senior Gus Weekley also is in the mix.

Another skilled player who needs to be replaced is Chase Crago. He caught 36 passes for 527 yards and five scores. The Golden Bears may look to give their senior tight end, Travis, a few more touches. Senior Mac Enriquez and sophomore Zach Taylor are two receivers competing for touches as well.

Whether it’s rushing or passing, Oak Glen’s strength is at the line, with three returning starters. Three-year starter Mathias Cook leads the group along with two more returning starters in junior Cam Oulds and senior Ty Biela. Oulds switched from center to guard, while Biela is at tackle. Senior See BEARS Page 95

Back and what didn’t work.

That’s important.”

Arneault said one of his goals going into last year at Oak Glen was to make the transition as smooth as possible for the kids.

“As soon as the season progressed, I realized that wasn’t going to happen,” he said. “That, I think, was because there wasn’t a comfort level for the kids to fall back upon. By that I mean the ways we handled situations were different from our predecessors.”

Hicks said he plans to chart a bit of a different course with how things are done this year.

“I’m not the type to say ‘This is the way we’ve always done it,’” he said.

“I’ve been afforded a great opportunity here to study and learn and, hopefully, get better.

“But, it’s always about the kids and the program along with the people in the program who care about the program. That’s what is most important to me.”

59

From Page 33

Both coaches were hired in the spring of 2016 and didn’t get a lot of time to spend with their charges through the off-season like veteran coaches do.

“This year, we started our 2017 season in December of 2016, and I think we’ve been able to mold a lot better team atmosphere to fit the personalities of the players,” he explained. “ Together, we’re redefining the culture at Oak Glen. It is more of a family atmosphere.

“We’re defining what it takes to get to the playoffs and even what to do when we don’t get there. We challenged each other over the winter on a lot of those types of things along with getting bigger and stronger in the weight room. I think this will make the team better than last year in a good way.”

Hicks looks to remold the Blue Dons, which have not had much success on the gridiron since the 2013 state championship season, into See BACK Page 95

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Ted Arneault Jr. Assistant Coaches John Lear y

Ted Arneault Sr. Ethan Delekta Justin Lipps

Brian Cunningham

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Aug. 23, 2017

2017 Schedule Aug. 25 at Shadyside Sept. 1 Bridgeport Sept. 8 at Edison Local Sept. 15 Southern Local Sept. 22 at Leetonia Sept. 29 Columbiana Oct. 6 Lisbon Oct. 13 at East Palestine Oct. 20 United Oct. 27 at Wellsville

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Meek expects a lot from ‘a great group of kids’

By AARON PETCHAL For The Gridiron

The Coaches

TORONTO — The Toronto football team has established itself as a quality program, and though they are a youthful bunch this season, the Red Knights hope to continue their winning ways and make it to the postseason for the fourth straight season for the second time in school history.

“We’ve got a great group of kids,” Toronto head coach Eric Meek said. “We have a lot of kids out for football. We have 47 kids.

That is a tremendous number for a little Division VII school.

“Football has come under attack in the media. It is a tough game. It is a hard game. We put our kids through a lot in June and July, and they become no longer boys but young men.

“Football is a tough a game. It is a great game.

“We have an extremely young team this year. We only have six seniors, but they are good seniors. They have played a lot of football.

We also have kids who have not played a lot of football, but they will play hard.

“The kids are a very close group.

“Our schedule is definitely challenging this year.

We open up with Shadyside.

They have a lot of kids

back. They aren’t the team you want to play early in the season with only having six seniors. It is a case of David vs. Goliath. We are going to get on the bus and go down there with a bunch of young kids looking to pull off the upset and, hopefully, get the season off on the right foot.”

Max Tice (running back/linebacker), Danny Zdinak (running back/safety), Dylan Warren (offensive/defensive line), Ben Davis (offensive/defensive line), Daniel Braniff (fullback/linebacker), Dustin Henry (offensive/de-

fensive line), Ty West (wide receiver/defensive back), Thomas Fordham (running back/linebacker), Joe Obrien (fullback/linebacker) and Griffin Allison (offensive/defensive line) all graduated and left holes on the field that need to be filled.

Toronto ended last season with a record of 8-3. The Red Knights advanced to the state playoffs for the third straight season, however, Toronto’s season came to a close against Warren JFK for the second straight season as the Eagles defeated the Red Knights, 38-

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0, in an Ohio Division VII Region 25 first round game.

Warren JFK went on to the win the state championship.

“Last year, we went 8-3, and we lost two games during the regular to two great teams — in Shadyside and River — in two great games,” Meek said. “The games could have gone either way.

“We were not challenged in most of our other games.

Those games were over by midway through the third quarter.

See RED KNIGHTS Page 65

Aug. 23, 2017

63

2017 Roster

The Seniors

Seniors (6) 2...................... Nathan Keenan 18.......................... Jake Keenan 21 .................. Juston Patterson 51 ............................ Luke Fogle 55...................... Avery Watkins 66 ...................... Kanne Larkins

Juniors (10) 4 ...................... Nathan Karaffa 5 .......................... Kobe Herrick 12................................ Travis Hill 33 ...................... Carson Meek 45 ...................... Nick Sninchak 58 ........................ Trent Wright 60 ........................ Seth Watkins 74 ............................ Joe Shook 75.......................... Travis Stoica 76 ...................... Justin Haynes

From The Coach ...

“We have a lot of kids out for football. We have 47 kids. That is a tremendous number for a little Division 7 school.”

— Eric Meek

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Sophomores (12) 3 .................... Brendan Matyas 7 ............................ Jesse Fulton 8 ...................... Tristan Thomas 9 .............................. Kyre Smith 13 ........................ Dylan Bozica 15 ................ Zach Stackhouse 20 ........................ Frank Fulton 62 .......................... Isaac Miller

63........ Shane Van Steenburg 69............................ Zac Berger 72.................. Cameron Garcia 77 .......... DáAndre Thompson

Freshmen (19) 1 ........................ Garrett Dozier 6 ...................... Nathan Haines 10 ...................... Caleb Leasure 11 .......................... Jack Rawson 14 ................ Bryson Anderson 19 ........................ Jo Jo Savage 22 .................. Doug Whitman 24........................ Brant Reeves 25 ...................... Devin Corrao 28 .......................... Evan Roche 30.............................. Zac Close 31 ............................ BJ Pearson 34.......................... Chris Parker 53 ........................ Ryan Matyas 54 .................. Daniel Quaynar 57...................... Jayden Oleksy 64 .................. Michael Tizzani 70 .................... Aaron Andress 71 ........................ Dylan Scalise

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Red Knights “Then in the playoffs, we ran into a real-tough team. We had a real-bad draw. We ran into Warren JFK — the best team in the state in Division VII — in the first round.

“We have made the playoffs three years in a row, and in the last seven years we have been building the program and building up the numbers.

“We have some inexperienced players, but I think the future is very bright.

“I think we can have a winning year.

We have some talent. These kids love playing football at Toronto.”

The boys from the Gem City lost a lot of talented players from last season’s roster, but the cupboard is not bare for the Red Knights.

“We are as young as any team I have coached in 22 years ... very few kids have varsity experience, but our kids are winners and I’m confident they will mature and improve as the season progresses,” Meek said. “We enter the newly formed Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference and it will be very tough.

Our goal is simple: Continue the tradition we’ve built and get back to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.”

The Red Knights do return 11 starters/lettermen from last year’s team — Jake Keenan (wide receiver/defensive back), Luke Fogle (offensive

guard/defensive tackle), Avery Watkins (center/defensive tackle), Nathan Karaffa (quarterback/defensive back), Trent Wright (offensive guard/inside linebacker), Carson Meek (tight end), Nick Sninchak (tight end), Zac Berger (special teams), Zach Stackhouse (special teams) and Juston Patterson.

Nathan Keenan, Jake Keenan, Patterson, Fogle, Watkins and Kanne Larkins are the team’s six seniors this season.

I think this is Nathan Keenan’s fourth year in the program,” Coach Meek said. “Juston Patterson is back.

He contributed early last season.”

“I think our strength is our culture and our program,” coach Meek said.

“We went three days a week in June and July, and the kids were there every day unless I knew in advance they weren’t going to be. They showed up.

They are great kids to be around. The coaching staff loves them like they are our own children.

“Kids are still going to be kids, but we will be there to guide them, to teach them and show them the right way to do things. We really have a great group of kids here at Toronto. I have got a great group of assistant coaches. We have a great group of young men.”

Offensively, the Red Knights scored

From Page 62

at least 30 points in nine of their 11 games last season.

Karaffa, a junior, will once again start at quarterback for Toronto. Last season, Karaffa completed 73 of 127 passes for 1,155 yards and 11 touchdowns to go along with four interceptions. He also ran the ball 60 times for 273 yards and four touchdowns.

“He is a tremendous athlete,” Meek said. “He can do a lot of things. He loves to compete. We have 47 players on the team and we have a young team, and he is going to be the leader.

Nathan gets better every time he steps on the field. He is a tremendous athlete. He plays three sports. He is comfortable under pressure. He is cool and collected. He loves to compete.

“He led the team to 444 points in the regular season last year. He did it running and obviously throwing. He is tremendously fast. He makes good decisions. He is going to be big for us the next two years.”

Caleb Leasure will be the backup.

Carson Meek and Tristan Thomas will be the top two guys at the fullback position with B.J. Pearson and Chris Parker also vying for time.

The top guys at the slot receiver position are Jake Keenan, Patterson and Herrick. Also competing for time are See RED KNIGHTS Page 112

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Eric Meek

Assistant Coaches Jason Fogle Jerr y Vinci Al Johnson Steven Rebich Matt Karaffa John Parker A J Hunt Dave Dozier Rick Hlivko Bob Unger Bill Meek

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For Pierro, keeping it in the family is key Anthony coached four of his children in the Steubenville football program

By ED LOOMAN For The Gridiron

STEUBENVILLE—It’s certainly not unusual for a high school coach to mentor his or her own child. Perhaps even two children or maybe three.

But….four?

Anthony Pierro is beginning his 31st season as an assistant football coach for Big Red — he started as the running backs coach before becoming defensive coordinator in 1994. It also will be his final campaign with a son on the SHS roster.

“It’s been a great ride and the experiences have all been mostly good,” said Pierro, a Slippery Rock graduate who is a learning disabilities teacher for the city school system. “It’s great to have a job that’s allowed me to be around my sons.

“Most working parents only get to see their children a few hours each day. I’ve been able to spend plenty of time with my sons. I consider myself very fortunate to have had that opportunity.”

The Pierro years started with Anthony, the oldest son of Coach P, as he’s known around the Big Red football program, and his wife, Gina.

He graduated in 2011.

Then came JoJo, a 2012

graduate and the fourth leading rusher in SHS football history. Bryan was next, earning his diploma in 2014. Last, but not certainly not least, is Gino, who will start in the defensive backfield this season and is an honor student.

“Our oldest (Ralph Anthony) is named after my father,” Coach P noted.

“Joseph Peter was named after Gina’s dad. Bryan Charles is a combination of my mother’s maiden name and my middle name.

“When our youngest arrived, Gina wanted to name him Mathew Vincent so his initials would be MVP. But I wanted to name him after her—that’s why we spell it Gino.”

The Pierro brothers saw action on both sides of the ball and all were defensive backs for their father.

“They all were defensive backs and, of course, Gino will be in our defensive secondary this season,” said Coach P. “JoJo really didn’t see much time on the defensive side until his senior season (during his final campaign in a Big uniform, JoJo Pierro rushed for 1,036 yards and added another Contributed 422 receiving). We try not Anthony Pierro is in his 31st year as a football coach at Big Red. The 2017 season will mark his to use our tailbacks on de- final season for coaching one of his four sons. Coach P and his sons are shown here in a picture fense unless we really need taken several years ago during Big Red’s annual media day. Young Anthony is shown to the

right of his father with JoJo on his left. Bryan is holding the football, and Gino, who will be a de-

See FAMILY Page 85 fensive back for Big Red this season, is seated on his dad’s knee.

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Standings nothing you can do about it at that point. We always say put it in the vault and close it up.”

“Losing is a great indicator of future success,” Hicks said. “There are so many lessons that can be taught in losing. It’s okay to lose; it’s okay to fail as long as you don’t quit and continue to move forward and continue to make yourself better each and every day. Small, daily improvements are what can turn into the big things.”

“It’s a good problem when you win,” Meek said. “It wasn’t too long ago where we struggled getting first downs and touchdowns.

Sometimes people get spoiled when you win because they just expect you to keep winning and winning and winning. You also can’t win at any cost. It’s still high school football, and it’s an educational process. We’re building young men for tomorrow.”

EASIER AND HARDER One would think winning makes a coach’s life easier.

His job is safe for many years to come — just ask Saccoccia. He’s entering his 37th season with Big Red. “Winning is addictive to people that do it. Believe me, I want to win as bad as anybody sitting in the stands or anybody else,” McLean said.

“If you’re not starting out with your ultimate goal of winning, you shouldn’t be a coach.”

However, winning year in and year out sets the bar

From Page 17

The Oak Glen Golden Bears take the football field in a 2016 game against county-rival Weir.

high. A 7-3 or 6-4 season could be a major setback. It just depends what school one’s at.

“When I got to Harrison Central, they never had a winning season,” Kropka said. “In my first year, we ended up being the first winning team. Last year we went 7-3, just missed the playoffs, and everybody was kind of mad. It’s just a funny thing; it’s a double-edged sword.

Winning is great, but the expectations go up, and you have to keep feeding that monster. The expectations of when I got here to now are worlds apart.”

“Let’s say you take over Steubenville or just a perennial winner in general,” Buckeye Local head coach Robert Herbert said. “Everyone absolutely expects you to win. I’ve been dealt a hand where we’re taking steps. As long as people stay patient, the wins will come. As far as

winning making a job easier or harder, losing makes it harder because you’re always figuring out how to make your team better.”

On the flip side, losing sets the bar low. It’s really easy to say a coach is doing poorly if his team continues losing.

Buckeye Local hired its third head coach in the last three years and currently owns a 22-game losing streak. A 1-9 record at the very least looks immensley better than 0-10.

“I think it just comes down to attitude. I don’t see these guys as an 0-20 team,” Herbert said. “I just think we have to learn to win. Losing can snowball as well.

You just have to fight your way out of the bag to get it going again.”

Losing makes everything harder. It adds

pressure from the surrounding fan base and others involved. It certainly doesn’t make life easier.

“I think it’s a little bit of both,” Hicks said. “If you’re winning, your expectation level of your program, yourself, your coaches, your support staff and all of your fans is very high. You obviously want to be in that bracket.

There’s a certain amount of pressure that’s added in. On the other part, if you’re not winning, that’s what we’re here to do, so there’s pressure in that way. It’s two different kinds of stress.”

“When I came back to Weir High to rebuild this program, we had an 0-10 season,” Filberto said. “As far as dealing with the people, they didn’t have high ex-

Michael D. McElwain

pectations. Losing is very hard on coaches, kids and teams in general. When there are expectations, you need to meet those expectations.

Winning is a whole lot better than losing.”

IS LOSING VITAL? Rebuilding or underachieving seasons equals losing, for the most part.

Fans, players and coaches just hope their team can quickly turn it around. Did those teams have to lose in order to win? Do freshmen and sophomores have to lose to achieve greatness? Are they behind in life if they always win?

“I once worked for one of the finest coaches in the Ohio Valley. He said ‘One thing you learn from losing is how to lose,’” Filberto said.

“There are some positives in there because you figure out See COACHES Page 98

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Harrison Central Huskies

70

Aug. 23, 2017

2017 Schedule Aug. 26 at East Hardy* Sept. 1 Clev. Rhodes Sept. 8 Bellaire Sept. 15 Union Local Sept. 22 at Martins Ferry Sept. 29 at St. Clairsville Oct. 6 Edison Oct. 13 Oak Glen Oct. 20 River View Oct. 27 at Buckeye Local *7:30 p.m. kickoff

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Kropka: We want to be competitive for the postseason

By SETH STASKEY For The Gridiron

The Coaches

CADIZ — There are certainly a lot of things to be excited about as it pertains to Harrison Central football.

But head coach Justin Kropka, who is entering his 13th season at the helm, prefers to temper the excitement and simply focus on the process because he knows there’s a long way to go.

Though many of the faces will be different on the field this season, Kropka admitted the goals and approach do not change.

“We’ve gotten (this program) to the point where we want to be competitive for postseason berths,” Kropka said. “Last year, I think we would have made the playoffs in any other region except the one we were in, so we’ve done a good job of putting ourselves in the hunt.

But, we just want to work as hard as we can each day and we’ll see how things shake out.”

Though he tries his best to keep his excitement on an even keel, one area where Kropka simply hasn’t been able to do that is over the upgrades at Wagner Field.

Obviously, breaking in seven new starters on offense and defense has led to some anxious moments. However, the excitement surrounding the new artificial turf has

helped to ease the anxiety.

The project, which had been talked about or hoped for for several years, came to fruition this spring and Kropka is still pinching himself each time he steps foot on the field.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for a facility like this,” Kropka said. “It’s always a nice thing as a coach to see one of your long-term goals through. I feel like I can exhale now.”

After 12 consecutive years of loading up a bus for Scio for two-a-day practices, the Huskies held their entire

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“Any time there’s something that’s done for a program or your team that’s going to outlast you, how can you ask for anything else?”

Kropka said. “I was blown away by how nice it looked when it was finished because I was just so-so on the gray when we first started talking about it, but (basketball coach) Justin Clifford actually sold me on it. Now that I see it, I am definitely glad we went that route.”

Though the Huskies played both of their scrim-

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mages — against Wheeling Park and John Marshall — on the new field, they’ll officially christen it for football a week from Friday against Cleveland Rhodes.

“Everyone’s still letting it all sink in,” Kropka said of the field. “It’s been great football-wise and it’s also been great for morale, too.

This is really something for the kids, school and community to be proud of.”

One thing Kropka wishes was that more kids were out to take advantage of the footSee HUSKIES Page 73

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Aug. 23, 2017

71

2017 Roster

The Seniors

From The Coach ...

“We’ve gotten (this program) to the point where we want to be competitive for postseason berths.”

— Justin Kropka

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73

Huskies

ball field, but he realizes he can only control so much.

“Our numbers are way lower than they’ve been in my tenure,” Kropka said. “But, if you coach high school football long enough, you’re going to see the big and small of it in terms of numbers. We’ll make the most of it. It can be challenging at times because sometimes you have to fit square pegs into round holes, but we’ll figure out how to get the best 11 kids on the field.”

The Huskies’ roster features just 40 players, and some of those have been slowed by injuries and such already during the preseason.

On top of the smaller roster size, graduation took a toll as 13 players on last year’s roster collected their diplomas in May. Included among the graduates were OVAC All-Star Game participants Jesse Ball and Brenton Stull.

Other graduation losses included Grant Sproul, Shaun Logsdon, Kyle Roberts, Tyler Carter, Jacob Barr, Logan Starr, Malcom Boyer, Nevada Kuryn, Clay Gilliam, Logan Smith and Lance Smith.

“Those kids who graduated weren’t just good players, but they were wonderful kids to coach,” Kropka said. “I enjoyed every minute we spent together.

Some of those guys were pressed into duty as sophomores, so they were like having extra coaches on the field. We’re going to really miss those guys.”

Add up those graduation losses along

with a few players who decided not to come out for the team and the Huskies are in the market to replace seven starters on both sides of the ball. Not only has it created more inexperienced spots, but it’s also taken an obvious toll on the team’s depth.

“We’ve been able to stay relatively injury free the last few years and we’ll need to do that again,” Kropka said.

“We are razor thin in some spots, but if we stay healthy, I believe we can be competitive with basically anyone we play again.”

A bit more emphasis was put on the aforementioned scrimmages as Kropka and his staff wanted to see their players get as much game action as possible and for evaluation of so many new faces.

“We wanted to see who can really (play),” Kropka said. “Obviously, we’ve seen them play in reserve games and such, but you’re still not sure what’s going to happen in an actual game until they get in there and have to do it. Different kids react differently when the lights come on. Each year it seems like we have a surprise or two in the scrimmages.”

Though Kropka doesn’t plan to shift to the spread offensive attack, he does think his team will be more of a finese group than it’s been in years past.

“We have a lot of speed and we want to get our guys in space,” Kropka said.

“We’ve done a good job of being versatile on offense in the past and we’ve been able to score a lot of points the last

From Page 70

several years. We’ll see what our identity is, but our system gives us the ability to be versatile.”

The Huskies’ offense does feature some explosiveness as well as experience in some of the skill spots.

At quarterback, senior Wyatt Elias (61, 245) returns after a solid junior campaign. He threw for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns against just four interceptions. He also rushed for eight scores a season ago.

“Wyatt has the perfect demeanor to play quarterback because nothing bothers him,” Kropka said. “If he throws an 80-yard touchdown or five straight interceptions, he reacts the same. That’s good to have on the field. He’s worked on some little things and he’s a step faster. We’re excited to have him back.”

Sophomore Mark Smith (5-11, 160) is one of the backups for Elias.

Junior Tyler West (5-10, 170) exploded onto the scene last season, putting forth an All-Eastern District campaign from the tailback spot. Despite being slowed by an ankle injury in the middle portion of the season, West rushed for 1,447 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 10 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns.

“We can be very versatile with how we use Tyler,” Kropka said. “He’s not a big kid, but he runs the ball hard. We know he’s going to be a marked man (by opposing defenses), but he’s prepared for that. He’s put on some good

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Justin Kropka

Assistant Coaches

See HUSKIES Page 106

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75

Herbert embraces coaching challenge

By ANDREW GRIMM For The Gridiron

RAYLAND — The Buckeye Local Panthers have had three coaches in the last three seasons, and they, as well as new head coach Roger Herbert, hope that the third time is the charm in order to turn around a struggling program that owns a 22-game losing streak.

“When I first got here, a lot of people told me I was crazy for taking over an 022 program,” Herbert said.

“The community and the school and the staff have been more than supportive.

Everything I’ve asked for I’ve gotten. For me, it’s the perfect challenge. To me, it’s a perfect spot; there’s only one way to go from here and that’s up.

“I accept the challenge.

I’m here more than I’m required to be and my wife has been here doing things, and my family is here and we’re diving into this with both feet to get this turned around.”

Although being the third different coach the junior and senior class has been led by presents challenges, Herbert says the team has welcomed him and his ideas.

“When I first came in I apologized to the kids, especially the seniors, because I was the third guy in a row that was giving them the same speach,” he said.

“They had heard it was going to be different and this and that before. One of the things I told them is I’m going to give them respect off the start, but I didn’t want them to just give me respect. I wanted to earn their respect. So far everybody seems to be on the same page. They are doing what we are asking them to do. Overall they’ve taken me in as well as I’ve taken them in, so I’m pretty happy with it so far.”

While he is new to Buck-

“There are some culture things we have to change and it won’t happen today or tomorrow.

It takes time, but there are some good, athletic kids here. We absolutely believe. The coaches and myself talk a lot about this, that our biggest problem is confidence.”

— Roger Herbert

eye Local, Herbert is no stranger to coaching. In fact, he’s been doing it for quite some time in a wide vareity of positions and sports for Union Local, where he also played during his high school days.

“I’ve been coaching football probably since I was 20,” he said. “I graduated from UL in ‘97 and started out as a freshman coach for coach O (Jake Olsavsky).

When I got moved to the varsity staff, I stayed on the varisty staff under coach (Mark) Cisar until he left in 2012.

“I’ve been out of football since then, but I was the head softball coach at UL for six years, and I also did wrestling and other stuff all at UL. Even before that, right out of high school I coached JV baseball at Beallsville and at Fairfield Union in Lancaster as a varisty baseball assistant.

I’ve done coaching since I was 18 and I’m 38 now, so I guess I’m pushing the 20year mark now.”

One thing that has stuck out to Herbert already, even before his team has taken a snap, is how tight-knit the community surrounding the Panthers is, something he said he got used to during his days with the Jets and has made the transition smooth and comfortable.

“It’s kind of neat. I’ll stop at the Dollar General on my way home or a couple different places like that and people recognize me. I obviously don’t know as many

poeple as I want to yet, but everywhere I go people have embraced me and my staff and my wife and kids.” he said. “People here in the district want a winner. It’s the same kind of community as what I’m used to at UL, where it’s spread out and five or six different towns make up one area. We’ve got to bring that community back together, and I hate to say it, but the football team is one of those things that can get everyone back on the same page and, hopefully, that’s something we can bring to the table.”

The biggest goal for Herbert and his club in his first season is not going to be all about wins and losses, but rather just competing every down of every game and letting the record take care of itself, something he said he thinks it struggled with in the past and the people in the community want to see improve.

“Believe it or not when I first got here a lot of people told me, ‘just win one game,’ but that really isn’t what our goal is,” Herbert said. “I don’t like putting the goal in wins and losses. Last year, I think they were just not very competitive. I told the kids even before watching film and not really knowing them that our goal is effort. Watching the film, there were times last year when they quit. There were a few games where they started out and a couple things went wrong and they

Buckeye Local head coach, Roger Herbert poses during the team’s media day.

just quit. We’ve got to fix that. That’s my first goal.

“Everybody can put a number on it and say 10-0 or not 0-10, but not me. I think we can win more games than most folks give us credit for, and I know we’ll be the underdog in every game this year, but that’s OK. That’s how it works and deservedly so for right now. If we fix the effort problem, the wins and losses will take care of themselves. I’ve had people tell me they don’t care if we win, they just want to see our team compete for four quarters. They know they’re trying, but they want to see the kids try hard from the first whistle to the last whistle and play hard 100 percent of the time. Our whole motto this year is effort. If you play hard and get beat you get beat, but we can’t

quit.”

While he ackowldeges a turnaround is not something that will happen overnight, he says he sees talent and potential already.

“There are some athletes here, there really are,” he said. “There are some culture things we have to change and it won’t happen today or tomorrow. It takes time, but there are some good, athletic kids here. We absolutely believe. The coaches and myself talk a lot about this, that our biggest problem is confidence. The kids need to learn how to win. For whatever reason, with three different coaches, they haven’t. We’ve got to win some small battles.

They had two or three games last year I think they could have won, but for whatever reason they didn’t, so we have to fix that.”

Buckeye Local Panthers

76

Aug. 23, 2017

2017 Schedule Aug. 24 at Martins Ferry Sept. 1 Union Local Sept. 8 at Oak Glen Sept. 15 at Indian Creek Sept. 22 Bellaire Sept. 29 at John Marshall Oct. 6 Beaver Local Oct. 13 East Liverpool Oct. 20 at Edison Oct. 27 Harrison Central

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Herbert interested in the future of the program

By RICK DeLUCA For The Gridiron

YORKVILLE — There is no hiding the lackluster numbers on the gridiron during the past few years at Buckeye Local.

Included are a 2-38 record during the past four years, a current losing streak that has reached 22 games and an exodus of some followers that may have given up hope.

Enter new head coach Roger Herbert and a new coaching staff and a group of young players that believes it’s time to get the Panther football program back on track.

Herbert’s first go-around as a head football coach is one that few wanted to conquer. The former Union Local assistant is well aware of the past, but much more interested in the future of Buckeye Local football.

“The biggest thing right now is teaching the kids how to win,” an optimistic yet realistic coach Herbert said. “They have been down for some time and I’m sure they read the media and are aware they are being told that Buckeye is the doormat in the valley. Hopefully, those days are over.”

“It’s going to take a while. I’ve made no bones about it, this isn’t going to happen today or tomorrow,”

The Coaches

the new Panther coach added. “The biggest thing we preach this year is effort.

I think a lot of kids took plays off last year and didn’t give the effort they needed to and maybe that comes from us as a staff to instill that in them.”

Herbert also is aware that Panther football has produced seven playoff qualifiers and four OVAC champions, the last of each coming in 2009. In the 28th season of Buckeye Local football, Herbert comes in as the school’s eighth head coach and ninth change overall. More importantly, he is the third head coach

the school has had in three years.

“These kids have had three coaches in three years, but I’m planning to be here, well, forever,” the personable coach stressed. “And, I think the one thing these kids need now is some continuity. They need to be able to work with the same system at all levels from the junior high to the varsity level. That is important to bringing the program back.”

Herbert has brought in a new staff, returning only Neil Zaccignini, whose only other season was last year on then-coach John Holman’s staff. He will serve as

FELLOWS

the defensive coordinator.

Mike Flowers has come on board as the offensive coordinator. Filling out the staff are Lee Heisler, Kyle Solar, Doug Sabo and Dylan Stickler.

Buckeye Local’s cast of graduated seniors includes a few who put up some respectable numbers including Jared Moore, who finished high on the charts as a career passer, ending third with 2,057 career yards, first in attempts and second in completions. He and fellow grad Sean Millard combined for 1,145 passing See PANTHERS Page 79

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Aug. 23, 2017

77

2017 Roster

The Seniors

Seniors (12)

5............................ David Zanes 7 .............................. Troy Perkin 15........................ Josh Dulesky 20.......................... John Marelli 23.................. William Hopkins 32 .................... Kaden Weaver 44 ........................ Cody Griffith 72 .......................... Matt Barsch 74.................... Luka Dickerson 75 .............. Jeremiah Seamen 79 ................................ Luke Bell 88 .................... Ashten Antigo

Juniors (12)

From The Coach ...

“The biggest thing we preach this year is effort. I think a lot of kids took plays off last year and didn’t give the effort they needed to and maybe that comes from us as a staff to instill that in them.”

— Roger Herbert

10.................... Shane Christian 19 .............................. Jeff Lucas 21 ...................... Colton Hilliard 36 ........................ Dylan Mayle 50 ...................... Gage Kornetti 52 ............................ Ben Bailey 68 ............................ Dylan Weir 77................................ Joe Reed 81 ........................Dustin Dicola 86.................... Kris Kendjorsky 95 ............................ Nick Jones K ........................ Austin Farmer

Sophomores (17)

2 .................... Max Kendjorsky 3 ........................ JoJo Majewski 4.......................... Charlie Smith 8 .......................... Ethan Powell 11 .................. Seth Richardson 13 .......................... Gino Barber 28 ........................ Austin White 29 ........................ Walker Doty 30 ............................ Jack Reese 45 ........................ Andrew Toto 49 ...................... Nathan Kovac 53 ................ Logan Charnock 56.............................. Sam Sabo 59 .......................... Zac Cesario 69 .................... Garrett Cesario 84 .................. Corben Westfall 99................................ Seth Bird

Freshmen (8)

6...................... Bryan Palmer Jr 9 .................... Austin Langford 24 ........................ Jacob Zanes 27 .................... Tyler Donahue 42 .................... Alexio Morales 64 ................ Nathan Brookins 67.................... John Totterdale 70 .................................. Zak Hill

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79

Panthers yards last season. Milliard also was the team’s top receiver with 477 yards on 22 catches and played in the OVAC All-Star Game. Also gone from last year’s squad are Danny Callarik, Nate Dwyer, Andrew Hillman and Jake Ingram.

“The scrimmages have gone very well, the defense has been playing well,” Herbert added. “Bringing back Coach Zaccagnini has helped. The kids are already familiar with his system.

We’ve had a lot of changes on the other side of the ball, but the offense is always behind this time of year. The kids are playing with a lot of intensity, they believe that they can really compete and can win some ball games this year.”

“The offense is a whole new scheme. We want to run the ball and control the ball more.”

“I’ll say the kids are blending with the staff very well. We’ve had no discipline issues, nobody has quit on us and we are happy with our numbers.

We will see in that first game if we are farther ahead than last year. But I can’t be happier with the leadership coming from the older kids and with the players buying what we are sell-

ing. The freshman class and our jayvee team look good for a young group. We have a good balance with about 12 kids from each class, so we should have a good turnaround.”

Herbert has a good senior class leading the way that will include a couple key players in tailback John Marelli and fullback Cody Griffith. According to Herbert, the quick-footed Marelli, at 5-8, 150, will be the “homerun hitter” and Griffith, a bruiser at 6-2, 230, will be the keys to the Panther running game.

His senior group includes wide receiver/cornerbacks David Zanes (5-7, 145), Troy Peterkin (5-9, 155) and Kaden Weaver (6-1, 160); receiver/linebacker Josh Dulesky (6-2, 180), receiver/safety William Hopkins (6-0, 155), two-way linemen Matt Barsch (6-2, 295), Lukas Dickeron (63, 295), Jeremiah Seaman (6-1, 248) and Luke Bell (6-2, 270) and tight end/defensive end Ashton Antigo (62, 185).

Quarterback Shayne Christian (510, 185) heads a good group of juniors. Christian will be a first-time starter at QB, but, according to Herbert, brings a strong arm, the ability to run and good size.

Adding to the junior lineup is running back/linebacker Jeff Lucas (57, 150), Receiver/D-back Colton Hilliard

From Page 76

(5-10, 160), two-way end Dylan Mayle (5-10, 175), two-way tackle Gage Kornetti (5-7, 220), tackle/defensive end Ben Bailey (5-10, 205), center/defensive end Dylan Weir (5-8, 185), defensive tackle Joe Reed (6-2, 375), tight end/linebacker Dustin DiCola (5-9, 160), two-way end Kris Kendjorsky (5-10, 175), guard/kicker Kick Jones (5-9, 235) and kicker Austin Farmer (5-0, 235).

An impressive list of sophomores includes receiver/defensive backs JoJo Majewski (5-5, 120), Gino Barber (56, 125), defensive end Max Kendjorsky (5-10, 180), receiver/cornerbacks Walker Doty (56, 120) and Corben Westfall (5-6, 135), linemen/linebackers Logan Charnock (5-6, 170), Sam Sabo (5-7, 180), Zac Cesario (5-10, 195) and Garrett Cesario (5-7, 150). Other sophomores are tailback/linebacker Charlie Smith (5-8, 165), quarterback/safety Seth Richardson (5-9, 145), tailback/D-line Austin White (57, 150), running back/defense end Jack Reese (5-7, 180), linebacker Andrew Toto (5-7, 135), fullback/linebacker Nathan Kovac (5-10, 180) and two-way lineman Seth Bird (5-9, 150).

Buckeye’s roster includes freshmen receiver/cornerback Bryan Palmer, Jr. (5-5, 120), quarterback/linebacker See PANTHERS Page 92

2017 Coaches

Head Coach

Roger Herber t

Assistant Coaches Neal Zaccagnini Trevor Zanes Dylan Stickler Mike Flowers Sninchak Solar Lee Heisler Doug Sabo

GO PANTHERS!

80

Aug. 23, 2017

Parents, fans and friends salute their favorite players ...

Aaron Robinson

Jaylon Bridges

"Have a Great Season and Go Creek!"

Love, Mom, Dad & Sam!

"Good Luck #20 in your Senior Year.

Believe in yourself and have fun!"

Love, Mom, Dad & Kamar

"Good Luck on your last season!

We are so proud of you!"

Love Mom & Maddy

Tyler Mack

Logan Wilson

Luke ‘Belldozer’ Bell

"Good Luck!

Have a Great Season!"

Love You, Grandma Donna, Mom, Kenny, Shai, Clayton & Kaleb

"Good Luck on your Senior Year!"

We Love You, Your Family

Evan Coppa

Zachary Martin

Love, Dad, Mom & Kylee

"Enjoy Your Last Year, Stay Safe!"

We Love You, Mom, Dad, Robert, Nana B Grandma and Papa

"Good Luck Zach!!"

We Love You, Mom, Dad, Lucas. BeeBee & Pop Pop

Jonathan Blackmon

Gage Kornetti

Indian Creek Senior

Weir High Senior

"We are so proud of you!

Have a Great Senior Year!

Go Riders!"

Love, Mom, Dad, Alexis, Gram & Pap

Hayden Taylor Steubenville Freshman "It's your time to shine! Roll Red!"

Steubenville Senior

"Have a Great Senior Season!"

Blackmon, Montgomery, Harris & McGuire Families

Weir High Senior

Indian Creek Junior

Indian Creek Senior

Buckeye Local Junior

Good Luck Gage!

Love Pap, Roo, Dad & Mom

Zach Ekey

Steubenville Senior

Buckeye Local Senior

Weir High Senior

Tayveon Montgomery Steubenville Junior

"Have A Great Season!"

McGuire, Montgomery, Harris & Blackmon Families

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82

St. Clairsville Red Devils

Aug. 23, 2017

McLean: ‘We are now working so we don’t repeat the negatives’

By SETH STASKEY For The Gridiron

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Not many motivational speeches have been needed around St. Clairsville’s football camp this summer.

That’s what happens when a team so accustomed to winning at a high rate experiences a “down” season. Or the type of season that head coach Brett McLean said, “left a sour taste in all of our mouths.”

The Red Devils, who have qualified for the postseason 10 times in the last 12 seasons, limped to a 46 finish in 2016.

“That hasn’t sat well around here,” McLean, who is entering his 16th season, said. “It’s just not the kind of season we wanted or what we’re used to. We are now working, so we don’t repeat the negatives.”

Though last season is over, McLean won’t hesitate to bring it up if he needs to with the hopes of keeping his team focused and hungry.

“If we need to talk about it, we will, but I know these kids weren’t thrilled with last season and I think it’s really motivated us,” McLean said.

The Red Devils must replace an impressive class from graduation that included all-Ohio quarterback Zach Bigelow, OVAC All-Star lineman Trey Elerick and Ohio North-South All-Star Game selection DeVon Harris.

Others who collected their diplomas in May included Jacob Keen, Logan Williams, Malachi Mellema, Chris Kuhn, Landen Thompson, Joey Maroon, Shawn Heatherington, Gage Cuiksa, Dustin Tomich, Devin Helt, Nick Schramm and Zach Clark.

All told, those players combined

for 1,480 passing yards, 830 rushing yards and 920 receiving yards and scored every offensive touchdown for the Red Devils.

St. Clairsville’s 2016 season was affected by a myriad of injuries, which caused numerous young faces to step into greater roles than they might have been prepared for. Though it was tough when it was happening, that’s an area that could pay dividends for the Red Devils this fall.

“We suffered so many injuries and played so many younger kids that it created experience and allowed us to build some depth,” McLean said. “That’s created some huge competitions in camp. We’ve had very focused practices because the kids know they can’t become complacent because so many guys are capable of taking their jobs.”

One aspect about his team that McLean is especially excited about is the fact that it’s balanced by

class. Actually, the senior class is the smallest with just eight.

“We’re still a young team, per se,” McLean said. “Not having a huge senior class doesn’t worry me. Some of our best teams have had smaller senior classes. The seniors have been leaders. It’s going to be a mixed group of guys on the field. We’ll have kids sprinkled in from every grade, which I think is better.”

Though he admitted it’s a cliche, McLean stressed that his team wants to be as balanced as possible on offense. But, the overall identity of the team has been a work-inprogress through camp as they’ve paid very close attention to personnel during their pre-season scrimmages against Magnolia and Minerva.

“Scrimmages are huge, in my opinion, and I don’t mean from a See RED DEVILS Page 84

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84

Aug. 23, 2017

Red Devils winning or losing standpoint,” McLean said. “We tried to answer questions during our scrimmages. We obviously realized we needed to stay as healthy as possible, so some our of guys only saw limited action. But, we tried to keep it as fair as possible as it pertains to the battles we’ve had in camp because we wanted the situations to be similar for each kid competing.”

McLean and company are fond of their skill players despite their relative lack of heavy game action a season ago because of the lack of dropoff from one option to the next.

“We have to be able to run the ball,” McLean said.

“The chance of victory is much higher when you’re able to be a good running team. Many more things can go wrong when you’re throwing it down the field.

We will throw the ball, but we want to be as balanced as possible.”

Expected to take over at quarterback is junior Dustin Carrothers (5-11, 155). He saw some time last season, but only threw nine varsity passes.

“We’re excited about Dustin’s physical attributes and he can throw and run the ball,” McLean said.

“The big thing is how he’ll handle (situations) when everything is on his shoulders. There’s always that phase to go through where a quarterback has to deal with that.”

He’s been pushed in camp by sophomore Brett Vike (5-10, 145) and junior Ethan Duggan (5-10, 160), who transferred to St. C. from Steubenville. The other quarterback on the roster is freshman Tyler Tonkovich (5-6, 160).

“We’ve been evaluating all three kids closely,” McLean said. “Carrothers is the leader for the job, but all three are capable. The two that aren’t playing

quarterback will help us somewhere on the field in some capacity.”

With McLean committed to running the ball well, a stable of backfield options are set to share carries. It could actually be a backfield by committee for the Devils, whose leading rusher accumulated just 391 yards last fall.

“We have a bunch of running backs who can rotate in and out,” McLean said.

“We feel comfortable with probably like eight or 10 different guys. We’ll try our best to keep legs fresh.

We’ll be evaluating through the games who has gas left in the tank, different situations might call for different guys. It’s a good thing.”

Junior Brady Kolb (5-11, 225), who was an all-Ohio selection as a linebacker, will be one of the chief options for the Red Devils’ ground game. Senior Matt Butkus (5-9, 210) will also see a lot of action as he returns from missing the bulk of 2016 with an injury.

Junior Brandon Biery (5-7, 240) can also spell either guy at the fullback spot.

St. Clairsville’s gamebreaker ability will come from junior Justin Heatherington (6-1, 155). The track and field all-Ohioan will actually be utilized in a bevy of roles. He could be at wide receiver, too.

Junior Kyle Storer (6-0, 185) is another who will be on the field in a variety of spots as either a running back or wide receiver. Junior Luke Watt (5-7, 155) will certainly be in the mix, too.

Other running backs seeking playing time are junior J.T. Porter (5-11, 160), Braedyn Mihalic (58, 145), sophomores Noah Trubiano (5-8, 160), Aaron Jordan (5-8, 155), Kenya Robinson (5-5, 150), Corey Naylor (5-6, 150) freshmen Josh DeNoble (50, 100), Austin DaRe’ (5-

10, 120), Reese Skaggs (510, 165), Mark Benda (58, 115) and Jaiden Springer (5-5, 150).

The wide receiver spot will be led by junior Craig Bober (6-4, 185). He was ticketed for duty last season, but suffered a knee injury during a scrimmage and missed the entire season.

Sophomore Tyler Brookover (5-11, 165) saw time as a freshman and is expected to take on a bigger role this season. Vike and Duggan could also be utilized on the flanks.

Other wide receivers on the roster include: junior Greg Norman (6-3, 145), Evan Porter (5-11, 160), Craig Hepburn (5-8, 135), David Mellema (5-9, 135), sophomores Blake Gretchen (5-8, 125), Joe Burdyn (5-9, 135), Izaac Jozwiak (5-8, 145), Nate Fusco (5-6, 135), freshmen Will Balgo (5-10, 175) and Mason Schafer (5-9, 135).

“We have the depth and personnel to show some four and five wide,” McLean said. “Guys like Heatherington and Storer will be kind of like hybrid type guys who can play both back and receiver.”

Senior Matt Greenwood (6-2, 200) is a returning starter at tight end. Junior Andrew Elerick (5-9, 185) is also expected to see time in that spot.

Additonal tight end depth is supplied by sophomores Derek Witsberger (5-10, 190), Quintin Elerick (5-6, 130) and freshman Luke Jozwiak (6-0, 180).

The most experienced area on the Red Devils’ roster is in the trenches. St. Clairsville returns four starters up front, which is something that has McLean very excited.

“Our senior leaders and captains are up front,” McLean said. “We have probably eight guys who can rotate in and out. We had an injury early last sea-

son and it created some competition to replace him and for the spot of the guy who did replace him. We moved some guys around and it’s created some good depth for this year.”

Anchoring the line will be senior center Luke Sorge (5-11, 230). On the left side, senior Tanner Younkins (6-1, 235) will serve as the guard, while classmate John Hawley (61, 235) will line up at tackle.

Sophomore Javon Lyons (6-2, 280), who is already drawing collegiate interest, is back at the right tackle spot.

The battle for the right guard spot has been ongoing throughout camp. Junior Trey Delguzzo (6-3, 260) logged the most action last season at that spot.

However, he’s been pushed in camp senior Geno Drake (5-9, 200), junior Colton Skukan (5-10, 200) and sophomore Isaak Myers (60, 190).

Junior Luke Ewing (510, 160), senior Shawn Tomlin (5-9, 200), junior Justice McCamick (5-11, 225) and sophomore Chase Espen (5-11, 230) are all viable options for the Red Devils along the line.

Additional line depth is supplied by senior Hunter Cook (6-0, 200), sophomores Brock Butler (5-10, 190), Jeremiah Burdyn (54, 150), Anthony Ochoa (5-5, 200), Mason Thornton (5-5, 135), Austin Angus (6-1, 230) , Colton Grimm (5-6, 190) and Will Carman (5-11, 270).

Freshmen linemen ticketed primarily for jayvee duty are Robby Kain (5-11, 170), Jalen McCall (6-0, 200), Anthony Mays (5-8, 250), Mason Morgan (5-9, 230) and Caleb Wycoff (55, 135).

Along with his myriad of other duties that he’ll perform this season, Greenwood will once again serve as the St. Clairsville kicker.

From Page 82

Plus, he’ll handle the punting duties.

As just the place kicker last season, Greenwood connected on 19 PATs and two field goals en route to being listed on the all-district team. He won the punting job after spending much of the summer going to different punting and kicking camps.

“We have a lot of confidence in Matt,” McLean said. “He’s made kicks into the 40-yard range and he’ll handle all of our kicking.

We can count on him in all fazes of special teams. He’s worked hard on his punting, but we obviously hope we don’t have to use him much that way.”

He’s backed by freshman Jake Bolyard (5-8, 140).

On the defensive side, the Red Devils will once again employ their base 44 alignment.

Kolb will lead the way on the defensive side. He was the team’s leading tackler with 98 solo stops a season ago. He’ll man one of the inside linebacker spots.

“Brady has had a tremendous offseason and we’re looking for big things from him,” McLean said. “He got here in June last year, so he has a better understanding of everything we’re trying to do and he’s not learning an entirely new system. He’s the leader of our defense.”

McCamick, Biery, Tribiano and Witsberger supply depth at the inside linebacker spot.

On the outside, Storer is a returning starter and was St. C.’s leading tackler.

Watt and Porter are battling for the opposite outside linebacker post.

Up front, McLean hates the word platoon, but he might be able to do just that because of the depth of trenchmen.

“We’re going to put the best 11 guys on the field,” See RED DEVILS Page 116

Aug. 23, 2017

85

Family them. During that year, we needed him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before they started to play, I told them all to make it clear why theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out there on the field. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want anyone to say they were out there because their dad is a coach. They all worked hard and I believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been obvious why they were out there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never once told my sons â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hey youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to play this or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do this.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Step one is they have to want to do it and they have to be willing to work hard and give it their best.â&#x20AC;?

Eldest son Anthony agreed with his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments about playing time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He always told my brothers and me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;if you want to play on my defense, you need to be better than the person you are competing with because if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re even with them, you will not play,â&#x20AC;? he stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the son of a coach and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want anyone to think you are getting favors because in life there are never any favors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think our teammates respected that because they all saw how tough he was on us. Being able to play for our dad was by far a great experience for all of us. He taught us so many life lessons at home on a daily basis and so many lessons on the football field.â&#x20AC;?

The younger Anthony was quick to call his father â&#x20AC;&#x153;a role model.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reason why I teach and coach at Clearwater High School,â&#x20AC;? said the West Liberty graduate, who recently was named the head baseball coach at the school in Key Largo, Fla. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has done so much for the Steubenville community and has never asked for anything in re-

turn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dad has put in a countless number of hours and every day and every week, no matter what team was involved. Plus, he always respects his opponents and has stayed humble. When he finally retires, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not just losing a coach, but one of the best defensive coordinators to ever set foot on the field in the state of Ohio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anyone who has played for my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defense will back that up â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 110 percent. He puts players in the right spots to make plays. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a surprise when a blitz hits a run play right in the mouth or a linebacker or safety jumps a route and delivers a pick six. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because my dad has the defense fully prepared to succeed in that moment and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because he called the right defense at the right time. It just shows how much time and effort he puts into what he does.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to his coaching duties in Florida, Anthony returned home this summer to serve a second season as manager of the Steubenville Post 33 American Legion baseball team, guiding his club to a berth in the state tournament.

JoJo is a first-year student at the University of Kentuckyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Dentistry. He earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio State University.

Bryan received his degree in accounting/finance from Otterbein University in three years (he finished with a GPA of slightly above 3.9) and served as a student assistant coach for the baseball team. A career-ending shoulder injury kept him from playing baseball for the Cardinals.

In April, Bryan received a Cardi-

nal Spotlight Award from the Otterbein athletics department and the student-athlete advisory committee.

The award is presented annually to student-athletes of high character and respect who positively represent Otterbein regardless of statistics or success in competition. This season, the Cardinals finished with a record of 22-8.

A video salute to Bryan, who will be returning to Otterbein this year to work on his graduate degree and become a graduate assistant for the baseball team, can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =XJN4AO8Qp-Y. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No matter what age I was, I truly understood that my dad had a way with kids,â&#x20AC;? young Anthony said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a father figure to not only my brothers and I but to a lot of kids that have gone through the Big Red football program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can remember my brothers and me waking up at 4:30 a.m. to go with dad to the fieldhouse and then sleeping on the weight room benches so we could be water boys at practice. From there, we went to playing for him throughout high school. Now I can watch him from the stands and observe what he does from a different point of view. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coaching his last son now and I know he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more proud that he was able to coach all of us.â&#x20AC;?

As the end of his family run nears, Coach P admitted to having a few bittersweet feelings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It certainly was a little strange on picture day this year with just Gino and me out there,â&#x20AC;? he reflected. â&#x20AC;&#x153;First it was all of us, then three of us and now just two. Life goes on, I guess, but life goes fast.â&#x20AC;?

From Page 66

The proud father believes his sons had a unique opportunity to be around the Big Red program from an early age. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of a better place for them to grow up,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were all around from an early age and were involved as water boys.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fortunate they were able to do that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, they probably learned too much too fast, especially my youngest, butâ&#x20AC;Śwhat the heck.â&#x20AC;?

All four Pierro brothers have excelled in baseball for Big Red. Gino, who played in two football state championship games, has been the starting shortstop since his freshman season. He helped Fred Heatheringtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseball squad reach the Division II final four the past two years.

Young Anthony stated a poster hanging in his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Red classroom may best sum up what the veteran teacher/coach is all about. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of his favorite sayings is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a man gets up and goes to work, a boy stays home and lays in bed. Which one are you?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that saying speaks volumes to what my dad stands for as a husband, a father and a coach.â&#x20AC;?

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2017 NFL Season

WEEK 1

WEEK 3

Sunday, Sept. 10

Sunday, Sept. 24

Thursday, Sept. 7

Kansas City Chiefs at New England, 8:30 p.m.

(NBC) New York Jets at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) Atlanta at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) Arizona at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Tampa Bay at Miami, 1 p.m. (FOX) Oakland at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Philadelphia at Washington, 1 p.m. (FOX) Indianapolis at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m.

(CBS) Seattle at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) New York Giants at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Sept. 11

New Orleans at Minnesota, 7:10 p.m. (ESPN) Los Angeles Chargers at Denver, 10:20 p.m.

(ESPN)

WEEK 2

Thursday, Sept. 14

Houston at Cincinnati, 8:25 p.m. (NFLN)

Sunday, Sept. 17

Cleveland at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (CBS) Buffalo at Carolina, 1 p.m. (CBS) Arizona at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (FOX) Tennessee at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Philadelphia at Kansas City, 1 p.m. (FOX) New England at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (CBS) Minnesota at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. (FOX) Chicago at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX) Miami at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m.

(CBS) New York Jets at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Dallas at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Washington at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m.

(FOX) San Francisco at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Green Bay at Atlanta, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Sept. 18

Detroit at New York Giants, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Thursday, Sept. 21

Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco, 8:25 p.m.

(NFLN)

Baltimore vs. Jacksonville at London, 9:30 a.m.

(TBD) Denver at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Pittsburgh at Chicago, 1 p.m. (CBS) Atlanta at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cleveland at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) Tampa Bay at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

(FOX) Houston at New England, 1 p.m.

(CBS) Miami at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (CBS) New York Giants at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) Seattle at Tennessee, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Cincinnati at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Kansas City at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Oakland at Washington, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Sept. 25

Dallas at Arizona, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 4

Thursday, Sept. 28

Chicago at Green Bay, 8:25 p.m.

(CBS/NFLN/Amazon)

Sunday, Oct. 1

New Orleans vs. Miami at London, 9:30 a.m.

(FOX) Buffalo at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (CBS) Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) Los Angeles Rams at Dallas, 1 p.m. (FOX) Tennessee at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at New England, 1 p.m. (FOX)

K C U L D O GO TO ALL TEAMS!

Jacksonville at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (CBS) San Francisco at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Philadelphia at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) New York Giants at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m.

(FOX) Oakland at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Indianapolis at Seattle, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Oct. 2

Washington at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 5

Thursday, Oct. 5

New England at Tampa Bay, 8:25 p.m.

(CBS/NFLN/Amazon)

Sunday, Oct. 8

Buffalo at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) New York Jets at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) San Francisco at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (FOX) Tennessee at Miami, 1 p.m. (CBS) Los Angeles Chargers at New York Giants, 1 p.m. (CBS) Arizona at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) Jacksonville at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

(CBS) Seattle at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Baltimore at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Green Bay at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) x-Kansas City at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

(NBC)

Monday, Oct. 9

Minnesota at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 6

Thursday, Oct. 12

Philadelphia at Carolina, 8:25 p.m. (CBS/NFLN/Amazon)

Sunday, Oct. 15

Miami at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (CBS) Chicago at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cleveland at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Green Bay at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX) Detroit at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) New England at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (CBS) San Francisco at Washington, 1 p.m. (FOX) Tampa Bay at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Los Angeles Rams at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m.

(FOX) Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland, 4:25 p.m.

(CBS) x-New York Giants at Denver, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Oct. 16

Indianapolis at Tennessee, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 7

Thursday, Oct. 19

Kansas City at Oakland, 8:25 p.m.

(CBS/NFLN/Amazon)

Sunday, Oct. 22

Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) Tennessee at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) New Orleans at Green Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX) Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) Arizona vs. Los Angeles Rams at London, 1 p.m. (FOX) New York Jets at Miami, 1 p.m. (FOX) Baltimore at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (CBS) Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. (CBS) Dallas at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Denver at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m.

(CBS) Seattle at New York Giants, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) x-Atlanta at New England, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Oct. 23

Washington at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 8

Thursday, Oct. 26

Miami at Baltimore, 8:25 p.m.

(CBS/NFLN/Amazon)

Sunday, Oct. 29

Minnesota vs. Cleveland at London, 9:30 a.m.

(NFLN) Oakland at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) Indianapolis at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) Los Angeles Chargers at New England, 1 p.m.

(CBS) Chicago at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Atlanta at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (FOX) San Francisco at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX) Houston at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Dallas at Washington, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) x-Pittsburgh at Detroit, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Oct. 30

Denver at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 9

Thursday, Nov. 2

Buffalo at New York Jets, 8:25 p.m. (NFLN)

Sunday, Nov. 5

Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Indianapolis at Houston, 1 p.m. (CBS) Cincinnati at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Los Angeles Rams at New York Giants, 1 p.m.

(FOX) Denver at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (CBS) Baltimore at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Arizona at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Washington at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Kansas City at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) x-Oakland at Miami, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Nov. 6

Detroit at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

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WEEK 10

Denver at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) x-Green Bay at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Sunday, Nov. 12

WEEK 13

Thursday, Nov. 9

Seattle at Arizona, 8:25 p.m.

(NBC/NFLN/Amazon)

New Orleans at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (FOX) Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cleveland at Detroit, 1 p.m. (CBS) Pittsburgh at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

(CBS) New York Jets at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. (CBS) Cincinnati at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (FOX) Minnesota at Washington, 1 p.m. (FOX) Houston at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m.

(CBS) Dallas at Atlanta, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) New York Giants at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

(FOX) x-New England at Denver, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Nov. 13

Miami at Carolina, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 11

Thursday, Nov. 16

Tennessee at Pittsburgh, 8:25 p.m.

(NBC/NFLN/Amazon)

Sunday, Nov. 19

Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX) Jacksonville at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) Baltimore at Green Bay, 1 p.m. (CBS) Arizona at Houston, 1 p.m. (FOX) Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX) Washington at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Kansas City at New York Giants, 1 p.m. (CBS) Buffalo at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m.

(FOX) Cincinnati at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) New England vs. Oakland at Mexico City, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) x-Philadelphia at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Nov. 20

Atlanta at Seattle, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 12

Thursday, Nov. 23

Minnesota at Detroit, 12:30 p.m. (FOX) Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.

(CBS) New York Giants at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

(NBC)

Sunday, Nov. 26

Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (CBS) Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) Buffalo at Kansas City, 1 p.m. (CBS) Miami at New England, 1 p.m. (CBS) Carolina at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (FOX) Chicago at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) New Orleans at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m.

(FOX) Seattle at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) Jacksonville at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)

Monday, Nov. 27

Houston at Baltimore, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Thursday, Nov. 30

Washington at Dallas, 8:25 p.m.

(NBC/NFLN/Amazon)

Sunday, Dec. 3

Minnesota at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) Detroit at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (FOX) New England at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) San Francisco at Chicago, 1 p.m. (CBS) Tampa Bay at Green Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX) Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Denver at Miami, 1 p.m. (CBS) Carolina at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Kansas City at New York Jets, 1 p.m. (CBS) Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Cleveland at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m.

(CBS) Los Angeles Rams at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) New York Giants at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) x-Philadelphia at Seattle, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Dec. 4

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 14

Thursday, Dec. 7

New Orleans at Atlanta, 8:25 p.m.

(NBC/NFLN/Amazon)

Sunday, Dec. 10

Indianapolis at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) Minnesota at Carolina, 1 p.m. (CBS) Chicago at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (FOX) Green Bay at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (FOX) San Francisco at Houston, 1 p.m. (FOX) Seattle at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (FOX) Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. (CBS) Detroit at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX) Tennessee at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) New York Jets at Denver, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Washington at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) Philadelphia at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Dallas at New York Giants, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) x-Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Sunday, Dec. 17

Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m. (CBS) Green Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Baltimore at Cleveland, 1 p.m. (CBS) Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS) Cincinnati at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (CBS) New York Jets at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (CBS) Philadelphia at New York Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX) Arizona at Washington, 1 p.m. (FOX) Los Angeles Rams at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. (FOX) New England at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Tennessee at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) x-Dallas at Oakland, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Monday, Dec. 18

Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 16

Saturday, Dec. 23

Indianapolis at Baltimore, 4:30 p.m. (NFLN) Minnesota at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Sunday, Dec. 24

Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cleveland at Chicago, 1 p.m. (CBS) Detroit at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. (FOX) Miami at Kansas City, 1 p.m. (CBS) Buffalo at New England, 1 p.m. (CBS) Atlanta at New Orleans, 1 p.m. (FOX) Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets, 1 p.m.

(CBS) Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (FOX) Denver at Washington, 1 p.m. (CBS) Jacksonville at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. (CBS) New York Giants at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. (FOX) Seattle at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

Monday, Dec. 25 Pittsburgh at Houston, 4:30 p.m.

(NBC/NFLN/Amazon) Oakland at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

(ESPN)

WEEK 17

Sunday, Dec. 31

Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 p.m. (CBS) Green Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m. (FOX) Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS) Buffalo at Miami, 1 p.m. (CBS) Chicago at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX) New York Jets at New England, 1 p.m. (CBS) Washington at New York Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX) Dallas at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. (FOX) Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. (CBS) New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX) Jacksonville at Tennessee, 1 p.m. (CBS) Kansas City at Denver, 4:25 p.m. (CBS) Oakland at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m.

(CBS) San Francisco at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m.

(FOX) Arizona at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)

THE SUPER BOWL

The game is scheduled to be held on February 4, 2018, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the second Super Bowl in Minneapolis, which previously hosted Super Bowl XXVI in 1992.

Monday, Dec. 11

New England at Miami, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEEK 15

Thursday, Dec. 14

Denver at Indianapolis, 8:25 p.m.

(NBC/NFLN/Amazon)

Saturday, Dec. 16

Chicago at Detroit, 4:30 p.m. (NFLN) Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City, 8:25 p.m. (NFLN)

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88

Wheeling Park Patriots

Aug. 23, 2017

Daugherty: ‘We are real happy with where we are right now’

By JOSH STROPE For The Gridiron

WHEELING — After winning a state championship in 2015, expectations for Wheeling Park have reached new heights. Even a first-round playoff loss last season has done nothing to diminish what many predict to be a deep playoff run for the Patriots this season.

The Patriots return 15 starters back last season’s 7-4 squad and Coach Chris Daugherty said that has gone a long way into helping the team get off to a solid start in practice.

“I have been real happy,” Daugherty said. “We have a lot of kids returning from last year so that helps the mental side of football go a little bit faster. Especially offensively. The way you practice, getting three weeks in the summer, it has changed your install plans. We are real happy with where we are right now.

“It feels good in the summer when you have zero losses, but we know we have a tough schedule ahead of us. Every Friday night is going to be a contest and we are going to have to be up to it.

Maybe we still have a bullseye on our back from 2015 and I’m sure we are going to have to be up to that standard.”

One of the biggest question marks after

last season was where was quarterback Cross Wilkinson going to end up playing college ball.

Wilkinson answered that this summer when he verbally committed to the University of Toledo.

Now his sole focus can be on Wheeling Park, “That was a huge thing and he wanted to do that and make sure the process is over before the season started,” Daugherty said. “Now he doesn’t have to worry about every throw. If you are a quarterback, you are going to throw an interception. You are going to throw a bad ball, those things happen. A corner, you are going to give up a touchdown. A wide receiver is going to drop a ball. Now he doesn’t have to worry about if someone is at the game.

He can just go and play football and win games for us and he has won a lot of games for us.”

And put up a lot of stats. Last season, Wilkinson, a first team all-state selection, threw for 1,790 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior and became the school’s all-time leader in those categories.

“I throw a lot on his plate, more than any other quarterback that has been in our system,” Daugherty said of his 6-foot-3, 205-pound signalcaller.

“It is so nice to have him make those decisions on the field and get people in the right place on the field. It is like having another coach out there.”

Backing him up will be junior Tyler Porter or sophomore Alex Dunlevy.

Wilkinson has a solid group to throw to, led by senior Nate Phillips (5-11, 170), who hauled in 51 passes for 647 yards and six touchdowns before an injury derailed his season. Phillips has offers

from seven colleges.

Joining him at receiver are junior Jack Stakem (5-8, 150), and seniors Logan Tucker (5-8, 145) and TJ Reed (6-2, 165).

“I am really happy with how Jack Stakem has progressed,” Daugherty said. “Logan Tucker seems to catch the ball every time, knows where to be. He is a ‘Steady Eddie’ and gives great effort.

T.J. Reed has missed some time with injuries in the past and has an injury to his collarbone now, but we expect to have him back and he will be play a lot for us.”

Senior Rennie Clark had the unenviable task of replacing Savion Johnson last season, but the 511, 195-pounder showed he was more than capable of being a lead back. He finished with 1,344 yards (149.3 per game) and 18 scores.

This year he will be joined in the backfield by Donnie Evans, a 5-9, 165-pound speedster that transferred from Texas.

“Donnie can run, he’s fast and we think he can play a couple different places for us,” Daugherty said. “Definitely Rennie and Donnie will be on the field together. When you look at when we had Savion Johnson, he was beat up and missed games.

Rennie missed two and a half games last year. Had he not missed those games, he might have been a 2,000-yard runner, who knows?

“So it is nice to have that other back to take some of that beating. You will see both of those guys and hopefully that means we will be healthy late in the season. We also like Raphael Bradley (5-6, 175), a young sophomore guy that I feel comfortable with if we need to go to a third back.”

Returning on the offensive line is Brett Mundy (5-9, 252), Tristen Bittner (6-5, 304) and center Mason Anderson (6-2, 240). Transfer Ryan McCave (6-3, 298) gives another big presence on the front five.

“We are little bigger than we have been,” Daugherty said.

Ronan Butts (6-2, 220) and Cade Miller (5-10, 231) are battling for the final spot, but Daugherty expects both to see playing time.

See PATROITS Page 89

Aug. 23, 2017

89

Crusaders from Lancaster, N.Y. (the second new foe) and Edison follow. Central will close with trips to Madonna and Fort Frye, also a first-time opponent.

“Our schedule is strong—there are no breaks at all,” Daley stressed. “We scheduled South Harrison out of necessity. They’re coming off a 9-1 season and have a strong program.

They have a speedy back who also went to the state finals in the 100 meters.

We’ll have our work cut out for us when we go down there.

“The team from New York was young last year and basically has everyone back. They play in a very good conference. I’m sure they wouldn’t have scheduled us if they didn’t think they could come down here and knock us off.

“Fort Frye has been a playoff team the past two seasons. Their quarterback is outstanding and he’s back. That’s going to be a big challenge for us in Week 10.”

Because of its move to the newly formed Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference (which replaced the former Inter Tri-County League), Toronto is not on Central’s schedule for 2017. Daley pointed out, however, he expects the series to resume in 2018. The Crusaders and Red Knights have played each other 44 times in the past.

Daley’s coaching staff has several new faces. Rick

From Page 27

Gillette and Frank Marcino are the only holdovers.

Tony Godich and Jeremy Presley are the newcomers.

“I’m really impressed with the new guys on my staff,” Daley noted. “They came in and have worked hard from the start. We have some different terminology we’re looking to put in because of the changes.

The biggest thing I like is their energy.

“I coached Tony (Godich). He’s stepped right in and picked things up. He’s an intelligent young man. So far, all the new guys are doing a great job for us and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

Central has again been assigned to Division VI, Region 23.

Daley did point out Central will again be fielding a junior high team this season, after not having enough players in 2016.

“Obviously, I think not having a junior high team last year had an impact on our numbers,” he said.

“We only have two freshmen on the roster. The guys we have playing are committed, we know they want to be here and we know they will give us all they have.

“We’re fortunate to have our junior high program back with decent numbers.

This might be a down year as far as numbers go but our numbers should go back up next year and the years to follow.”

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Partiots Along the defensive line, Brett Donohew (6-2, 254), Austin Loew (6-0, 215) and Dylan Wood (6-3, 238) return, with the final spot up for grabs.

At linebacker, Jordan Aldridge (5-10, 200) and Jermain Snodgrass (5-8, 205) will control the middle of the defense with Daugherty still looking to find another starter or two.

Phillips is back in the secondary, as is Devaughn McWhorter (5-8, 145) and Justin Levelle (5-9, 160).

Clark or Evans are being looked at currently as safety, but Daugherty hopes that will change.

“We need to go and find a safety,” he said. “Donnie and Rennie are penciled in there, but we hope someone steps up to replace them because of how we are going to need them on offense.

“Where we are defensively, I am happy. We have some new faces and you

think that might slow us down, but that hasn’t been the case. They have picked things up quickly and I like where we are. (Defensive coordinator) Keith Phillips and our staff — Rick Marsh, Tim Ickes, Andy Seals and Jack Doyle — they do a great job on that side of the ball.

Chase Gheen, who will be the only four-year letterwinner in the history of Wheeling Park football, will handle the kicking duties.

Other members of the coaching staff are Drew Beihl, Boogie Johnson, Shane Glass, Dave Stahnke, Bob Pyle, J.R. Pyle and Doug Boyd.

Wheeling Park will begin the season playing its home games at West Liberty University, starting with tonight’s game against Brooke, because of construction at Wheeling Island Stadium. The Patriots hope to return to the island before the season ends.

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Wheeling Park

Aug. 24: Brooke * Sept. 1: at Bridgeport Sept. 8: at Allderdice Sept. 15: University * Sept. 22: Cambridge * Sept. 29” Parkersburg * Oct. 6: at Morgantown Oct. 20: at Princeton Oct. 27: Parkersburg South Nov. 3: at John Marshall * at West Liberty

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From Page 88

“University is going to be very good,” Daugherty said.

“They are in the same position we are. Brooke is Brooke. That is a rivalry and that will always be a rivalry.

We open with them, then go to Bridgeport, who some can argue is the best program in the state. What they do is definitely unorthodox.

“When you start looking at our first three or four games, it is going to be very important to get off to a good start.

But I feel comfortable and I feel ready.”

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90

Bruins “They are different types of quarterbacks. Logan is a pure pocket passer while Gage is a good ball carrier in addition to being a good passer.

“It’s great to have two experienced varsity quarterbacks on the roster. They both played meaningful time for us last year. That’s not the norm in high school football.”

Sophomore Alex Lilly will provide backup to Yost and Williams.

Junior Dalton Valero is the most experienced ball carrier returning to the tailback spot.

Senior Zeke Farmer got some carries a season ago and McLean is hoping he can “double the touches Farmer gets this year.” Sophomore Max Camilletti also is battling for playing time.

“He’s a track guy and he’s a burner,” McLean said of Camilletti.

Juniors C.J. Helms and Kenton Conley, a transfer from Moon Township, are

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Aug. 23, 2017

From Page 47

the top fullback candidates.

McLean called Conley “an impressive guy who started at linebacker for Moon last season.”

Defensively, the Bruins will employ a base 4-4 look.

Browning and Horvath will start at defensive ends with Gallagher and Haynes at tackles.

“We have some promising young kids along the defensive line,” McLean stated.

“Since our four starters also start on the offensive line, we’ll be working the young guys in slowly in order to spell our regulars.”

Helms and C. Secrist are penciled in as starters at inside linebacker with Yost, E. Secrist and Conley in the mix at outside linebacker.

“We probably have more athletes at linebacker than anywhere else on the team,” the Brooke coach said. “We should have some solid depth See BRUINS Page 123

Aug. 23, 2017

91

Looman

I knew nothing about Toronto football at the time, so I started doing a little research. I learned Rich Wilinski, one of the finest people I’ve ever been associated with, was entering his fifth season as head coach of the Red Knights. Under Wilinski, Toronto went 8-1-1 in 1970, 7-3 in 1971, 8-2 in 1972 and 9-1 in 1973, losing its last game to Beaver Local. The 1973 club did capture an Ohio Valley Athletic Conference championship.

Heading into the 1974 season, Wilinski, who coached three sports at Wayne before taking over the Red Knights, felt his team was going to be “quicker and stronger” than 1973. He also pointed out his team had a “great attitude,” stressing the players “believe in themselves.”

Suffice it to say expectations in the Gem City surrounding the 1974 team (yes, Jay Foster, I realize you weren’t born yet) were sky high, even though the schedule featured five new opponents.

After watching a couple of games, both Toronto victories, I quickly understood why the Red Knights had it all—size, speed, a high-powered offense and a downright nasty defense. Wilinski’s club easily disposed of its initial five opponents (Buckeye South, St. Clairsville, Beaver Local, East Palestine and Jefferson Union).

Game six was on the road against Columbiana, another Toronto win. I can remember driving back from that game thinking how lucky I was to have drawn this assignment.

My first-ever venture into sports writing and it appeared I was covering a team destined to go 10-0.

Wellsville was Toronto’s seventh victim followed by Mingo and Steubenville Catholic Central. The 1974 season marked the first time Toronto and Central squared off on the gridiron since 1958. A victory against

Buckeye North wrapped up the perfect campaign for Wilinski and company.

Toronto outscored its opponents 329-45 that season.

“As good as we were on offense, people don’t always remember how good that team was defensively,” Wilinski said recently.

Running back Bill Stone had a super season for the Red Knights, rushing for 1,143 yards. Stone, who later served as Toronto’s athletic director, earned second team all-Ohio Class AA honors for his efforts. Once Stone got into the open field, there was just no catching him. Steve Romney directed the Toronto wishbone attack.

He threw for 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. Tom Elliot and Don Smith were also in the backfield.

The THS running attack recorded more than 3,000 yards that season.

Up front, Toronto was big and powerful. Tackles Ed Buckham and the late John Welday, who would go on to play at Penn State, were dominant. Both weighed right around 270 pounds.

Dan Cernansky, who later would be drafted by the Green Bay Packers, was the tight end.

Toronto captured the TriCounty League Northeast championship that season.

The Red Knights competed in Tier 1 of the now defunct league along with Beaver Local, Columbiana, East Palestine, Sebring and Wellsville. The Red Knights, however, finished second in the OVAC Class AA standings behind Wheeling Central, which went 8-2 in 1974.

The 10-0 Red Knights were fifth in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Class AA Region 7 standings. Back in those days, only the regional champion advanced to the playoffs.

Wilinski was named the Class AA Eastern District coach of the year following his only unbeaten season as a coach. He spent 57 years in

education prior to stepping down recently as principal of Catholic Central. Earlier in his career, he was the successful mentor of the Crusader football team. For his coaching efforts, he was inducted into the Ohio Valley Hall of Fame.

Research I conducted for this column indicates Toronto did not compile another unbeaten regular season until 2000. The Red Knights did go 9-1 in 1981, 1986 and 1991.

By the time the 1975 season rolled around, I had made the jump to The Weirton Daily Times, serving as sports editor. I covered some outstanding football teams during my stint there, including the 1975 (I believe,

Chris Conti please correct me if I’m wrong) Madonna squad that captured the West Virginia Catholic championship.

To say I was spoiled during my initial couple of sports writing years would be a major understatement—an unbeaten season, a state championship—not a bad way to start.

I jumped out of sports writing in 1976 as I began moving up the ranks, so to speak, becoming a city editor, then an editor and finally a publisher. An unexpected career change brought me back to Steubenville a few years ago. Not long after, I got the bug and began covering sports again, loving every minute of it.

From Page 8

Thanks to the Big Red football program, I’ve been able to cover two consecutive state championship games.

Unfortunately, neither contest turned out well for the young men wearing the crimson and the black. But, hey, it’s a new season and, hopefully, the third time really is the charm.

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92

John Marshall Monarchs

Aug. 23, 2017

Goodrich: ‘We need that one year to break through and turn the corner’

By SHAWN RINE For The Gridiron

GLEN DALE — If the assimilation of quality depth is the key component in contending at the West Virginia Class AAA level, John Marshall will be far more prepared to navigate the storm than it was last season. The Monarchs welcome back a wealth of returnees on both sides of the ball from a 2-8 team that was not only young, but was hit with some key injuries.

Entering his sixth season at the

Panthers

Austin Langford (5-10, 175), tailback/center Jacob Zanes (5-7, 140), receiver/cornerback Tyler Donahue (5-6, 155), fullback/linebacker Alexio Morales (5-9, 175),

school, Coach Rick Goodrich is excited about the potential. ‘‘I think we’re making progress and we’re much better than we were when we first got here,’’ he said. ‘‘It may not show in wins and losses, but as far as numbers and things like that I think we’re going in the right direction. ‘‘We need that one year to break through and turn the corner.’’

This could well be the time.

Known for his deliberate offense, Goodrich and his staff believe they have the weapons at the skill posi-

tackle/defensive end Nathan Brookins (5-9, 150), center/defensive tackle John Totterdale (5-5, 155) and guard/defensive tackle Zak Hill (5-9, 215).

“We’ve got Shayne

tions to be much more versatile this season.

Nobody can do more — from several areas on the field — than senior Dereck Hess (6-foot, 185 pounds).

He was the team’s starting quarterback before being injured last season and when he returned, was used in more of a running back role. ‘‘He’s going to play quarterback some this year in a wildcat package,’’ Goodrich said. ‘‘The difference is, this year he can run our complete offense (with a healthy shoulder). It’s not going to be Hess running all the

Christian at quarterback,” Herbert said. “This is his first year at QB, but he has a nice arm, runs the ball well and has good size. He has become a leader for us. He will also be handling all of

time. Now he can throw the ball.’’

Junior Jordan Wood (6-1, 150), who was thrown into the fire last season when Hess went down, will be the quarterback. ‘‘He came in and did a real nice job for us,’’ Goodrich said. ‘‘That kid’s a competitor and he wants to be good. ‘‘He spent all offseason with Zach Amedro and threw. He pays attention to detail and does everything to make himself good.’’

When Hess is lined up at quarter-

our kicking and punting.”

“We are very happy with our backfield. We’ve got a good blend. Johnny Marelli will be at tailback. Cody Griffith is our fullback and probably the second or third fastest guy on our team and Jack Reese is a little plugger, 5-6 185 tailback that can play anywhere.”

Although the Panthers will be relying on the run, Herbert is working with a young receiving corps that is led by Weaver.

“We have some size on our defensive line with a couple 295-pounders, a couple of heavyweight wrestlers. Barsch, Kornetti, Bailey and Cesario, will anchor the line and we are hoping to get Sabo back at center. He is banged up a little right now.”

“Defense last year was

See MONARCHS Page 114

From Page 79

not indicative of what they had,” he added. “They threw the ball a lot and had a lot of incomplete passes, the clock stops and that didn’t help the defense. The scores last year weren’t really a true picture of the defense.”

“The kids this year are attacking, they are swarming to the ball. We need to have them run to the ball, somebody stands him up and somebody comes in and finishes. We are running about 15 or 16 guys. We are looking at about four or five subs on both sides of the ball right now.”

Buckeye’s schedule is a carbon copy of last year’s slate. The Panthers will open the season on a Thursday night in Martins Ferry and will be playing a solid Buckeye 8 schedule.

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94

Aug. 23, 2017

Martins Ferry Purple Riders

MARTINS FERRY Aug. 24 — Buckeye Local Sept. 1 — Linsly

Sept. 8 — at Union Local Sept. 15 — St. Clairsville

Sept. 22 — Harrison Central Sept. 29 — East Liverpool Oct. 6 — at Indian Creek

Oct. 13 — Wheeling Central Oct. 20 — at Beaver Local

Oct. 28 — at Bellaire, 12:30

Bruney: ‘... all of the schools are saddled with depth issues’

(all games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted)

By SETH STASKEY For The Gridiron

MARTINS FERRY — Dave Bruney has experienced it before.

He’s not one to get caught up in the number of players listed on the roster. He prefers the quality of the players listed.

As the veteran Martins Ferry head coach prepares for his 39th season at his alma mater with a roster that features 42 players in grades 9-12, Bruney took a trip down memory lane to his first season as a head coach, which came in 1978 at Bridgeport.

“It is what it is,” Bruney said of his team’s numbers. “We won the OVAC championship in Class 3A in 1978 and we had only 26 kids on the roster and 12 of those were freshmen. We had nine seniors, six of whom went on to be All-Valley players, and they never came off the field. We had to take care of each other and condition like hell and it worked out for us. I’ve shared that story with this group and we’ve

been selling them on conditioning and working hard.”

The Purple Riders, who are coming off a 6-4 season and have missed the postseason two straight years, boast a solid nucleus and corps of players who will see plenty of action in all three phases.

“All of the schools in our area are basically suffering from the same thing,” Bruney said. “Because of the drop in population and enrollment numbers, all of the schools are saddled with depth issues. Some are having trouble finding 11 who can actually play.”

While the original group of players ticketed to contribute heavily for the Riders measures fewer than 20, Bruney does have a firm belief that that number will increase as the season moves along.

“There are some of the younger kids who are mentally tough enough to help us right now,” Bruney said.

“I think they’re going to be physically tough enough, but it might take until week four or five before they’re able to provide some help.

We hope it’s sooner, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Bruney has certainly been around long enough to know how and when to adapt to the myriad of situations that may present themselves before and during a season.

After all, Bruney, who is 66 years old, was part of two-a-day practices for the 52nd straight August earlier this month. And, to hear him tell it, he’s still enjoying it as much as he ever has.

“Each offseason, I think about the future,” Bruney admitted. “I promised myself that I won’t rush to make any decision (about my future). I’ll be honest, (retirement) entered my mind at the end of the last few years, but by the time weight training came back around, I was ready to go.”

An early riser, Bruney had his team on the field by 7:30 a.m. each morning for practice. He’s said — multiple times — when getting to the fieldhouse by 5 a.m. before a chore, he’ll know it’s time to hang up the whistle.

“To me, the really fun part are the two-a-days, the camp days, the weight room and then when it all comes together and a kid senses he’s getting better,” Bruney smiled.

“Those are the best parts to me. Seeing a kid get to the point where he’s playing faster and his confidence level goes up is really gratifying to me. I don’t know if you ever lose that because, to me, that’s the best part of coaching.”

While Bruney returned for another campaign, 15 members of the 2016 Purple Riders collected their diplomas in May. Included in that were OVAC All-Star selections Jack Davis, who was an all-Ohioan and now plays at West Liberty, and Dom Wallace.

Other members of the class were Cameron Opic, Dom Bell, Zac Selby, Ryan Fox, Jared Straub, George Stan, Malik Hill, Logan Selby, Noah Encines, Jeffrey Lucas, Drake Rice, Keegan Hupp and Conner Patterson.

See PURPLE RIDERS Page 101

Aug. 23, 2017

Bears

Tony Minnis also is in the mix.

On the other side of the line, Minnis and Cook will help lead the defense.

Williams and Travis are competing for time as well.

Straight and junior Kellen Tropek take their spots at inside linebacker.

As for cornerbacks and safeties, Arneault is excited about freshman Brayden Mineard and what he has to offer at corner. Enriquez and Zac Taylor will be starting to begin the season.

Michael Lemley and Gage Patterson are at free safety, while Almo is the strong outside safety and Glenn at weak.

Arneault’s first year did not go as planned. The 2-8 record mixed in with kids not playing equaled to a disappointing first stab. Oak Glen changed its mindset, knowing it had to change something in order to be competitive.

“Going into the season, you’re obviously looking to win one game at a time,” Arneault said. “The way I’m looking at it this year, and

Back

having the Madonna community again get the taste of success and enjoying the process.

“Our commitment is to get better every day and make improvements on a daily basis,” said Hicks.

“We want to be moving forward in the right direction.

We want the whole Madonna community to be proud.

“Most importantly, though, we are creating young men—creating men to be leaders in the future. I take the most pride in that.”

Arneault’s thoughts were similar.

“It is important that the team culture is defined and the kids are living and playing as a unit,” he said. “I’ve learned that to be successful, we have to have good team

95

From Page 59

it’s cliche, is we’re looking to go 1-0 every week.

Against the teams we didn’t do well against last year, we’re looking to do better against them this year. Not only do we strive for the victory, but we also strive for it the right way.”

If Arneault’s idea goes according to plan, his team will compete at a higher level as the season progresses. It won’t be easy, though, with four of the Golden Bears’ final five games on the road. There may be some pressure with four home games in the first five weeks, but Arneault just wants to see improvement no matter the location.

“As the kids get comfortable being in different positions, we have three freshmen who could play for us at the varsity level, which may be a big shock to them. But as they get used to it and, with some sophomores playing at the varsity level, I think it’ll just get better and better as the year gets going. There’s a lot to be excited about at Oak Glen,” Arneault said.

From Page 59

chemistry. We have to bond.

Our average GPA on the varsity football team has jumped from 2.89 to 3.56.

“Our older kids are learning to be leaders by being mentors to the younger kids.

It is a work in progress, but they all have bought into the philosophy to create a program the Oak Glen community can be proud of.

“It takes time to build relationships and chemistry.

We’re working on that.

“And that goes with all classes of students, whether they be freshmen or seniors.

We need to develop realistic goals and be together — trusting each other — doing things we have to do to get to those goals.

“And that falls on me to make sure those things happen.”

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Aug. 23, 2017

STATS OHIO VALLEY FOOTBALL

2016 FOOTBALL STATISTICS

September 23rd & 24th

Team Games RYDs H. Central 10 3005 Toronto 10 2435 Big Red 10 1959 Weir High 10 2866 Ind. Creek 10 2207 C. Central 10 2035 Madonna 10 2070 Edison 10 1962 Brooke 10 679 Oak Glen 10 692 Buckeye L. 10 191

TEAM OFFENSE PYDs Total Avg 1231 4236 423.60 1080 3515 351.50 1510 3469 346.90 539 3405 340.50 751 2958 295.80 862 2897 289.70 760 2830 283.00 693 2655 265.50 1642 2321 232.10 838 1530 153.00 1162 1353 135.30

Points Avg 396 39.60 444 44.40 382 38.20 266 26.60 297 29.70 207 20.70 202 20.20 202 20.20 139 13.90 89 8.90 70 7.00

Team Games RYDs Weir 10 585 Ind. Creek 10 1042 Toronto 10 1225 C. Central 10 1290 H. Central 10 1009 Big Red 10 940 Oak Glen 10 2558 Brooke 10 2434 Madonna 10 2381 B. Local 10 3184 Edison 10 2662

TEAM DEFENSE PYDs Total Avg 805 1390 139.00 956 1998 199.80 1167 2392 239.20 1130 2420 242.00 1592 2601 260.10 1934 2874 287.40 765 3323 332.30 1083 3517 351.70 1191 3572 357.20 780 3964 396.40 1905 4567 456.70

Points Avg 100 10.00 122 12.20 157 15.70 202 20.20 207 20.70 174 17.40 335 33.50 373 37.30 352 35.20 526 52.60 319 31.90

Player - Team Tyler West - H. Central Cody Enrietti - Weir Seth Cade - Edison Jacob Bernard - Big Red Dustin Brown - Madonna Robert Coppa - I. Creek Max Tice - Toronto Greg Wade - Indian Creek Donavan Spence - Weir D. Carpenter - H. Central Jesse Ball - H. Central Domenick Murphy - Weir Khalib Smith - Madonna Dakota Price - Oak Glen Justin Hartzell - C. Central Donavan Kirby - Madonna Dan Zdinak - Toronto Craig Smith - C. Central Joe Nave - Edison Brody Mihalyo - C. Central Hayden Daley - C. Central River Pappas - Edison Alex Edgell - Brooke Nate Karaffa - Toronto Dalton Valero - Brooke

RUSHING Att 147 191 182 138 161 150 79 107 84 80 75 105 108 153 98 74 47 82 79 69 57 90 78 66 70

Yds 1437 1358 982 886 817 766 733 727 649 622 611 540 502 500 477 437 423 419 372 364 335 327 303 296 272

Avg 9.78 7.11 5.40 6.42 5.07 5.11 9.28 6.79 7.73 7.78 8.15 5.14 4.65 3.27 4.87 5.91 4.00 5.11 4.71 5.28 5.88 3.63 3.88 4.48 3.89

TD 12 13 8 8 9 14 11 10 5 7 11 7 4 2 4 4 9 4 5 2 3 6 2 4

Aug. 23, 2017

97

STATS OHIO VALLEY FOOTBALL

2016 FOOTBALL STATISTICS

Player - Team Elias - H. Central Davis - Big Red Karaffa - Toronto Yost - Brooke Hartzell - C. Central Collins - Oak Glen Nave - Edison Brown - Madonna Moore - B. Local Wade - Indian Creek Spencer - Weir Callarik - B.

PASSING Att Comp Comp% Yds TD Int 131 72 54.96% 1231 12 4 118 73 61.86% 1143 17 5 102 61 59.80% 1080 11 3 105 62 59.05% 867 8 7 120 54 45.00% 809 10 8 120 58 48.33% 766 6 4 122 65 53.28% 693 5 6 115 45 39.13% 614 3 6 103 40 38.83% 573 2 11 63 31 49.21% 492 5 3 95 37 38.95% 486 8 6 74 29 39.19% 459 3 8

RECEIVING Player - Team Rec Yds Yachini - Brooke 53 955 Crago - Oak Glen 36 527 Cade - Edison 34 316 Reeves - Big Red 30 490 Caldwell - Harrison Central 25 434 Roberts - Harrison Central 22 401 Jeter - Madonna 22 357 Millard - Buckeye Local 21 475 Keenan - Toronto 21 408 Callarik - Buckeye Local 20 316 Rawson - Indian Creek 20 350 West - Toronto 19 229 Ball - Harrison Central 18 252 Marelli - Buckeye Local 16 214 Petteway - Big Red 15 331 DiBiase - Catholic Central 15 267 SCORING Player - Team Tyler West - Harrison Central Max Tice - Toronto Jesse Ball - Harrison Central Cody Enrietti - Weir High Robert Coppa - Indian Creek Domenick Murphy - Weir High Chris Yachini - Brooke Danny Zdinak - Toronto Seth Cade - Edison Greg Wade - Indian Creek Jacob Bernard - Big Red Wyatt Elias - Harrison Central Damon Carpenter - Harrison Central Charles Reeves - Big Red River Pappas - Edison Austin Rawson - Indian Creek Tavon Jeter - Madonna Dustin Brown - Madonna Jake Keenan - Toronto

TDs 96 96 90 84 88 72 66 66 60 60 48 48 48 42 42 42 42 42 36

Avg 18.02 14.64 9.29 16.33 17.36 18.23 16.23 22.62 19.43 15.80 17.50 12.05 14.00 13.38 22.07 17.80 2-Pt 4 4 8 2

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Aug. 23, 2017

Coaches what caused the loss. You have to keep winning to make yourselves better. You have to be objective in your wins just like you’re objective in your losses. You want to make yourself better every week, but I don’t think losing helps any more than a win would help.”

“Back when I was at Union Local, one year we started off 30. One time we came back from 21 down and scored 50 straight points,” Herbert said. “Then we faced Martins Ferry, and they were whipping on us pretty good, but I think it was the best thing for us. We went on to win five or six games in a row, made the playoffs and got a playoff win.”

Not everyone believes in this theory, but many believe losing is key.

Everybody’s human, and nobody always just wins without tasting defeat at one point or another.

“One of the things I always tell my kids is you can’t always be winners,” Daley said. “The game of football is a lot like life in that regard. You’re going to have setbacks. You’re going to make mistakes. But what you learn from those mistakes makes you a better person and a better team as well.”

“It’s not a must to lose,” Connor said.

“The bigger part is if you stay humble or not as you go through a season and realize that there’s always improvements to be made.

You don’t need to lose a game to prove that.”

“Losing is a big part of life,” Moses said. “You learn a lot when you lose, but you are always striving to win.”

FINAL WORD Whatever the 11 local area high school coaches believe, winning

brings teams to the promised land.

Going 1-0 every week is the ultimate goal. Coaches are hired to win, but there is a lot more to it. If coaches were not building bonds and helping the freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors on the right path to life, then they serve no purpose. They coach where they are now because they can do both and more.

STEUBENVILLE “Winning only allows you the opportunity to do it again,” Saccoccia said. “If you’re still wondering how you did last year, you’re probably not going to get the best out of your team the next year. Winning allows you to go back out there and start two-a-days the next day and just have a great day of learning, motivating and just doing everything we can to be as crisp as we can be. Hopefully, Tuesday’s better than Monday and Wednesday’s better than Tuesday.”

WEIR “As far as the fan base, a good fan will come out and root for your team and not only root for your team when you’re winning, because you’re not always going to have the best years,” Filberto said. “Anybody can root for the winner. They should be rooting for the kids because it is a kid’s game.”

CATHOLIC CENTRAL “The way things are now in sports, it seems like it’s only about winning,” Daley said. “But sometimes when you’re winning games and having success, it can bring out the worst in people. It really can. People take it for granted because they’re used to winning. It’s a lot tougher than when you’re losing.”

MADONNA “I tell the guys it’s only a loss if you failed to gain the lesson,” Hicks said. “I learned a bunch last year, and

From Page 67

I hope our guys did, too. What I’m most proud of is I thought we got better each week. The record was probably not quite as indicative as what our season was.”

still not feel good about yourself afterwards. You can have losses where nobody gave you a shot to win and you end up battling with them to the end.”

INDIAN CREEK “We’ve always followed a mirror test. The idea is it shouldn’t really matter who your opponent is,” Connor said.

“The opponent is basically the person you’re looking back in the mirror. If you can say you got better in practice or on a football night, that’s where the big judgment should come.”

TORONTO “I think you have to suffer in general,” Meek said. “There have been a lot of tough, sleepless nights in my career. I remember sitting in locker rooms after tough losses, including one against Shadyside. I rememeber in 2005 when I was coaching at Weir and we lost on a controversial ending against John Marshall in Week 6. I believe if we would have won, maybe we don’t make the playoffs. Maybe we would have went on to win the state title too easily. We later went down and defeated the No. 1 team in a semifinal and won the state championship 400 the next week.”

BROOKE “In some aspects at a job being comfortable, winning will always make you feel better, and the clock isn’t ticking on you as a coach,” McLean said. “Sometimes winning, especially if you haven’t done it in a while, can bring complacency. You can’t afford that. People told me that we had everything back on track after 2015. It’s a delicate line you walk.”

EDISON “Records are always important,” Moses said.

“In the big picture of t h i n g s , though, I think what is most important is that you are improving every day.

All we are looking at is going 1-0 in our first game and being better from day one to day two. As long as we continue to do that, our record will take care of itself.”

OAK GLEN “I think you can win the wrong way,” Arneault said. “There are certain circumstances where winning can make things harder. I’ve been part of games where you can beat a team 70-0 and you didn’t distribute playing time properly or a kid was injured. You can achieve victories and

HARRISON CENTRAL “Some of my best lessons in football and in life have come from losses and how you respond to that,” Kropka said.

“That’s the best of not only football, but what athletics teaches you.

The true test of a program is how you respond when t h i n g s aren’t going well. If you’re .500 with no shot at the playoffs, are your kids still playing hard? Are you still doing things the right way? I’ve learned more about our programs when we had those .500 years.”

BUCKEYE LOCAL “Keeping the interest up is kind of the main focus at Buckeye,” Herbert said. “Winning is very important to that, but it’s not just about the record.

For us, it’s a competitive issue. It’s paramount for us to get some wins and get some fans back.”

Aug. 23, 2017

99

Union Local Jets

Stiles: ‘You’ve got to get the kids ready to play’

By KIM NORTH For The Gridiron

MORRISTOWN — Although Union Local was a senior-ladened team that started 5-0 and fell just shy of a Division V state playoff berth in 2016, Bruce Stiles, entering his fifth season as the Jets pilot, doesn’t see much of a dropoff this season.

Stiles saw 14 seniors graduate from last season’s 7-3 squad, which was 7-1 until season-ending setbacks to Bellaire and Barnesville thwarted a possible playoff berth.

Of that group, gone are nearly 3,000 yards of offense and more than two dozen touchdowns.

“That senior class was with me from Day 1. They were a great group of kids and accomplished quite a bit in their careers,” Stiles said. “Union Local hadn’t won many games the previous few seasons before I got here, so that class started to turn the culture of Union Local football around.

“We were in the hunt for a play-

off berth for most of the season,” he recalled of 2016, “but things kind of fell apart there at the end.”

However, he said his staff did a very good job of not only keeping the upperclassmen strong last year, but also of preparing for this season, as well.

“You’ve got to get kids ready to play and I thought we did a good job of getting our underclassmen a lot of playing time last year while we were still fighting for a playoff spot,” he continued. “I’d like to think our program is to the point where we can just re-load every year and continue our solid play.”

Union Local will have to overhaul its skilled positions on offense as quarterback Shane Smolenak, tailback Brian McWhorter and wideout Josh Bolyard all received their diplomas last May. Smolenak accounted for more than 1,700 total yards, while McWhorter ran for 1,105 and Bolyard had 546 receiving yards.

“We’ll always be a run-first team,” Stiles said of the Jets offen-

sive lineup. “We want to establish the run. Then, we’ll pass when we need to, but I was pleased with what I saw in our passing scrimmages over the summer. I think we’ll be able to pass the ball fairly well.”

Taking over for Smolenak will be junior Cal Kildow (5-8, 135). He saw limited action last season, playing primarily as the reserve quarterback.

“Cal had a great summer. He’s a real field general,” Stiles noted.

“He’s a confident kid and I think he’ll do a nice job for us.”

Sophomore Hunter McCort (510, 160) will serve as the backup QB. Freshman Jacob Ice (5-7, 135) and Jonathan Porter (5-7, 155) will see mostly JV action.

“He is a very athletic kid who will see a lot of action as a wide receiver,” Stiles said of McCort.

Senior Ben Howell (5-7, 150) returns as the fullback where he gained 363 yards and seven touchdowns. He ran for 154 yards on half-a-dozen carries and scored four touchdowns in a season-opening

win against Monroe Central.

“He is one tough cookie,” Stiles said of Howell, who is also a standout wrestler. “He played both ways for us last year and we’re expecting him to step up this year.”

Junior Nathan Bomboris (5-9, 190) serves as the backup. He saw some playing time in 2016.

The tailback is speedy senior Mike Menges (5-11, 175) who moves from wideout where he caught 22 passes for just over 300 yards and a TD. “Luke had a great summer and has started to fill out physically,” Stiles said. “I’m looking for him to have a very good year.”

Sophomore Josef Bailey (5-7, 165) and senior Bradan Lucas (5-9, 165) are also expected to see some time in the backfield. Also listed in the backfield is freshman Claude Romshak (5-7, 160).

When the Jets do throw the ball, the likely wideout targets will be senior Ty Kildow (5-10, 135), the

See JETS Page 105

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101

Purple Riders Because of several injuries, the Riders actually finished the season with numerous underclassmen playing in key spots, which led to a roller-coaster type season last year, but has sped up the process leading into this season.

“We felt that physically our best football players, last year, were juniors,” Bruney said. “Barring too many injuries to that group this year, I think we’ll be pretty good.

But, if we get one or two key guys hurt, it used to be you’re replacing them with another senior or a good junior. Now, it could be a freshman.

It’s just the reality of where we are.”

Bruney, who is high on his freshman class, has been excited about the leadership his senior class has shown in terms of bringing the younger players along.

Redskins

tis at corner, with Derrick and Devin Eakle, and Mazar at safety.

Handling the kicking and punting duties for the Redskins will be Hiles, who Connor has a ton of confidence in.

“We’ve got a really good one,” he said. “He’s an allaround football player,

“These senior guys don’t strongarm anyone,” Bruney said. “They lift up the younger kids and are very encouraging with them to step up and get better because they know we may need those kids. Those (freshmen) will get more from that leadership from their peers than they’ll get from all of the butt chewings I could ever give them because they really respect those kids. They don’t bully anyone, but they’re physical presences. Heck, I am afraid of some of those guys, but you remember the guys who treat you right and the guys who don’t.”

As has been the case for the basically the entire Bruney tenure, the Riders are going to hang their hat on the ground game. However, he does realize and expect his team to throw the ball more and better this season.

playing defensive end, tight end, and kicking for us.

He’s been to a camp where he’s kicked them 50 yards.”

Captaining the Redskins will be Waggoner, Coppa, Belt, Robinson, and senior Keith Maple, who despite being injured in a car accident prior to last season, remains a big part of the

The Riders were able to rush for 2,740 yards and 32 touchdowns despite having very little success in the passing game. Of that production, all but 334 yards and two touchdowns return this season.

“We didn’t throw the ball much or very well last year, but we’ve added some different wrinkles offensively, which will fit our personnel,” Bruney said. “We were really pleased with how our summer went in terms of 7 on 7s and such.”

Senior running back Dalton Hoover (5-11, 223) returns after an all-Ohio campaign in 2016. After starting the season at quarterback, he shifted back to his more natural position of running back and shined.

He finished with 1,316 yards and 15 touchdowns on 182 rushes. He’s expected to see a steady dose of car-

team.

“What an exceptional young man,” Connor said of Maple. “In my opinion,

From Page 94

ries once again this fall.

“Dalton is one of the better players in the area,” Bruney said. “He’s a powerful kid and his speed and strength have improved. Plus, his understanding of the game has continued to grow. You don’t see too many kids built like him, who are able to do as many things things as he can do. He’s a power runner, he’s fast enough to run away from you, he can catch the ball and he’s a great blocker.”

He’ll be joined in the backfield by senior Jacob Johnson (5-9. 195).

He’s coming off a season in which he rushed 65 times for 523 yards and seven touchdowns.

“Jacob’s a really fine back and we’re going to use him a lot,” See PURPLE RIDERS Page 108

he got the rawest of deals, but he’s great around our kids. He smiles all the time.

The kids respect him. He’s

From Page 39

the real thing. He’s just been a rock for us. He is the epitome of our captainship.”

Off The Field Talk What some local players say about life off of the field ...

Johnny AGRESTA Steubenville

Favorite pro team?

Atlanta Falcons

Favorite food item?

Steak

Place you most want to travel to?

Favorite musical group/artist?

School subject you’re best at Who’s your celebrity crush?

Favorite social media platform?

Cali

Kodak Black

History

Selena Gomez

Snapchat

Ian BELT Indian Creek

Kevin CUERVO CCHS

Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers

Ribs

Wings

Egg rolls

California

Hawaii

DMX

AC/DC

Ireland

AC/DC

History

Megan Fox

Instagram

History

Paige Van Zant

Snapchat

Ben KUNTZ Edison Bengals

Science

Lucas DICKERSON Buckeye Local

Jake KEENAN Toronto

Skyler RICE Brooke

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys

Steak

Boneless BBQ wings

Pizza

Alaska

Dubai

Mexico

G-Eazy

Migos

The Clarks

Browns

Math

Jennifer Lawrence

Emma Watson

Snapchat

Twitter

Math

Josey Jones

Twitter

History

Jennifer Lopez

Snapchat

Off The Field Talk What some local players say about life off of the field ...

Ronnie BOWERS Harrison C.

Jaden GLENN Oak Glen

Favorite pro team?

Steelers

Los Angeles Rams

Favorite food item?

Roast beef and mashed potatoes

Beef jerky

Place you most want to travel to?

Wyoming

Egypt

Favorite musical group/artist?

Chris Stapleton

Imagine Dragons

School subject you’re best at

Math

Everything

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Selena Gomez

Kim Kardashian

Favorite social media platform?

Instagram

Snapchat

Chase SMITH Madonna

Dakota NUTTER Weir

Alijah DEMITRIAS Steubenville

Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

Pittsburgh Steelers

Wings

Steak

Chicken

California

Jacob STOLL CCHS

Logan HANCHIN Edison

Steak

Pizza

Steelers

Los Angeles

49ers

Alaska

Australia

Mexico

Kendrick Lamar

Lil Yatchy

Rascal Flats

English

History

Math

Math

Kyli Jenner

Taylor Swift

None

Niki Manaj

Instagram

Snapchat

Instagram

History

Mila Kunis

Twitter

Drake

Florida Georgia Line

Facebook

104

Aug. 23, 2017

Wheeling Central Maroon Knights Young: ‘This group coming up is going to make its own name’

By SHAWN RINE For The Gridiron

WHEELING — Perhaps nobody in the Ohio Valley knows winning on the football field like Wheeling Central coach Mike Young. The owner of five West Virginia Class A state championships, Young acknowledges being blessed.

During the 2017 season, one could make the argument that Young has been blessed with his deepest squad to date. Several prominent players graduated from a team that went 9-2 and reached the state quarterfinals, but there is plenty of help on the horizon. ‘‘We had great skill and quality kids last year,’’ Young said. ‘‘This group coming up is going to make its own name ... I believe that. ‘‘We’ve got a challenging schedule, but I think with the depth we have, the attitude we have and the scheme we have, I think is going to

be very positive and get us where we want to be.’’

The defense will have a lot to say about that. That side of the ball is an embarrassment of riches, particularly at the Single-A level. ‘‘We’re changing it up this year with what we do a little bit,’’ Young said. ‘‘The key to our defense this year is going to be having the right kids on the field. ‘‘We have so many kids that are athletic and quick that I think defense could end up being a real strength for us.’’

The front seven is going to make it difficult to run. There’s beef and athleticism at every position.

Along the defense line, options are sophomore Tim McCabe (5foot-11, 240), junior Luke Duplaga (5-8, 250), and seniors Patrick Duffy (6-3, 221), Tyler Roth (5-11, 290) and the biggest of the bunch, Trey Denniston, who goes 6-0, 300.

Michael Runkle, a 5-9, 220pound senior, is a defensive end.

Senior Luke Lawrence (5-8, 205) and juniors Vinny Mangino (6-2, 240) and Logan Wells (5-8, 210), both of whom enrolled at Central when Bishop Donahue closed, can play either defensive end or outside linebacker.

And if you’re keeping score at home, sophomore Adam Murray (60, 205), another hybrid player, hasn’t even been mentioned. All he did was lead the team in tackles last season as a freshman and is poised for an even bigger campaign. ‘‘We feel very confident about our defensive interior,’’ Young said.

Seniors Patrick Brown (5-10, 165) and Dawson Wear (5-10, 175), along with junior Anthony Robbins (6-2, 185), another Bishop transplant, are outside linebackers. ‘‘Any of those guys could also go inside,’’ Young said.

Bellaire Big Reds

If opponents are looking for a weakness to attack on that side of the ball, it isn’t the secondary.

Young will trot out sophomore Curtis McGhee III (5-11, 155), junior Bray Price (6-1, 156) and seniors Isiah Threets (5-8, 145) and Rob Kahle (5-8, 145). ‘‘I can honestly say that I personally have a rejuvenated attitude this year in terms of being excited and doing things a little bit differently.

This is my 46th year — I started in 1971 — and I am blessed to be where I am,’’ Young said. ‘‘And I am even more blessed because of the coaches I have with me, because of the kids I get to coach ... because of the administration and teaching staff. ‘‘There’s so many things. You take our parents, football moms, boosters ... it’s a huge, very supporting cast. When you have that, See MAROON KNIGHTS Page 112

Spigarelli: ‘The kids just needed someone to direct them in the right spot

By KIM NORTH For The Gridiron

BELLAIRE — It had been a while since Bellaire fans had something to cheer about at Nelson Field. The 2016 Big Reds advanced to the Division VI state playoffs and finished 6-5 under first-year head coach Mark Spigarelli, a Bellaire alum.

“We had a real good year,” Spigarelli recalled. “That was mainly due to having great senior leadership.

Those 11 guys — two came over from St. John — helped put this program back on the map. A lot of people said it was because of me, but it wasn’t me. The kids just needed someone to direct them in the right spots, and they did that. That senior

class did everything we, as coaches, asked of them. They will be missed, mainly because of their leadership, and some of them because of their athletic abilities.

“What helps out too is during our recent practices a lot of those guys came back to watch. That means a lot ... they cared about the program because they are the one’s that put it where it is right now,” he continued.

“To get a home playoff game last year ... the first time Bellaire has had a home playoff game in about 10 years ... was great,” Spigarelli continued. “We should’ve, could’ve beaten Newark Catholic, but the fact is we didn’t. Now we’ve got things we can build on.

We’ve got another great nu-

cleus of seniors that are proving to be good leaders.”

That senior class included D’Eondre Burney, Justyn Keyser, Tyson Camsky, Gage Eden, David McConn Jr., Josh Sabinski, Jordan Mehlman, Jeremy Hagiloizou, Jacob Smith, Todd Morris and Logan St. John.

Burney and Keyser were the Big Reds go-to deep threats last fall with 932 and 616 receiving yards, respectively. Burney also landed nine TD catches, while Keyser had four. Camsky rushed for 997 yards and 12 six-pointers. He had a season high of 219 yards against John Marshall.

“That group last year actually put the culture back into our program. A lot of people that came to watch our

games last year were very happy with what they saw on the football field,” he continued. “I think they saw a disciplined group and a group that cared about wearing a Big Reds jersey.

“Once again, that’s not a testament to me, but the kids because they bought into everything we asked of them from day one.”

Nine seniors are among 20 returning lettermen. The leader is quarterback Mason Ramsay (6-2, 188) who passed for 1,810 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior.

He threw for 765 yards and eight touchdowns in limited action as a sophomore.

“Obviously, Mason is our No. 1 leader,” Spigarelli allowed. “He did a very good job last year and we are re-

ally expecting bigger things out of him this season. Playing in the offense last year will definitely help him this season. He feels more comfortable and he looks more comfortable running the offense. He’s getting his reads down probably 10 times better than last year already.

He’s knows where his checkdowns are.

“Hopefully, he can produce a little more than he did last year. We don’t have the deep threats like last year, but we’ve got some possessiontype receivers.”

Sophomore Bobby Roth (5-10, 155) is the backup quarterback.

Senior Thor Duffy (5-11, 172) moves to the tailback position from wide receiver.

See BIG REDS Page 114

Aug. 23, 2017

105

Jets aforementioned Lucas and senior tight ends Zach Greene (6-0, 170) and Zane Thompson (5-10, 175).

“Ty just does the intangibles. He’s a smart kid ... an intelligent kid,” Stiles added of Kildow. “Bradan was the starting quarterback in the opener as a sophomore, but didn’t play last season. He’s had a great summer catching the ball, so we’re looking forward to big things from him. Zach and Zane played a lot last year, with Zane playing more as a wideout and Zach more on defense.”

Kildow had six catches for 60 yards and a score last season.

Also in the mix at wideout is McCort. Juniors Kane Kildow (5-7, 150) and Hunter Oliver (5-5, 155), along with freshmen Bryan Neidart (5-7, 130), Carter Loase (5-2, 110), Cody McRobie (5-9, 130) and Zach Bateman (5-9, 135), are also listed as possible wideouts. Sophomore Matt Bateman (6-1, 150) is listed as a backup tight end.

Like any team, the offensive line serves as the catalyst. If so, the Jets are in good shape as three of the interior linemen return for another season. They include senior center Cody Ray (6-0, 190) and classmates left guard Lucas Donley (6-3, 250) and left tackle Hank Myers (6-3, 250).

“Those three guys have been mainstays along the line,” Stiles verified. “It’s always nice to have some big guys on the interior line that know the system.”

The right side will consist of senior right tackle Kade Clark (6-3, 260) and sophomore right guard Hayden Hilt (6-0, 260).

“Kade was a starter on defense for us last year and we’ve asked him to go both ways this year. He had stepped up so far,” Stiles admitted. “Hayden is a very strong kid. He spent a ton of time in the weight room fol-

lowing last season.”

Stiles called Ray the leader of the group.

“He makes all the checks, all the calls along the line.

He runs the offensive line,” Stiles said of the three-year regular. “He is so valuable to us in the middle. He’s a top-notch kid.”

Senior Braden Robinson (5-11, 165) can play multiple line positions. He is listed as the backup center.

Also in the mix are seniors Brandon Taylor (5-6, 190) and Dalton Latham (5-9, 200).

Others listed on the line include senior Nate Kinney (6-6, 350); junior Devin Kalinowski (5-9, 170); and freshmen David Burghy (57, 165), Nathan Luyster (61, 220) and Devin Watkins (5-6, 165).

“I like the way our line has worked, both in the weight room and on the practice field,” Stiles continued. “I think that could be one of our strong points early on.”

Union Local will remain in its staple 4-3 base defense under Stiles, who is entering his 33rd year of coaching.

“We feel this is the best option for our athletes,” he said. “We want to get our best athletes in the best position to make tackles.

That’s our goal.”

One player who excelled on both sides of the ball last season was T.J. Kelley, who was also lost to graduation.

Defensively, he charted 74.5 tackles, a pair of quarterback sacks and hurries, along with 12.5 tackles for negative yardage. He also intercepted a pass.

“He’ll be tough to replace, but we feel we’ve got some kids that can step up and do the job we asked of them,” Stiles said.

Manning the terminals will be Green and Clark, who was one of the leaders across the defensive front a year ago.

“Both of those kids are hard working and are hard-

nosed,” the head coach allowed.

Robinson is a backup, as are Romshak, Burghy and Kalinowski.

The tackles will be Myers and Donley, both of whom started here a year ago.

“They are experienced and that is always a plus,” Stiles added.

The backups are Hilt and Kinney, who was on the team as a sophomore but didn’t play last fall. Also listed are Latham, Taylor, Luyster and Watkins.

Ray will hold down the middle linebacker slot, moving from the outside where he led the team in tackles a year ago.

“Cody makes all the calls for us. He’s a very smart kid.”

Bomboris will serve as the backup middle linebacker. Kane Kildow and Porter are also listed.

On the outside are Howell and Thompson. Howell is a returning starter. Backups include junior Jordan Dalby (5-7, 135), Bailey and Robinson, whom Stiles referred to as a “hybrid.”

The secondary consists of Ty Kildow and McCort at the corners. Kildow is a returner. Sophomore Jordan Duke (5-9, 140) is also in the hunt for playing time.

“Hunter had a great summer,” Stiles said. “I’m looking forward to see what he can do.”

Menges returns as the strong safety.

“He’s a ballhawk,” Stiles described. “He always seems to be around the ball.”

Freshman Brady Crum (5-5, 130) and Dalby are listed as the backups.

Lucas will man the free safety slot. Cal Kildow is the backup there.

Other defensive backs include Oliver, Matt Bateman, Zach Bateman, McRobie, Loase, Neidart and Ice. “I like our defense. The kids have been working very hard,” Stiles added. “I think we will be able to hold

our own against our schedule, which is always tough.”

As far as special teams go, Stiles said Greene and Ray are in a battle for the punting chores, with Clark and Donley handling the kicking off duties. Lucas is the placement specialist.

Speaking of the schedule, the Jets will play just four home contests while taking to the road six times. That is due to a late switch from Warren Local to Meadowbrook, which resulted in s lost home game as Union Local will trek to Byesville in week 7.

“It’s not that bad of a trip and it’s a turf surface,” Stiles said. “I think it will be a good opportunity for our kids.”

The Jets will open at Monroe Central Friday night before starting Buckeye 8 action in week 2 on the road at Buckeye Local.

Martins Ferry will serve as UL’s home opener before back-to-back journeys to Harrison Central and Edison to conclude the first half of the schedule. A visit from Weir precedes the trip to Meadowbrook, while a short junket to St. Clairsville closes out the road portion of the slate.

Home games with Bellaire and Barnesville wrap up the regular season.

“The Buckeye 8 is the same old same old,” Stiles allowed. “Every game is going to a tough, physical contest. There are no easy games.

“Harrison Central has the very good running back returning, while Buckeye Local has a new coach and some new enthusiasm. Bellaire has a lot of skilled players back and St. Clairsville is always formidable.”

Assisting Stiles are veterans Vaughn Butler (linemen), defensive coordinator Mike Menges, former player Bernie Thompson (wide receivers) and Jeff Stewart (linemen). New to the staff are former Buckeye

From Page 99

Trail head coach Randy Thompson (offensive coordinator) and former Bellaire standout Anthony Rocchio (quarterbacks/defensive backs).

In addition to those previously mentioned players lost to graduation are Austin Koscoe, Josh Knox, Isaiah Meyer, Isaiah Palko, Jaime Kelich, Nate Stubbs, Cory Jones, Josh Taylor, Max Detamore and Sam Russell.

The equipment manager is Ben Hilt.

UNION LOCAL

Aug. 25 — at Mon. Central Sept. 1 — at Buckeye Local Sept. 8 — Martins Ferry Sept. 15 — at Harrison Sept. 22 — at Edison Sept. 29 — Weir Oct. 6 — at Meadowbrook Oct. 13 — at St. Clairsville Oct. 20 — Bellaire Oct. 27 — Barnesville (All games begin at 7 p.m.)

Seniors (14)

Cade Clark, Lucas Donley, Zach Greene, Ben Howell, Ty

Kildow, Nate Kinney, Dalton

Latham, Bradan Lucas, Luke Menges, Hank Myers, Cody Ray, Braden Robinson, Brandon Taylor, Zane Thompson Nathan

Juniors (6) Bomboris,

Jordan

Dalby, Devin Kalinowski, Cal

Kildow, Kane Kildow, Hunter Oliver

Sophomores (5)

Josef Bailey, Matt Bateman,

Jordan Duke, Hayden Hilt, Hunter McCort

Freshmen (11)

Zach Bateman, David Burghy,

Brady Crum, Jacob Ice, Carter

Loase, Nathan Luyster, Cody McRobie, Jonathan

Bryan

Porter,

Neidart,

Claude

Romshak, Devin Watkins

106

Aug. 23, 2017

Huskies

From Page 73

weight and he’s faster.”

West will be joined in the backfield by junior Damon Carpenter (5-10, 195). He, too, is coming off a solid sophomore season. He rushed for 622 yards and seven scores on 80 carries.

Sophomore Tucker Coultrap (6-0, 170) will also see carries and be one of the Huskies’ top return threats.

Sophomore Cale McAfee (60, 170) also is in the mix.

Senior Coleman Dodds (510, 180) and sophomore Heath Pizzino (5-8, 170) have battled for the fullback job during camp.

The wide receiver spot is an area that Kropka is especially excited about.

Senior DeJuan Caldwell (6-1, 175), like West, had a break-out season last year.

He caught 25 passes for 443 yards and two touchdowns.

He also is one of the area’s premier punt and kick returners. He also will serve as Elias’ primary backup.

“DeJuan did some things you don’t teach last year,” Kropka said. “He’s really developed himself (physically) a little bit more and he’s taken pride, during the offseason, in working on the little things that make you better.”

Senior Caden Arbaugh (63, 180) will start opposite of Caldwell on the flank. Junior Caden Dalton (6-0, 160) also will be in the mix along with senior Gage Rapavi (5-

10, 155) and talented freshman Kobe Mitchell (5-9, 140). Mitchell has “maybe the best hands on the team,” according to his head coach.

Other receivers vying for time include senior Trent McDonald (5-9, 155), junior Peyton Taylor (6-1, 165), sophomore Lee Sponagle (510, 150), freshmen Kanyon Coleman (5-10, 145), Paul LePlante (5-7, 130) and Jesse McLeod (5-8, 130).

At tight end, senior Lindsey Ball (5-11, 210) has shifted there from fullback and expects to see time despite being slowed this month by an injury. He’s been pushed in camp by junior Eric Perry (6-3, 230), who just moved into the Harrison district during the spring.

Two juniors are seeking playing time at end. They are Zack Marbias (5-11, 165) and Cody Gamble (6-1, 200).

Though he’s high on his skill players, Kropka fully realizes that if there isn’t time to throw or holes to run through, the skill won’t be able to do much. Harrison lost four of its five linemen to graduation.

“My biggest concern is up front,” Kropka said. “We’ve had some real competition in camp and we’ve done some mixing and matching. We’ve kind of been feeling our way through it. I feel good about some of these guys, but it’s

one thing to block a (sled) and another thing to block real players.”

The returning starter is at left guard in three-year starter Ronnie Bowers (5-10, 215). Junior Isiah White (62, 265) will be at left tackle, while senior Blake Barnhart (5-10, 210) is taking over at center. On the right side, junior Josh Croft (5-11, 220), who the coaching staff is very high on, will be at guard, while junior Gabe Alexander (6-1, 360) is at tackle. If he’s not at tight end, Gamble also will be in the mix for playing time on the line.

Depth up front is being supplied by seniors Jake Schoup (5-8, 165), Reese Beasley (5-8, 200), juniors Sean Francis (5-10, 210), Damien Sproul (5-10, 265), Nick Gray (5-9, 285), sophomores John Dannehl (6-0, 195), Blayne Milliken (5-9, 145), Haden Stull (5-7, 155), Albert Taylor (5-10, 180), Johnny Jarvis (5-9, 225) and freshman Ron Pauley (5-9, 180).

The kicking job is going to be handled by junior Jobe Postiano (5-10, 145). He saw some time last season.

Caldwell will serve as the punter.

On the defensive side, the Huskies will once again employ a 4-4 alignment and boast most of their experience in the second and third levels.

“We’re going to be really young on defense,” Kropka said. “It’s going to be interesting on defense because we just don’t know. We like our back end because we know them. We’re going to do our best to try to hide our weaknesses and accentuate our strengths. We hope to show improvement week to week.”

Bowers will anchor the defense from his inside linebacker spot. He’ll be joined there by Carpenter, who saw time at outside linebacker last season.

“Bowers had a nice year and Carpenter has put on some muscle and we moved him inside because of the number of passing teams we play. We wanted his athleticism there, which is nice to have.”

The outside linebacker spots will be manned by Dodds and McAfee. They’re being pushed by Coultrap, McDonald and Pizzino.

The secondary is solid with Caldwell back at safety.

Dalton and West will begin at corner. Also expected to see time in the secondary are Mitchell and Rapavi.

Similarly to the offense, the question mark lies in the trenches. A combination of Ball, Barnhart, Croft and Perry will work at defensive end. The defensive tackle rotation will include White, Gamble, Alexander and Barnhart.

“We like what we’ve seen so far from those guys up front, but we’ll see when the lights come on,” Kropka said. “We’ve taken some baby steps with those guys.”

The Huskies schedule underwent just one change.

The aforementioned fourplus-hour road trip to East Hardy on Saturday replaces a game with Claymont, which had to re-adjust its schedule because of its new affiliation with the IVC. “We had held out hope for Claymont, and they did their best to fit us in, but decided to play New Philadelphia in that opening game, so they had to drop us,” Kropka said.

“I understood where they were coming from, so we were stuck in need of an opening game.”

After searching far and wide, Kropka’s choices came down to Akron Archbishop Hoban or East Hardy.

“It’s no disrespect to East Hardy, but after looking at both teams on film, they had kids who looked like normal human beings, whereas the guys from Hoban didn’t,” Kropka laughed. “It’s a lengthy road trip, but we’ll make the best of it. It’s a good team we’re going to play. We’re not going down there cause it’s a guaranteed win.”

The balance of the Huskies’ schedule includes the identical nine opponents.

Moses said. “We have guys who have been here, and guys who have had success here. They have made the transition so easy.

“I believe in our kids.

Once we get the guys in the right positions, I am excited to see what we can do.”

The Wildcats have an unusal schedule this season as Edison will be play just four games at home and six games on the road, including three straight games away from Cartwright Memorial Field in Weeks 6-8.

“It doesn’t matter much,” Moses said. “It is what it is.”

Edison is scheduled to open the season at 7 p.m.

Friday night on the road at East Liverpool at Patterson Field.

“Right now, our focus is our game Aug. 25 against East Liverpool,” Moses said. “We will take it week by week after that.”

The players on the team are going to have to earn their spots on the field in order to play on Friday

nights.

“Nothing is for granted,” Moses said. “You have to earn it. You have to earn an opportunity, and if you get that opportunity to play on Friday nights you have to take advantage of the opportunity.”

With everything that has happened, the Wildcats are excited about getting the season started against the Potters.

“The kids are really excited,” Moses said. “They are not excited about two-a-

days. We are trying to instill in them what is important, like being on time and doing all of the little things.”

Edison is looking to take a step forward this season.

“We just want to get better every day,” Moses said.

“If we do that, the wins and losses will take care of themselves. Every day we want to get better. You don’t want to have any day where you don’t get better.

We want to keep on getting improving. We want to get

better every day going into the 25th.”

Like his team, Moses is taking everything one day at a time.

“I am excited to coach football, and when basketball season comes I will be really be excited about coaching basketball,” Moses said. “We are going to take everything day by day this season. Coaching football and coaching basketball is a challenge, but it is a challenge I am glad to have the opportunity to do.”

Wildcats

From Page 53

108

Aug. 23, 2017

Purple Riders Bruney said.

At the fullback spot, senior Ty Allen (6-2, 220) is penciled in. He ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns last season. He’ll also see time at tight end.

Others vying for action in the backfield include: junior Logan DiLoretta (5-11, 185), sophomores Caleb Olson (5-11, 145), Richie McFarland (6-1, 160), freshmen Chase Goff (5-9, 155), Trevor Hanson (5-9, 150) and Evan Carpenter (5-11, 195).

One area where the Riders are experienced is at quarterback. After taking over the job about midway through last season, sophomore Jacob Probst (6-0, 191) returns as the full-time starter. He’s grown and matured both physically and mentally, according to his head coach.

As a freshman, he completed 32-of-78 passes for 495 yards. He threw two

touchdowns, but was intercepted seven times.

“I don’t think we’ve ever started a freshman at quarterback in Martins Ferry’s history,” Bruney said. “I know we haven’t in the last 60 years that I can remember. He had some growing pains last year, but he’s taken a huge step up the ladder so far. His throwing motion is better, he’s faster and he’s certainly more confident. We want Jake to understand that him running the football isn’t a bad thing. He’s going to be a pretty good quarterback.”

Probst’s chief understudy will be highly regarded freshman Logan Smith (6-3, 172). Junior Mason Goddard (5-7, 148) is listed as a quarterback, but he’s also able to shift to wide receiver and contribute.

Though the Riders didn’t throw the ball much last year, they do return their second-leading receiver in

senior Cory Bennett (5-8, 174). He caught five passes for 129 yards.

“Cory’s gotten a lot stronger and he has powerful legs,” Bruney said. “He will help us as a receiver and at running back some.”

Joining Bennett on the flanks is senior Shaun Jeter (5-9, 167), who started to come on toward the end of last season, according to Bruney. If he’s not playing quarterback, Smith could see time at receiver. Junior Trent Rice (6-1, 172) is another who is expected to make an impact.

Other receivers vying for action include: junior Donovan Shrodes (5-11, 180), sophomores Chase Ward (5-9, 130), Daysyn Hores (5-11, 150), Sabin Ward (5-8, 155), freshmen Alex Bennett (5-5, 115), Kameron Hughes (5-8, 160), Logan Meeker (5-10, 145) and Cole Sztary (5-9, 145)

From Page 101

When Allen’s not at tight end, junior Drake Dobson (5-11, 182) will take that role.

Like all teams, the Ferry offensive success will be predicated on offensive line play. The Riders feature two returning starters up front, but all five of their expected starters saw action a season ago.

“If the offensive line doesn’t play well, I don’t care how good the skill players are,” Bruney said.

“Our young quarterback took a beating at times last year and a lot of that was us not being disciplined up front. If you play offensive football with a defensive mentality, you can win with average skill players.”

The Purple line will be led by senior Hunter Bodkin (5-8, 235) who returns for his third season as left guard.

Classmate Demtrius Dokes (5-10, 211) will see time at center and could shift to guard as well.

Bruney believes junior Ian Terrell (5-9, 195) could spell Dokes at center, allowing him to shift to his “more natural position” at guard.

Senior Rayquan Prayear (6-2, 234) has shifted down

to the offensive line after serving as a tight end. He actually approached his head coach about the move and Bruney called him “a possible game changer.”

The two tackle posts are expected to be won by juniors DeAndre Pugh (6-3, 286) and Shane Krob (511, 255). Sophomore Donte Lewis (6-0, 220) is also expected to see time and could help at basically any of the spots in the trenches.

The balance of the offensive line contingent includes: seniors Jason Husvar (5-10, 245), Keith Wilson (5-11, 225), junior Randall Youngclaus (5-10, 230), sophomores Noah Caprita (5-10, 195), Greg Kwiatkowski (6-0, 230), Jerwon Thompson (5-11, 260), freshmen Noah Duck (5-9, 170), Bill Bailer (511, 160), Ryan Meeker (58, 220) and Preston Thoman (5-7, 200).

Ferry’s kicking game should be a strength with the return of sophomore Cody Olson (5-11, 145).

He had a solid freshman year, which included a walk-off field goal to beat St. Clairsville in double overtime, 17-14. He’ll also

fense, Kirby will move around at linebacker and defensive back.

Assisting Hicks this year will be Tyler Ossman, defensive coordinator and running backs coach; Pete

Melnyk, line coach; and Tom Kikascik, wide receivers and defensive backs coach. Melnyk and Kikascik are new to the staff, moving up from coach the Junior Dons.

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Big Red

Bernard, Koval and Blackmon. Juniors are A. Demitras, Mitchell, McGhee, Blackwell, Arlesic and Lulla. Sophomores listed are J. Brown and Tuttle.

D. Jones, Pierro, Davis, Taylor, Zane and Petteway are the seniors likely to see time in the defensive secondary. Junior candidates include Criss, Rauch, J. Jones, Bracone, Montgomery, Rice, Cunningham and Harper. Mitchell, Haney, Crawford, Power, Horvath, Biacco, Anderson, Martinau and Still are the sophomore defensive backs.

Junior Ian Phillips looks to handle the bulk of the kicking duties for Big Red. Saccoccia likes the skill level his roster of 69 boasts, but â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;The very first thing I said to this team was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;if we have to coach effort, we might as well not be here,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? he stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can coach technique, teach plays and coach defensive schemes. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind mistakes because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be successful, players have to have effort, want and desire. If we are coaching that, then we are in the wrong business.â&#x20AC;?

The Steubenville roster includes 21 seniors and 20 letter winners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel we have a really good senior class,â&#x20AC;? Saccoc-

cia pointed out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have been working hard and providing leadership. The guys have brought all they have.

After opening against Upper St. Clair, one of three new opponents on the schedule, Big Red will visit Morgantown before returning to Harding Stadium for games against St. Joseph Catholic High School from Windsor Ontario, Boardman and Pittsburgh USO. A trip to Dover will be followed by visits from Youngstown Ursuline, New Philadelphia, Cardinal Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara from Tonawanda, N.Y., and University School, located outside of Cleveland.

St. Joseph and University are the other two opponents for Big Red. Morgantown, Dover, New Philadelphia and University all reached the playoffs a season ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the things we have taken pride in during the last few years is playing a very competitive Division IV schedule,â&#x20AC;? said Saccoccia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we were a Division I school, the schedule probably would not be that competitive, but for us, it is extremely competitive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The positive thing about a competitive schedule is it wakes your kids up. You tend to have a better off season and better two-a-day practices. You tend to work

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From Page 15

harder because you know you are going to be tested every week. The negative thing is if you complain about it, you probably arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to do well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The schedule we have is going to prepare us to be a great team or a bad team.

Right now, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re focused on becoming the best we can be every day. During this period, we have to outwork an Upper St. Clair or a Morgantown. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re preparing to face two good football teams right away. These are games where depth will be an issue because of the enrollment those two schools have vs. the size of our enrollment.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to adding to Big Redâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tradition, Saccoccia the other key goal for his club is â&#x20AC;&#x153;to get better every day.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we do that, then when the last day of the season comes, we should be where we are supposed to be.â&#x20AC;?

109

Red Riders will be manned by another veteran in Caleb Rea, who will be a three-year starter.

Custer will see some time there, too, according to Filberto.

Hudacheck, who started as safety last year, will move to the other outside linebacker spot with Custer also in the mix. Jalon Bridges, another three-year starter, returns at defensive back along with Dameron, Hostettler and Sabastian Spencer. Reitter will inherit the safety spot with Tribuano as the backup.

Most of Filbertoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coaching staff returns with the addition of John Derdenas, the former Bishop Donahue head coach who lost his job when

From Page 21

the school closed at the end of the last school year. Filberto said Derdenas will serve as offensive consultant.

Tom Taylor is the first assistant and offensive line coach, David Cowden coaches the quarterbacks and secondary, Gerrard Spencer coaches running backs and outside linebackers, Terry Rea is the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach, Frank Sisinni coaches the defensive secondary and quarterbacks, Anthony Pompa coaches the defensive line and special teams and Troy Fetty coaches tight ends, offensive line and heads up the technology team.

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Off The Field Talk What some local players say about life off of the field ...

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Maroon Knights

From Page 104

your expectations are higher because everyone is all in. ‘‘When you have so many people invested in your program, you definitely get a power of strength. When you’re strong you have beliefs that you are going to do good and come out on top.’’

Offensively the Maroon Knights have some key contributors to replace, but it looks as though they have the people in place to do so.

Price, who was clocked at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Ohio State’s camp, returns at running back after rushing for more than 600 yards last season. He’ll be joined in the backfield at any given time by the likes of Murray, Wear, Kahle,

Wells and Mangino. ‘‘We’ve got some horses and we’re looking for them to contribute in every way possible,’’ Young said.

Up front the Knights will be challenge for just about everyone on the schedule. ‘‘We have a very good line that is aggressive,’’ Young said. ‘‘If we can get them off the ball and knowing their assignments, we’ve got a bug that can get loose on the rug, and that’s No. 4, Bray Price.’’

Duffy, Lawrence, Denniston, McCabe, Roth, Runkle, Duplaga and sophomore Hayden Manns (6-1, 225), who Young is high on, will all see time. ‘‘A force that has done

great in the offseason and really worked hard, is Luke Duplaga,’’ Young said. ‘‘He’s gotten stronger. ‘‘When he’s a guard he pulls well and when he’s a tackle he blocks down well. ‘‘We feel very confident in what we have up front.’’

That group will be protecting a new quarterback.

McGhee and senior Blake Peluchette (6-0, 165) were locked in a preseason battle.

They were being pushed by promising freshman Caleb Karnell (5-9, 133). ‘‘Both (McGhee and Peluchette) are quality athletes and very versatile athletes, while Karnell is also taking some snaps,’’ Young said.

Robbins will line up at tight end, where Mangino and sophomore Michael Horan (5-11, 185) could also see time.

At the receiver position are sophomores Jaylen Creighton (5-10, 160) and Jacob Rine (5-5, 115), along with Threets and Peluchette, if he doesn’t win the quarterback competition.

Vying for punting duties are Brown, Wells and Murray. Jack Stryker, a 5-11, 148-pound senior, is the returning kicker, though Young also has confidence in Rine and fellow sophomore Peyton Anderson (54, 155). ‘‘If we can keep them to-

gether — the chemistry of a team is huge,’’ Young said. ‘‘You can have a variety of personalities and attitudes, but when it comes to playing four quarters of football you’ve all got to be on the same page. ‘‘I believe these kids will have that passion and that heart to go out and play with the intensity that is needed to play this game. ‘‘We’ve been 9-2 the last two years. We’ve been in the playoffs all of my years here except one. So in 17 years, to not make the playoffs one year? I don’t know how many schools in Single-A can say that. ‘‘It says a lot for the program and for what we do.’’

Frank Fulton, Dylan Bozica, Kyre Smith, Garrett Dozier, Jo Jo Savage, Jack Rawson, Doug Whitman and Zac Close. The slot players will also see time at tailback.

Keenan was the team’s leading receiver last season.

He caught 25 passes for 447 yards and four touchdowns.

“He is a tremendous athlete,” Coach Meek said. “He has already got a lot of tremendous scholarship opportunities. He is great with the ball in his hands. He can run the ball. He has not had to run the ball in the past because we have had a lot of guys who could run the ball.

He will help us by running the ball and, obviously, by catching the ball.”

The top guys at tight end

are Travis Hill, Evan Roche and Nathan Haines.

The top guys at split end are Sninchak, Stackhouse and Brendan Matyas. Also competing for time at the position are Nathan Keenan, Jesse Fulton, Devin Corrao, Brant Reeves and Bryson Anderson.

Avery Watkins will start at center, and Jayden Oleksy and Isaac Miller are also competing for time.

“Avery lettered on the line for us,” Meek said. “He is a two-year lettermen on the line. He did not start a lot of games on the line because we had a lot of good linemen, but he played enough to earn a letter.”

Fogle and Wright will start at guard with Joe Shook, Seth Watkins,

Travis Stoica, Shane Van Steenberg, Cameron Garcia, Ryan Matyas and Dylan Scalise all competing for time.

“Luke is a four-year starter for us,” Coach Meek said. “He is strong. He is physical. He can bench almost 400 pounds. He is a tough player.”

The tackles will be D’Andre Thompson and Berger with Justin Haynes, Kanne Larkins, R.J. Baston, Aaron Andress, Daniel Quaynar and Michael Tizzani all competing for time.

“Offensively, I think we will be more methodical,” Coach Meek said. “Last year, we had Max Tice and Danny Zdinak who did a lot of damage on the ground.

Nate Karaffa also did a lot of damage on the ground.

Then, we had Jake Keenan and Ty West out at wide receiver. They were two talented and athletic players.

When we went to as oneback set, we put Danny Zdinak out there, and he could fly. We were blessed to have tremendous speed. I think we will be more methodical this year.

“We have some young kids up front. We have a lot

of kids who have not played a lot of varsity football, but they are all going to give it their all and hopefully will get the job done.”

Toronto has changed its defensive lineup. The Red Knights will be employing a three-man front this season.

Fogle, Berger and Thompson will start up front with Avery Watkins, Larkins, Shook, Garcia, Haynes, Seth Watkins, Van Steenberg, Miller, Haines, Quaynar, Tizzani, Andress and Scalise all vying for time.

The top guys at outside linebacker are Carson Meek, Sninchak and Hill.

Also competing for time at the position are Rawson, Close, Ryan Matyas and Roche.

The top guys at inside linebacker are Wright, Thomas, Patterson and Bozica. Parker, Pearson, Oleksy and Stoica are all competing for time there.

Starting in the secondary will be Karaffa, Jake Keenan, Herrick and Stackhouse with Nathan Keenan, Fulton, Brendan Matyas, Smith, Corrao, Dozier, Anderson, Whitman, Savage,

Leasure and Reeves all competing for time.

“We might switch guys around from cornerback and safety,” Coach Meek said.

“We want to utilize our personnel the best we can. Our defense is going to have more of a zone look. We want to keep everything in front of us. We are going to a 3-4.”

Karaffa or Patterson will handle the kick off duties.

Karaffa or Jake Keenan will kick the extra points.

Karaffa or Wright will handle the punting duties.

Jake Keenan, Patterson and Herrick will return kicks and punts.

Herrick will serve as the team’s holder.

Jake Keenan, Sninchak and Berger are all in the mix to be the team’s long snapper.

This season, Meek will be assisted by Jason Fogle, Jerry Vinci, Al Johnson, Steven Rebich, Matt Karaffa, John Parker, A.J. Hunt, Dave Dozier, Rick Hlivko, Bob Unger and Bill Meek.

Toronto is scheduled to open the season at 7 p.m.

Friday on the road at Shadyside at Fleming Field.

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Aug. 23, 2017

Monroe Central Seminoles

113

MONROE CENTRAL

Aug. 25: Union Local Sept. 1: Shadyside Sept. 8: at River

Sept. 15: at Caldwell Sept. 22: Fort Frye

Sept. 29: at Magnolia.

Oct. 6: Shenandoah

Oct. 13: at Barnesville Oct. 20: Frontier

Oct. 27: at West Muskingum

Circosta: ‘I felt (last season) we played a really tough schedule’ (All games begin at 7 p.m.)

By RICK THORPE For The Gridiron

WOODSFIELD — The story of the 2016 Monroe Central football team can best be told using one number — 40.7.

That’s the average number of points allowed by the Seminoles in each of their nine losses a year ago.

When you figure in their one victory — a 37-0 pasting of Frontier — that figure drops to 36.7. Still, it was too much for the team’s long-time coach. ‘‘The biggest thing was we couldn’t stop anyone defensively, especially against the run,’’ veteran Monroe Central head coach Jay Circosta said this month from his office inside the fieldhouse that bears his name. ‘‘That’s going to be a big challenge this year. Last year, I thought we could generate some points at times, and we moved the ball offensively. But we just couldn’t stop anyone. ‘‘That’s the worst season we’ve had in all the time I’ve been here.’’

And that’s a lot of time. In fact, when the Seminoles race onto the field at home Friday night against Union

Local, Circosta will begin his 50th season combined with Monroe Central/Woodsfield as a head and assistant coach.

Forty-six of those seasons have been spent as head coach, with those years split evenly between his tenures at Woodsfield and Monroe Central.

Circosta, who entered the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006, sports 330 victories.

He’s one of just a handful of Buckeye State grid bosses to have surpassed the 300-victory mark.

Included on Circosta’s resume are 14 playoff appearances, the latest coming in 2014, the last in a string of five in six years.

If the Seminoles are going to return to the postseason this fall (Monroe Central has dropped to Division VII, Region 27), they’ll need the defense to step up, the offense to pick up a lot of experience and, most importantly, stay healthy. ‘‘Health and injuries are huge,’’ said Circosta, who has 26 players on his roster, two more than last fall.

Numbers have been down in recent years for Circosta, but the veteran mentor has

withstood that challenge by getting every ounce of talent out of every player. If there’s a player in uniform, he’s usually asked to contribute —and the sum of those contributions has, at least in those playoff years, resulted in success.

Circosta knows many factors contribute to that success — health of the team, experience of the players and that of Monroe Central’s opponents. Last year, the Seminoles faced a rugged slate, anchored by a handful of postseason participants. ‘‘I felt we played a really tough schedule,’’ he said. ‘‘When you look at all the teams, most were in the playoffs.’’

Monroe Central’s 2017 slate mirrors its 2016 one with one exception — a road trip to West Muskingum replaces Buckeye Trail in Week 10. The Warriors left the Pioneer Athletic Conference to join the Inter Valley Conference. ‘‘We prefer to play 10 OVAC teams,’’ Circosta, The Associated Press’ Division VI Coach of the Year in 2014, said. ‘‘This year’s schedule will still be challenging. Sometimes, you can be pretty decent yourself, but

if you play a tough schedule you might end up mediocre record-wise. Then, sometimes you can be not so good, but play a schedule that’s not so tough and you might have a little bit better record. It depends on your competition.’’

Following its opener, Monroe Central welcomes Shadyside in Week 2. The Seminoles hit the road in Weeks 3 and 4, visiting River and Caldwell, respectively. From there, Circosta’s charges rotate home and road games to finish the season — Fort Frye, at Magnolia, Shenandoah, at Barnesville, Frontier, at West Muskingum.

The Seminoles played one of their best games in the year in Week 10 at home vs.

Buckeye Trail last year and Circosta hopes the momentum garnered in that game, even though it was a 34-30 loss, carries over to this season.

For the first time in three years, someone other than Jarett Hooper will be taking snaps for Monroe Central.

Hooper was thrust into the quarterback role as a sophomore in 2014 after spending the first few games as a wide out and quickly enjoyed suc-

cess. He led the Seminoles to the playoffs where Monroe Central traveled to Grandview Heights, only to watch the Bobcats rally for a 31-29 victory.

Last year, Hooper threw for more than 1,000 yards for the third straight year despite playing through a shoulder injury he had surgery on following the season.

Moving over from wide out to replace him is senior Ryan LaFollette (5-11, 175), one of five two-time letterwinners on the squad.

Last year, LaFollette made his presence felt catching balls from Hooper. This year, Circosta is banking on his passing skills to bolster an offense that’s inexperienced at the skill spots. ‘‘This biggest key for us is in the skill positions,’’ Circosta said. ‘‘You hate to take a kid that caught 42 balls for 600 some yards last year.

But if you don’t have anyone to throw to him...’’

While Hooper and LaFollette have differences, what’s similar is that, Circosta said LaFollette is a ‘‘very good athlete.’’ ‘‘He can throw the football. He has an arm. He can throw the ball 70 yards.”

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Aug. 23, 2017

Big Reds

From Page 104

He saw limited time there a year ago, gaining 122 yards on 31 carries. His backups will be promising sophomores Kaleb Pitchford (5-6, 195) and sophomore Trenton Wilson (5-7, 161). Pitchford gained 59 yards and scored a touchdown on 13 carries last season, while Wilson is the son of former Weir and WVU standout Quincy Wilson.

Other tailbacks are senior Grant Gheen (6-0, 163) and freshmen Collin Matusik (59, 165), Austen Rejonis (56, 188), Danny Nation (5-7, 144) and Jayce Gallaher (59, 132).

Sophomore Trace Secrest (6-0, 195) will lineup at fullback. His backups are senior Drew Tingler (5-9, 187) and sophomore Andrew Kolenich (5-9, 190).

“We’ve got some experience in the backfield,” the

head coach said. “Thor and Trace both saw some action back there.”

Senior Gabe Rejonis (510, 176) will start as the ‘Z’ receiver. He managed 57 yards and a TD last year on half-a-dozen catches. His backup is promising freshman Payton Marling (5-10, 166), who Spigarelli raved about.

“He has a bright future ahead of him if he can stay away from injuries,” the coach noted of Marling. “He has shown a lot of promise.”

Sophomore A.J. McCarthy (5-7, 134) is the starting split end. He saw very limited action a season ago. Backups are juniors Sheldon Lekanudos (5-9, 146), Trent Dunaway (5-10, 168) and Griffen Heatherington (5-10, 145).

Other possible pass-catchers are seniors Brett

Berberich (5-10, 145) and Noah Giffin (5-10, 125), junior Adam McKennen (59, 141), sophomores Jake Stolz (5-8, 143) and Mason Beveridge (6-0, 156), and freshmen Braunson Wallace (5-6, 110), Karter Hicks (55, 102) and Cody Slater (57, 110).

Junior Cole LaRoche (6-0, 210) returns at tight end where he saw spot duty last fall. He hauled in five passes for 70 yards a year ago.

Sophomore Cole Porter (510, 160) is the backup.

Also in the mix are junior Jacob Marthaler (5-10, 175), sophomore Cody Albaugh (5-9, 162) and freshmen Marshall Fish (5-4, 106) and Zac Hood (6-3, 185).

“Gabe played some last year and got some valuable minutes, while A.J. saw a little time,” the head coach said. “Cole is back at tight

end and we are looking to throw the ball more to him this season.”

Junior Daniel Lednik (6-0, 254) and sophomore Levi Littell (6-3, 281) will anchor the offensive line at left tackle and left guard, respectively. They are both returning letterwinners.

“Daniel started all 11 games last year and Levi started the final five, so we are expecting them to be our leaders up front,” Spigarelli said.

Sophomore Chase Nolan (5-11, 260) gets the start at center. Sophomore Jake Maupin (5-11, 218) is the backup.

Sophomores Connor Rosen (6-2, 230) and Quentin Baker (5-7, 209) are battling with senior Scott Mehlman (5-8, 250) and junior Joey Hoepfner (6-0, 266) for the right guard and

tackle spots.

“We’ve got a little bit of size up there, but we will have three sophomores up there at some point,” Spigarelli added. “We’re coming along pretty good. We still have our good days and our bad days ... our good plays and our bad plays.

What we’re looking for now is consistency in the blocking, play calling and those guys communicating with each other.”

Also in the mix are senior Jacob Bellville (5-10, 255), junior Haydon Lowery (6-2, 310), sophomores T.J. Bell (5-11, 172), Aaron Piergallini (5-7, 240), Ryan Mukliewicz (5-8, 190) and Caden Honeywell (6-2, 270); and freshmen Jalob Honeywell (5-9, 214), Jay Mosa (5-8, 215), Matthew Joyce (5-10, 150) and Vince Patrone (5-9, 182).

back, Wood will be split out wide.

Sophomore Justin Frohnapfel (6-0, 185), who lettered last season mainly at receiver, could also take some snaps at QB depending on the situation. Hess and fellow senior Nick Coulter, who at 6-2, 220, is likely JM’s most physically gifted athlete, will begin as the starting receivers, with Frohnapfel, junior Devin Norris (6-0, 180), senior John ‘B.B.’ Santamarino (6-0, 190) and Alec Edge, a 6-0, 170-pound junior, also in the mix. ‘‘It’s the most depth and athleticism we’ve had since I have been at the school,’’ Goodrich said. ‘‘So it’s not going to be run it off left tackle, run it off right tackle. ‘‘We’re going to be able to run some zones and some jets because we have the speed to do it. In the past we just didn’t have it.’’

Not even mentioned yet

is last season’s leading rusher, Chas McCool. Now a junior, he’s gotten bigger and faster and gives the Monarchs yet another weapon. ‘‘Edge can run, Frohnapfel can run, Hess can run, McCool can run, Coulter can run and Jordan’s not too bad,’’ Goodrich said. ‘‘We feel we have some athletes and we like our skill set. ‘‘We feel like if we get the ball in our hands, we can use our athleticism.’’

Senior Ronnie Durrah (60, 200) is the starter at tight end, but classmate Adam Carpenter (6-0, 185), who is said to be the better passcatcher of the two, will also see time.

It all, of course, is contingent on the guys up front paving the way. As excited as Goodrich is about his skill players, the offensive line has everyone equally giddy. It’s a big, athletic, explosive group.

Sophomore Colby Cubick (6-0, 260), Bishop Donahue transfer and junior Shane Hercules (6-5, 295) and senior Andrew Simonton (6-1, 255) are fighting for the two tackle positions.

Senior Brandon Durrah (58, 200) and junior Brady Williams (5-9, 240) are set to the be the guards.

The center is another exBishop, 5-8, 215-pound junior Hayden Kaschke. ‘‘All of them can move, which will allow us to be more versatile in what we do offensively,’’ Goodrich said. ‘‘They are all thick and athletic.’’

Junior Gavin Lockhart (5-7, 215) and senior Gabe McCardle (5-10, 195) have worked themselves into playing time.

Defensively, John Marshall will move to a 4-3 alignment. That means shifting a few people around from outside linebackers to defensive end.

Bailey Williams (5-9,

215) and Hunter Temple (5-9, 195), who will split fullback duties along with another BD transfer, Clinton Whitelatch (6-2, 205), are the two ends. Temple is a converted linebacker.

Simonton, Brady Williams and Cubick will all see time at defensive tackle. Others looking to gain action are seniors Norris, Chaz Burge (5-7, 245) and Brandon Durrah (5-8, 200). ‘‘Defensively we’re going to be much more athletic,’’ Goodrich said. ‘‘Cubic is going to be pretty good and Simonton can be as good as he wants to be, if he commits himself. ‘‘We’re going to possibly be the best defensive unit we’ve had since I have been here, but that is yet to be seen. ‘‘Those guys up front, they are quick and athletic.’’

Coulter, a returning allstate selection, leads the de-

fense from his linebacker position. He’s joined by Durrah and McCool. Whitelatch is also expected to see action here.

The secondary is also deep and talented.

Frohnapfel will be joined by fellow sophomore John Davis (6-0, 190) at the safety positions. Edge and Hess are the corners, with senior Roy Rayl (5-11, 170), Wood, sophomores Michael Mason (5-8, 135) and Izak Wiley (5-8, 160) and Santamarino also in the mix.

Hess or Santamarino will handling the punting duties, while the kicker position is an unknown, though that position could be held by Jacob ‘Cub’ Varner. ‘‘Jumping out of the blocks with University, they are going to be one of the top-2 teams on our schedule,’’ Goodrich said. ‘‘We’re going to find out

Monarchs

From Page 92

See MONARCHS Page 116

Aug. 23, 2017

115

Statue veiling is tentatively scheduled for April.”

Designed by worldrenowned sculptor Jerry McKenna, the Jones statue, base included, will stand 6feet-8 inches and will be placed in front of Calvin Jones Way. The statue will show Jones holding his helmet and looking to the future.

In addition to the statue, new fencing will be installed at the entrance to Harding Stadium.

McKenna is most noted for his bronze works of sports stars, military leaders and notable religious figures. He created more than 200 sculptures found all over the world. Nearly 30 of his busts are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“When I work on these things, it’s not about me— it’s about the person I’m representing,” he said in the past. “That’s what I’ve told every client. I don’t want my name on the plate, I don’t want that ‘sculpted by…’ down there. It’s going to be Calvin’s sculpture, Calvin Jones on there, maybe the years of his life, but it shouldn’t include me. None of these are about me.”

Gorman pointed out a large sum of money already has been collected to finance the project, but more financial assistance is needed.

“This is a wonderful community project,” he said.

“The community is on board to build something magnificent and meaningful for the stadium that is the heart of Steubenville sports.

“Steubenville High School has presented the Calvin Jones award to a football player every year since 1960.

Anyone who has ever played Big Red football knows Calvin Jones. His dad died when he was very young and he was raised by a single parent. He was a football star, but he didn’t forget his studies. Education was a priority and key to his success. We want our students to work hard and be the best they can be, just like Calvin Jones.”

From Page 7

File photo

Calvin Jones was a three-time All-American while playing for the University of Iowa.

Gorman stressed the statue committee is still collecting money.

“It’s not too late to honor a friend, loved one, classmate or event with a brick to support the project,” he stated.

To support the project online, visit www.squareup.com/market/shsredzone. Checks can be mailed to Steubenville City Schools, Attn: Calvin Jones Statue Project, 420 N. Fourth St., Steubenville, OH 43952. In addition, those interested in supporting can reach Gorman at the high school (740) 282-9741.

“Even if people can’t relate to Calvin Jones, I think they can relate that the stadium is so important to people,” Gorman said. “There are thousands of people every year that go in and out of the stadium. They want to be part of that. We think that it’s important and people have really taken to this project, and we’re very fortunate so far, but we still have a way to go to finish funding it.”

Dennis Madama of Shaeffer & Madama Inc. in Wheeling, the architect for the Jones project, stressed he’s certain “visitors to Harding Stadium

are going to be impressed” once the effort is completed.

“It’s exciting to be part of this project,” said Madama, a Big Red graduate and former

football player. “I remember hearing about Calvin Jones when I was playing, and I’m just humbled to be playing a role in this endeavor.”

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116

Aug. 23, 2017

Red Devils McLean said. “However, the ability to not have guys go both ways is certainly a benefit, especially early in the season when it’s hot.”

Greenwood is written in one for the defensive end spots. The other spot will come down to Butkus, Elerick, Hawley, Cook and Myers.

At defensive tackle, Drake, Skukan, Lyons, Delguzzo, Espen and Sorge are all basically interchangeable pieces.

“It’s very similar to the offensive line,” McLean said. “Who’s playing could be changing each week.

Could come down to who practices the best, matchups and that kind of thing.”

In the secondary, Heatherington returns as the free safety and Brookover is back at a corner. The other corner has been a battle between Duggan, Vike, Carrothers and Fusco.

“We’re going to use four or five defensive backs, depending on the scheme we’re facing,” McLean said. “We want to keep fresh bodies in the game.”

Though the Red Devils return some experience and have solid numbers, McLean isn’t overly confident or ready to crown his team by any means.

“I think this team is going to have to work its tail off to taste victory,” McLean said. “I know what our league has and I know what our non-league schedule looks like.

We’re going to have to work our tails off to taste success. We have a true test right out of the gate.”

Though motivational speeches haven’t been plentiful, one thing that McLean has stressed is that all hands are on deck, especially with the number of quality options St. C. features.

Monarchs

how good we are. ‘‘We’ve told our kids that we can beat everyone on our schedule, but everyone on our schedule can beat us once. We have to show up and play. There are no second chances.’’

Goodrich is assisted by Ray Anderson, Joel Sansone, Mike Sforza, Gerald Miller, Joe Sturgill, Jason Willis, Nate Skrzypek, Jason Merryman and Adam Parsons.

“It’s tough on the coaches to make these decisions, but that’s our job,” McLean said. “I’ve told the kids there’s not been a season I’ve coached yet where the same 11 kids went on the field for every snap of every game for an entire season. Kids spend time looking into a crystal ball, trying to figure out who’s going to play. Well, that’s impossible to do because there so many things you simply can’t predict. We don’t talk about starters much. We expect a lot of kids to play and contribute.”

The Red Devils — though completely focused on this week’s trip to Carrollton — will take on two new opponents, including another lengthy road trip next week.

St. Clairsville will board the buses for a Saturday night affair in Pomeroy, which is less than 30 minutes from Athens, to take on Meigs.

“It’ll be interesting to see how we handle that trip,” McLean said.

“We have to focus on Carrollton because they whipped us last year.

Plus, they’ve got a new coach, so everyone’s excited and they’re rallying around that. We have to be ready to play.”

After returning from Athens County, the Red Devils will make their home debut against Meadowbrook, which sets the stage for a string of Buckeye 8 games.

With Steubenville gone from the schedule after the schools’ twoyear contract expired, the Red Devils will welcome South Range, which is located in Canfield in Week 9.

“That’s just a one-year deal, so we’re looking for a week nine game for 2018 already,” McLean said. “We’re vaguely familiar with

Seniors

Chaz Burge, Adam Carpenter, Nick Coulter, Brandon Durrah, Ronnie Durrah, Dart Feil, Slayer Gray, Brandon Henry, Dereck Hess, Gabe McCardle, Roy, Rayl, John Santamarino, Andrew Simonton, Hunter Temple, Garrett Tingly, Kyle Truszka, Cub Varner, Clinton Whitelatch, Bailey Williams, Jarrod Yocum.

Juniors

Kory Bratton, Ethan Cameron, David Clayton, Noah Conner, John Davis, Alec Edge, Jakob Gardill, Joey Gresak, Shane Hercules, Chase Hummel, Hunter

South Range and we know they’re a perennial power in their league and have made appearances in the postseason.”

As for the Buckeye 8 portion of the schedule, McLean continues to be a major advocate for the league.

“How many years, since the league was started, has it been where there’s just no way to predict what’s going to happen?” McLean said. “I think it’s an awesome thing. When the league commits to playing each other, it gives a lot of teams the opportunity to be in the postseason if they’re good enough.”

The schedule wasn’t the only thing to undergo some minor changes. Longtime assistant coach Mike “Chops” Jacob, who had been with McLean since he accepted the post, retired from coaching. He was charged with spearheading the Devils’ special teams, which is a duty McLean has taken on for this season.

“We were definitely sad to see Chops go,” McLean admitted.

“He’s going to be tough to replace, but I understand. It’s a huge commitment for a business owner, a dad and I knew there would be a time when he would step away. Our program will forever be affected by what he brought to us.”

The remainder of the coaching staff is the same. Donnie Giffin and Ben Frye return as the offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. Kevin Sacco, Ryan Clifford and Vern Ridgeway are also varsity assistant coaches.

Working at the junior high level are Casey Callarik, Steve Hicks, Jake Antolak, Ty Hawley, Anthony Skrabak, Bobby Richmond and Kurt Clifford.

Kaschke, Brandon Knight, Clinton Lestor, Gavin Lockhart, Chas McCool, Trey Moore, Devin Norris, Zach Tschappat, Brady Williams, Jordan Wood, Austin Yurcina.

Sophomores

Jacon Armstrong, Zachary Birkett, Zach Bishop, Jace Boggs, Dakota Bonds, Bradlee Clark, Michael Cross, Colby Cubick, Brennan Daniels, Justin Frohnapfel, Harry Galloway, Ethan Gray, Brandon Heath, Wyatt Hill, Hunter Johnson, Zach Leach, Michael Mason, Sherman Milam, Austin Moore, Izak Wiley,

From Page 84

ST. CLAIRSVILLE

Aug. 25 — at Carrollton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 — at Meigs, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 — Meadowbrook Sept. 15 — at Mart. Ferry, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 — Indian Creek Sept. 29 — Harrison Central Oct. 7 — at Bellaire, 12:30 Oct. 13 — Union Local Oct. 20 — South Range Oct. 27 — at E. Liverpool, 7:30

(All home games begin at 7:30 p.m.)

Seniors

Matt Butkus, Hunter Cook, Geno Drake, John Hawley, Matt Greenwood, Luke Sorge, Shane Tomlin, Tanner Younkins.

Juniors

Craig Bober, Jeremiah Burdyn, Dustin Carrothers, Jon Cunningham, Trey Delguzzo, Ethan Duggan, Andrew Elerick, Luke Ewing, Justin Heatherington, Caige Hepburn, Brady Kolb, Justice McCamick, David Mellema, Braedyn Mihalic, Greg Norman, Evan Porter, J.T. Porter, Cole Skukan, Kyle Storer, Luke Watt.

Sophomores

Austin Angus, Tyler Brookover, Jeremiah Burdyn, Joe Burdyn, Brock Butler, Trey Delguzzo, Quinton Elerick, Chase Espen, Nate Fusco, Blake Gretchen, Colton Grimm, Craig Hepburn, Aaron Jordan, Izaac Jozwiak, Javon Lyons, Isaak Myers, Corey Naylor, Anthony Ochoa, Kenya Robinson, Mason Thornton, Noah Trubiano, Brett Vike, Derek Witzberger.

Freshmen

Will Balgo, Mark Benda, Jake Bolyard, Austin DaRe’, Josh DeNoble, Luke Jozwiak, Robby Kain, Anthony Mays, Jalen McCall, Mason Morgan, Mason Schafer, Reese Skaggs, Jaiden Springer, Tyler Tonkovich, Caleb Wycoff.

From Page 114 JOHN MARSHALL

Aug. 25: at University Sept. 1: at Mountain Ridge.

Sept. 8: at Weir Sept. 15: Bellaire Sept. 22: at Parkersburg South Sept. 29: Buckeye Local Oct. 6: at Warren Local Oct. 13: Brooke Oct. 20: Morgantown Nov. 3: Wheeling Park

Aug. 23, 2017

117

Catullo covering the WellsvilleToronto matchup.”

That’s still the hardest night of my brief journalism career, but it’s amazing how much I learned in one day.

The drive was easy, until I actually reached Steubenville. Man, do Big Red fans support their team. I barely found a parking spot that was at least a 10-minute walk into Harding.

After stepping foot inside the stadium, Big Red put the final touches on a 53-0 victory over Cleveland JFK. Wellsville, the team Lisbon covered because it also covers for the East Liverpool Review, and Toronto would start roughly half an hour later at 8:30 p.m.

Wonderful.

East Liverpool’s deadline is 11:30 p.m. I’m also shooting photos while getting a recap. I tell Mike Burich, the

assistant sports editor, this.

“As soon as the game ends,” he said, “call me and relay the stats and a quote or two. Send your photos at halftime.”

Nowadays that’s easy. Remember, this was the first time I’m ever taking photos and really putting my laptop to good use.

I tested my camera just a handful of times before that day. I thought, “Oh, there’s a sports setting already on here. Perfect!”

Not perfect.

It was OK when the sun was out, and it was only out for about 10 minutes. By the time it set, all photos came out blurry. I had no idea how to shoot manually. I kept at it, hoping that a few shots came out OK for paper purposes.

Two photos were sent at halftime.

One could find me throughout the third quarter and most of the fourth in the press box, praying for no overtime, or nothing would get printed. It finally ended around 10:50 p.m. give or take five minutes. Toronto pulled away with a 22-13 victory. I was already back on the field waiting to interview former Wellsville coach Derrick Spann. Two questions were all I needed.

With time ticking away, I reached the press box at 11:10 p.m. I make my phone call to Mike, and I gave him the gist of the quotes. Stats were already sent, luckily.

So, during my three hours in Steubenville plus the hour ride there and back, shooting photos for an hour and racing back and forth from field to press box, one photo and about 200 words were all to show for.

That night always sticks out in the memory bank.

Countless games from every sport are forgotten.

Everybody has that one moment where it evolves him or her into the person he or she is today. That was mine.

be a matchup or even if your team will get in at all.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, cousin, coach, aunt, uncle, friend or just someone who likes to watch the game of football and cheer on the local team, there is something special about it for everyone. Everyone, in their own way, has a connection to it.

The kids in junior high, grade school and younger playing flag football, or maybe just pick up ball with their friends, dream of what it will be like to one day put on the shoulder pads on a fall Friday night, to be one of the big kids with all the younger students now looking up to you.

For some, playing high school football is about the dream of playing college or maybe even the long-shot dream of going pro. For others, it’s simply about the love of the game and the ability to play it in front of friends and family. Either way, it’s something special for each

player.

For coaches, it’s about passing the knowledge of not just the game, but life lessons and wisdom and guidance off the field, too. It’s about taking a group of boys through the game they all love and have in common, teaching them how to be men. That, to them, is something special.

As a kid going to school in Martins Ferry, I was one of those kids who played flag football and looked up to the boys playing for the Purple Riders on Friday nights. I stayed up late to watch the highlights of all the area games, especially from the teams I knew the Riders were going to play, often after coming home from a Martins Ferry game. I would have someone pick me up a copy of the newspaper to read what the people covering the games had to say about them.

My whole week revolved around what happened on Friday night, my mood, my nerves, all of it. I was as sucked in as anyone else who

loves the game around here.

Some of my first and fondest memories of sports are traveling out of town with my parents, after begging for days until they gave in and agreed to go, to watch the Riders’ out-of-town playoff games. We knew some of their families from church, or I had a classmate or two who had an older sibling on the team. Some of them were older siblings of my flag football teammates, some of whom eventually ended up playing themselves.

One of my fondest memories as a young flag football player was being given a hat signed by my favorite player on Friday nights. Stepping onto the high school field to play a flag football championship game was the coolest thing that I had experienced to that point in my life. I could picture myself wearing the white helmet with the purple horseshoe on that field, the same way I imagine a lot of kids playing the game now, dreaming of the time

when they are on that field on a Friday night, do today.

As often happens as we grow up in life, and things change. Dreams change, goals change, and we move on from some of the dreams we had as a kid. For me, that change was from playing sports to covering them. The passion for sports never went away — the way I expressed and how I decided to use it changed.

The passion for football, in particular, never went away, either. Now, after covering other sports, minor league hockey mostly, I have the opportunity to express that passion for the game of football. This year, by way of covering high school football for this AP and WVPA award-winning publication for the first time, telling the story of what happens between the sidelines on the gridiron every week, I get to be a part of something special.

I get to share my passion for the game of football with

Grimm

EXPECTATIONS A lot of long nights are coming, but that’s just part of the job. Every hour leading up to games and afterwards will be crazy. Every hour also will turn into minutes with how much needs to be done, no question.

As far as schools go, I am excited to see new traditions and rituals each team has to offer. I’ve already seen those from Wellsville, Beaver Local and a handful of others.

I am most familiar with Oak Glen because it’s literally the only school The Review and Herald-Star/The

From Page 8

Daily Times have in common. Luckily I live in Moon, Pa., so the drive was and is pretty easy, only about 35 minutes depending on traffic.

Schools such as Steubenville, Weir, Indian Creek and Brooke are new experiences. Let’s see what they do to blow my mind.

NIGHTLY BASIS Expect to see me shooting at least two or three games per Friday evening. Three correspondents will be covering games, but they are only writing stories. Somebody must take the photos, right?

Mike McElwain will hopefully shoot at least two games per night, depending on who’s home and who’s away. Andrew Grimm will focus on one game, stories and photos.

It sounds crazy, and it will be.

From Page 8

you, the readers, each and every week.

That is something I do not take lightly and very much am excited and humbled to get to do. I’m sure I have a lot to learn, and will learn a lot along the way, but it’s an opportunity I have been hoping for and looking forward to since I started covering sports.

In my life, high school football is something special to me. I have that in common with many folks around here. It is my hope and goal to express that in my work. I want the kid picking up the paper to read about the game that means so much to them to be able to tell what it means to me, too. After all, I was that kid once.

On Fridays and Saturdays, when I’m on the sidelines taking pictures, or up in the press box updating people looking for the score online, or writing my recap, it won’t be just work for me. No, not just work — it will be something special.

EVERY PLAY COUNTS

Often underappreciated, cornerbacks can be game-changers. There is a lot more that goes into the position than meets the eye. These four area cornerbacks go through the process to prove that every play counts.

Noah Fayak Catholic Central

Jake Keenan Toronto

Q: What is the hardest part about playing cornerback?

A: Reading the quarterback’s eyes and changing directions to where the receiver is going.

Also, making tackles in the open field.

A: Predicting where the receiver is going to go. This is very hard because the receiver has the advantage of knowing his route.

Josh Richie Brooke A: Trying not to get caught up when two receivers run down the seem and the top of the numbers.

Q: How much time do you spend learning about a receiver you know well?

A: I watch a lot of film on him, just like I would do for a receiver I never heard of.

A: Our position coach has us watch hours of film to break down their tendencies, which helps a lot. It’s easier if we know the receiver.

A: If I know them, then about 10 or 15 minutes.

A: There is not much of a difference from a receiver you know.

We still watch hours of film to find out what they do, good and bad.

A: Every play, and watching how they react.

Q: How much time do you spend learning about a receiver you have never heard of?

A: I take time watching film, learning his strengths and weaknesses and what I can do best while covering him.

Q: What’s harder for a cornerback: Playing zone or man-to-man, and why?

A: I’d say playing man-to-man, because you have no help from the safety, so you have to be on your best defense at all times. There’s no time for mistakes.

A: I think zone is harder, because you could end up with two receivers in your zone and have to guard both.

Q: What tools does one need to be a successful cornerback?

A: You need to have good foot work. You also need to know the receiver you are covering, his weaknesses and strengths.

A: To be a good corner, you must have discipline and be very quick. You must be able to analyze well, too.

Chayce Lemley Madonna A: I think the hardest part is keeping outside contain, because you are the last line of defense.

A: I usually start preparing and watching film as soon as coach makes it available to us.

A: I spend the same amount of time on wide receivers I know and I don’t know. I think you should start preparing as soon as possible.

A: Man-to-man, because you don’t want to be responsible for giving up a touchdown.

A: Man-to-man. The main reason is that you’re usually on an island and don’t have help.

A: Speed, quick feet, good eyes, memory and reaction time.

A: Speed, to be physical and have some height.

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122

Aug. 23, 2017

Cox In September 1962, I was a news reporter in the Weirton office of the Steubenville Herald-Star, covering the Weirton City Building and Hancock County Courthouse. Mind you, this was a guy who never took a journalism class in his 22 years of life on this earth. I was a guy eager to learn, and I was blessed to work with people who were willing to teach me.

The late Paul M. Glover was one of those teachers.

And, he became a mentor to me.

He was district editor of the Herald-Star and worked hard to provide newspaper coverage in Hancock and Brooke counties on the West Virginia side of the river. At that time there was intense competition for exclusive stories with the rival Weirton Daily Times, which was independently owned. The Herald-Star was owned by Brush-Moore Newspapers, headquartered in Canton.

Glover worked in the old newspaper office that was located in a building on North Fourth Street next to the Fort Steuben Hotel. As most know, the hotel still stands at

the corner of Fourth and Washington Streets. The Herald Square Cigar Store, operated by Herbie Goodman and his brother, was between the hotel and the old Herald-Star building. There is an empty lot there now.

Enough history, back to my story. Glover was the one who went with me to Weirton City Council meetings for about six months teaching me how to cover and write a story about what went on at the meetings. One day, he called and asked if I would join him in the press box to cover the Moundsville at Weir High football game on Friday, Sept. 28, which was the Red Riders’ fourth game of the season and second home game.

The Riders, under new head coach Carl Fodor, got walloped at home the week before by the Harry Wilsonled Steubenville Big Red by the score of 53-12. It was the second straight year Big Red downed the Red Riders. The 13-6 loss at Harding Stadium the year before was the only defeat suffered by the 11-1 West Virginia state 3A champions.

The late John D. Kirker,

legendary Herald-Star sports editor, covered that game and the loss left young Fodor’s Riders with a record of 1-2 going into the game with the Moundsville Trojans. They had gone to Charleston and recorded a 12-7 upset, winning Fodor’s debut as a head coach, but lost the next one at Bellaire by 23-6.

Fodor inherited only four starters from the state championship team of 1961, so the expectations weren’t very high. Two of the four were co-captains — Gary Bepler, a 185-pound senior guard and George Harvey, a 195pounder at tackle. The other two were senior 170-pound guard Bob Sutton and another Weir High legend, Ron “Fritz” Williams, a 190pound end.

Sports fans all know that Williams was the greatest basketball player in Weir High history and one of the greatest the state of West Virginia ever produced. He was an All-American on the hardwood at WVU and was a No. 1 draft pick in the NBA draft of 1968. Williams was such a great athlete that he was a late-round draft pick in the NFL that year, even

though he hadn’t played a down of football since high school.

Back to my first game in the booth. Glover explained to me the way to record playby-play on a 8 ¢ by 14 legal pad. It is the system I still use 55 years later.

It turned out to be an exciting game won by the Red Riders 20-13 on a pick-six by senior Jack Rowe with 21 seconds left in the game.

Rowe, who went on the play at Marshall and got into the education field, retired a few years ago as athletic director at Indian Creek High School.

Rowe scored on runs of 24 and 60 yards earlier in the game. He finished with 11 carries for 114 yards.

The lead on my story went something like this: “Jack Rowe scored three touchdowns to lead Weir High to a 20-13 win over the Moundsville Trojans last night at the Weirton Municipal Stadium.”

I’ve probably written lead paragraphs like that more times than I want to remember in my intermittent sports writing career.

Back in those days, bylines were hard to come by except

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for sports editors like Kirker and other old-time newspaper writers, but I got my first byline with that story. But I must admit, I really didn’t deserve it. I wrote a lot of the story, but it was my old mentor, Paul Glover, fine tuned it and made it read like I knew something about writing a sports story.

I also have to admit that I don’t remember much of those details about that game with Moundsville. I had to do some research at the Mary H. Weir Library, but I do remember, and always will remember, a particular play that occurred later that 1962 season when Weir High hosted Triadelphia.

The Red Riders had the ball deep in their own territory and Fodor sent in a play calling for Rowe to get a toss from quarterback Jim Helba as if he were going to sweep right end. Instead, Rowe found Williams wide open in the flat and hooked up with him on a halfback option pass. Williams was off to the races from about his own 25, and as he dashed past the Little Reds’ bench a reserve jumped out on the field and tackled Fritz at the Triadelphia 40-yard line. An alert official immediately awarded the touchdown to Weir High indicating that, undoubtedly Williams, would have scored on a 75-yard play.

I only wish I had kept that first legal pad with those early games I covered. Do you suppose Dennis Jones would want them for the Weirton Museum?

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Aug. 23, 2017

Bruins

there.”

Valero returns to start at free safety with freshman Aaron Scipio being counted on to add depth.

McLean said there are “four to five guys in the mix” for playing time at corner.

They include Richie, Taylor, senior Nic Provenzano, junior Austin Provenzano and Camilletti.

E. Secrist will handle the punting duties while sophomore Noah Horvath returns at the placekicker.

“Defensively, kind of like we are offensively, we have depth at the skilled positions—we’re just short on big boys,” McLean commented.

Speed, according to McLean, is another major strength for the 2017 Bruins.

“We were a slow football team last year, with all the injuries we suffered,” he commented. “This year, our speed guys are back and some of our young guys have great speed. We can move and we can get open. We’ll be looking to create space for our speed guys.

“Last season, we didn’t have a run from scrimmage longer than 29 yards because we just weren’t that fast. This year, we have a handful of guys who can go if they can break the line of scrimmage. I think we can run with anyone we are going to play.”

From the standpoint of teams Brooke is going to play, McLean noted the 2017

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JEFFERSON COUNTY JVS 1509 Co. Hwy. 22A • Bloomingdale, Ohio 43910

From Page 90

schedule “has a different look to it.” New to the slate this year are Pittsburgh Perry (Week 4) and Princeton (Week 10).

“One thing for sure, we’re not going to play four of the top five teams in the state to open the season,” McLean stressed. “With that being said, I believe the best three teams on the schedule are the first three teams we play (Brooke opens against Wheeling Park, hosts University, then travels to Morgantown). Our schedule is very front-heavy with the competition we have.

“Park is a year removed from winning a state championship and returns a Division I quarterback. University has 25 seniors back and they are just loaded. Morgantown is always going to be solid.”

Other teams on Brooke’s schedule are Indian Creek, Parkersburg South, John Marshall, Buckhannon-Upshur and Weir.

Due to the repair project at Wheeling Island Stadium, Brooke’s game with Park will be played at West Liberty University on Thursday.

“We’ll have the added pressure of being the only game in town and a lot more eyes will be on us than we normally have,” McLean pointed out. “It’s going to be a madhouse—it’s going to be packed. But that’s why these kids come out here and sweat—to play in games like this.”

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124

Aug. 23, 2017

Riders handle the punting duties.

“Cody’s gotten a little bigger, stronger and his range has increased,” Bruney said. “Eventually, he’s going to be a really good kicker. He’s still a young kid, but we’re definitely excited about his potential.”

On the defensive side, the Purple Riders boast speed and physicality. Bruney believes his team’s run defense will be a strength becuase of their interior line and linebacker play.

“On paper, I think it will be tough for teams to make a living running inside on us,” Bruney said. “We’re preparing for teams realizing that and trying to attack the edge and throw the ball against us. If we play to our potential inside, and I am talking end to end and the inside linebackers, it’s going to be tough to run it up in there.”

Bodkin and Krob are ticketed for defensive tackle duties, while Dokes is a returning starter at end.

He’ll be complemented on the other end by Prayear.

The defensive leader, similar to the offensive side, will be Hoover. He’ll man one of the linebacker spots as he comes off a junior season in which he recorded 107 tackles. Allen will also be on the inside.

Dobson and Johnson are ticketed to start at outside linebacker, but Johnson could also see time at defensive end. Probst, Shrodes and McFarland will also see action at the outside.

In the secondary, Bennett and Jeter are listed at corner.

They’re being pushed by Goddard and Hores. Rice and Smith are battling for the safety job.

“We want to get our best 11 guys on the field at the same time,” Bruney said.

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“That, however, requires some personal sacrifice for the good of the group.”

Obviously, Bruney feels good about his team and believes it could win a lot of games. But, he’s cautioned his team about getting too far ahead of itself.

“These kids would love to get back to the postseason, but we’re trying to sell them on playing 10, one-game seasons,” Bruney stressed.

“We want to prepare like hell like this is the only game we’re playing all season, but with the realization that how we practice this week and the following weeks will affect if we play in November. We have to keep in mind that if we do stub our toe, it’s just one game. We have to get back up and work hard to get back on track. If they approach it that way, and so far they have, I think we can be as good as we’ve been.”

The Purple Riders’ schedule is basically unchanged.

However, the one change is a big one. Gone is Pittsburgh Carrick and it’s been replaced by a multi-year deal with Wheeling Central. The other nine games are identical.

“We actually wanted to start playing Wheeling Central last year, but it just didn’t work out,” Bruney confessed. “It’s good game.

It’s a good game for everyone, actually. We’re looking forward to it.”

While the Riders will open with Buckeye Local once again, the day has changed. For the first time,

Ferry will open on Thursday against the Panthers.

“We thought we’d give it a try,” Bruney said. “Normally, the Ferry-Buckeye game is a good game monetarily for both schools because people are excited for football and the season opener. Plus, it gives you an extra day (before week 2) to get guys healed up and as coaches you’re able to go scout someone on Friday night that you might not have been able to, otherwise.”

Ferry’s other non-Buckeye 8 south games include meetings with Beaver Local, East Liverpool and Indian Creek. The Riders will play one Saturday game this season and it comes on Oct. 28 when they trek to arch-rival Bellaire to play for SPARKY. “We’ll have our work cut out for us for sure against our schedule,” Bruney said.

“I am not sure there’s a team that we’re looking at them and thinking, ‘how are we going to beat those guys?’

But, that’s not saying we can just beat everyone either.

There are a lot of similar teams, which should make for a good, entertaining season ... for the fans, anyway.”

Martins Ferry boasts one of the area’s largest — and most quality — coaching staffs. Bruney has no fewer than 12 assistants with him at the varsity level and six at the junior high level.

“I am definitely blessed to have the staff that I do,” Bruney said. “All quality people and coaches. We get

From Page 108

a lot done and a lot of individual work because of the size of the staff we have.”

At the varsity level are Dirk Fitch (offensive coordinator), John Bennett (defensive coordinator), Gregg Bahen, Taylor Yoder, Chas Yoder, Chad Ware, Nick Stankovich Jr., Jim Hoover, Anthony Reasbeck, Nick Stankovich Sr., Greg Cumse and Derek Edwards.

At the junior high level are John McFarland, Robert Harris, Mike Rose, Michael Rose, Jack Fitch and Lucas Agnew.

MARTINS FERRY Seniors Ty Allen, Cory Bennett, Hunter Bodkin, Demetrius Dokes, Dalton Hoover, Jason Husvar, Shaun Jeter, Jacob Johnson, Ray Quan Prayiar, Keith Wilson.

Juniors Logan DiLoretta, Drake Dobson, Mason Goddard, Shane Krob, DeAndre Pugh, Trent Rice, Donovan Shrodes, Ian Terrell, Randall Youngclaus, Sophomores Noah Caprita, Daysyn Hores, Gage Kwiatkowski, Donte Lewis, Richie McFarland, Caleb Olson, Cody Olson, Jacob Probst, Jerwon Thompson, Chase Ward, Sabin Ward.

Freshmen Bill Bailer, Alex Bennett, Evan Carpenter, Noah Duck, Chase Goff, Trevor Hanson, Kameron Hughes, Logan Meeker, Ryan Meeker, Logan Smith, Cole Sztary, Preston Thoman.

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watch

the fun!

Week 1

Thursday, Aug. 24

Buckeye Local at Martins Ferry Brooke at Wheeling Park, played at WLU

Friday, Aug. 25

Upper St. Clair at Steubenville Steubenville Central at Wheeling Central Weir at Oak Glen Indian Creek at Cambridge Edison at East Liverpool Toronto at Shadyside

Saturday, Aug. 26

Harrison Central at East Hardy, 7:30 p.m.

Week 2

Friday, Sept. 1

Steubenville at Morgantown Clev. Rhodes at Harrison Central Indian Creek at East Liverpool Anacosita at Weir Edison at Wellsville Bridgeport at Toronto Union Local at Buckeye Local

Weekly Prep Schedule Alliance at Indian Creek John Marshall at Weir Toronto at Edison Madonna at Bridgeport

Week 4

Friday, Sept. 15

Boardman at Steubenville Steubenville Central at South Harrison Brooke at Morgantown Union Local at Harrison Central Buckeye Local at Indian Creek Weir at Keyser Edison at Beaver Local Madonna at Beallsville Southern Local at Toronto

Week 5

Friday, Sept. 22

Saturday, Sept. 2

Pittsburgh USO at Steubenville Pittsburgh Perry at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Harrison Central at Martins Ferry Indian Creek at St. Clairsville Union Local at Edison Pendleton County at Madonna Toronto at Leetonia Bellaire at Buckeye Local

Week 3

Warren JFK at Steubenville Central Warren Local at Oak Glen Petersburg at Weir

Oak Glen at Steubenville Central Madonna at Tusky Central

Friday, Sept. 8

St. Josephs Catholic at Steubenville Steubenville Central at Western Reserve University at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Buckeye Local at Oak Glen Bellaire at Harrison Central

Saturday, Sept. 23

Week 6

Friday, Sept. 29

Steubenville at Dover Brooke at Indian Creek

Edison at Oak Glen Harrison Central at St. Clairsville Weir at Union Local Mathews at Madonna Columbiana at Toronto Buckeye Local at John Marshall

Saturday, Sept. 30

Barensville at Catholic Central

Week 7

Friday, Oct. 6

Ursuline at Steubenville Parkersburg South at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Oak Glen at East Liverpool Edison at Harrison Central Martins Ferry at Indian Creek Fairmont Senior at Weir Lisbon at Toronto Beaver Local at Buckeye Local

Saturday, Oct. 7

Carrick, Pa. at Steubenville Central Parkersburg Catholic at Madonna

Week 8

Friday, Oct. 13

New Philadelphia at Steubenville Brooke at John Marshall Oak Glen at Harrison Central Beaver Local at Indian Creek Weir at Warren Local Madonna at Van Toronto at East Palestine East Liverpool at Buckeye Local

Saturday, Oct. 14

Edison at Steubenville Central

Week 9

Thursday, Oct. 19

Steubenville Central at Madonna

Friday, Oct. 21

Cardinal Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara at Steubenville Buckhannon-Upshur at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Fairmont East at Oak Glen River View at Harrison Central Indian Creek at Columbiana East Liverpool at Weir Buckeye Local at Edison United at Toronto

Week 10

Friday, Oct. 27

Steubenville Central at Fort Frye Brooke at Weir Oak Glen at Beaver Local Harrison Central at Buckeye Local Indian Creek at Edison Toronto at Wellsville

Saturday, Oct. 28

University School at Steubenville Wheeling Central at Madonna

Week 11 Friday, Nov. 3

Princeton at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Oak Glen at Wheeling Central Madonna at Clay-Battelle Ohio Playoffs (Games at 7 p.m. unless noted)

Join us every Thursday morning at: heraldstaronline.com or weirtondailytimes.com

2017 OVAC Season

WEEK 1

Thursday, Aug. 24

Buckeye Local at Martins Ferry Brooke at Wheeling Park (at West Liberty)

Friday, Aug. 25

Wellsville at Beaver Local Clay-Battelle at Hundred Union Local at Monroe Central Shenandoah at Frontier John Marshall at University Barnesville at Newcomerstown Weir at Oak Glen Bridgeport at Southern Local Symmes Valley at Paden City Strasburg at Conotton Valley Indian Creek at Cambridge Bellaire at River Steubenville Central at Wheeling Central Toronto at Shadyside Edison at East Liverpool St. Clairsville at Carrollton Buckeye Trail at Ridgewood Upper St. Clair at Steubenville Belpre at Fort Frye John Glenn at Meadowbrook Parkersburg South at Ripley Valley at Tygarts Valley Beallsville at Rosecrans Athens at Warren Local Linsly at Mogadore, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 26

Harrison Central at East Hardy Caldwell at Fairfield Christian Magnolia at Parkersburg Catholic

WEEK 2

Friday, Sept. 1

South Harrison at Valley Clay-Battelle at Beallsville Linsly at Martins Ferry Hundred at Cameron Conotton Valley at Southern Local Anacostia at Weir Cleveland Rhodes at Harrison Central Shadyside at Monroe Central Barnesville at Meadowbrook Edison at Wellsville Bridgeport at Toronto Steubenville at Morgantown Wheeling Park at Bridgeport, W.Va. Union Local at Buckeye Local John Marshall at Mountain Ridge Beaver Local at West Branch Newcomerstown at Buckeye Trail Cambridge at John Glenn Northridge at Fort Frye Magnolia at Williamstown Warren Local at Marietta Parkersburg South at University, 7:30 p.m.

Indian Creek at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 2

Caldwell at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Oak Glen at Steubenville Central St. Clairsville at Meigs Madonna at Tusky Central

WEEK 3

Friday, Sept. 8

Bellaire at Harrison Central Alliance at Indian Creek Monroe Central at River Rosecrans at Caldwell Toronto at Edison Tygarts Valley at Paden City Morgantown at Parkersburg South

Madonna at Bridgeport Shadyside at Magnolia Barnesville at Buckeye Trail Martins Ferry at Union Local Wheeling Central at East Hardy John Marshall at Weir Steubenville Central at Western Reserve Buckeye Local at Oak Glen Beaver Local at Linsly (at West Liberty) Shenandoah at Southern Local Cameron at Valley Wheeling Park at Allderdice Hundred at Beallsville Carrollton at Cambridge St. Joseph at Steubenville Conotton Valley at Atwater Waterloo Ritchie County at Frontier Fort Frye at Waterford Point Pleasant at Warren Local Lowellville at Wellsville St. Josephรกs (Ottawa) at Steubenville University at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Salem at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

Meadowbrook at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

WEEK 4

Thursday, Sept. 14 River at Magnolia

Friday, Sept. 15

Union Local at Harrison Central Buckeye Local at Indian Creek Shadyside at Meadowbrook Monroe Central at Caldwell Frontier at Cameron Shenandoah at Barnesville Warren at Fort Frye

Bellaire at John Marshall Madonna at Beallsville St. Clairsville at Martins Ferry Bridgeport at Paden City Edison at Beaver Local Buckeye Trail at Claymont Southington Chalker at Conotton Valley Williamstown at Wheeling Central Southern Local at Toronto Steubenville Central at South Harrison Cambridge at Coshocton Weir at Keyser Boardman at Steubenville Brooke at Morgantown Valley at Clay-Battelle Parkersburg South at Princeton Southern Local at Toronto East Liverpool at Ravenna Southeastern Hannan at Hundred University at Wheeling Park Wellsville at Lisbon

Saturday, Sept. 16

Carrick, Pa. at Linsly, 1:30 p.m.

WEEK 5

Friday, Sept. 22

East Liverpool at Beaver Local Union Local at Edison Pendleton County at Madonna Harrison Central at Martins Ferry Fairmont Senior at University Paden City at Hundred Cambridge at Wheeling Park (at West Liberty) Cameron at Shenandoah Conotton Valley at Bridgeport Magnolia at Wheeling Central Bellaire at Buckeye Local Fort Frye at Monroe Central Indian Valley at Buckeye Trail Waterford at Frontier John Marshall at Parkersburg South Caldwell at Shadyside River View at Barnesville Meadowbrook at River Lisbon at Southern Local Clay-Battelle at Tygarts Valley East Palestine at Wellsville Obama Academy at Steubenville Indian Creek at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

Perry Traditional at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Beallsville at Linsly, 1:30 p.m.

Petersburg at Weir, 4 p.m.

Warren at Oak Glen Warren JFK at Steubenville Central

WEEK 6

Friday, Sept. 29

Conotton Valley at Caldwell River at Shadyside Weir at Union Local Point Pleasant at Parkersburg South Monroe Central at Magnolia Beallsville at Bridgeport Matthews at Madonna Fort Frye at Frontier Buckeye Trail at Strasburg Zanesville at Cambridge Buckeye Local at John Marshall Edison at Oak Glen East Liverpool at Martins Ferry Parkersburg Catholic at Valley Brooke at Indian Creek Paden City at Cameron Meadowbrook at River View Southern Local at East Palestine University at St. Albans Steubenville at Dover Warren at Crooksville Wellsville at United Local Parkersburg at Wheeling Park (at West Liberty) Van at Shenandoah, 7:30 p.m.

Harrison Central at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

Calhoun County at Clay-Battelle, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Beaver Local at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Wheeling Central at Linsly, 1:30 p.m.

Barnesville at Steubenville Central

WEEK 7

Friday, Oct. 6

Edison at Harrison Central Shadyside at Wheeling Central Fort Frye at Barnesville Ursuline at Steubenville Frontier at Caldwell River at Bridgeport John Marshall at Warren Buckeye Trail at Malvern Beaver Local at Buckeye Local Shenandoah at Monroe Central Crestview at Magnolia Clay-Battelle at Paden City Cambridge at Dover Fairmont Senior at Weir

Wellsville at Columbiana Martins Ferry at Indian Creek Hannan at Beallsville Ursuline at Steubenville Union Local at Meadowbrook United Local at Southern Local Hampshire at University Wheeling Park at Morgantown Hundred at Valley Oak Glen at East Liverpool Cameron at Conotton Valley Parkersburg South at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7

St. Clairsville at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Parkersburg Catholic at Madonna, 1 p.m.

Linsly at Western Reserve Academy, 2 p.m.

Carrick, Pa. at Steubenville Central

WEEK 8 Friday, Oct. 13

Brooke at John Marshall Frontier at Valley Caldwell at Fort Frye Oak Glen at Harrison Central Linsly at River Monroe Central at Barnesville Weir at Warren Riverside at Morgantown Clay-Battelle at Cameron Southern Local at Wellsville Beallsville at Conotton Valley Wheeling Central at Martins Ferry Beaver Local at Indian Creek Tusky Central at Buckeye Trail Carrick, Pa. at Bridgeport East Liverpool at Buckeye Local Magnolia at St. Marys Paden City at Hannan New Philadelphia at Steubenville Meadowbrook at Coshocton Buckhannon Upshur at University

Shenandoah at Morgan Marietta at Cambridge Madonna at Van Hancock at Hundred, 7:30 p.m.

Union Local at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14

Shadyside at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

WEEK 9

Thursday, Oct. 19

Steubenville Central at Madonna

Friday, Oct. 20

Morgantown at John Marshall Frontier at Monroe Central Magnolia at Tyler Consolidated Greenbrier East at Parkersburg South East Liverpool at Weir Cardinal OรกHara at Steubenville Fort Frye at Shenandoah River View at Harrison Central Bellaire at Union Local Bridgeport at Shadyside Sandy Valley at Buckeye Trail Buckeye Local at Edison Cambridge at New Philadelphia Wheeling Park at Princeton Caldwell at Barnesville Van at Paden City Preston at University Wellsville at Leetonia Martins Ferry at Beaver Local Obama Academy at Wheeling Central Beallsville at Cameron East Fairmont at Oak Glen Tygarts Valley at Hundred Clay-Battelle at Conotton Valley Meadowbrook at Bishop Ready Southern Local at Columbiana Valley at Doddridge County Parkersburg at Warren Local Buckhannon-Upshur at Brooke,

7:30 p.m.

South Range at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21 Lucas at River, 1 p.m.

Warren at Linsly, 1:30 p.m.

WEEK 10

Friday, Oct. 27

Toronto at Wellsville Paden City at Beallsville Morgantown at University Oak Glen at Beaver Local Cameron at Bridgeport Brooke at Weir Tyler at Valley Parkersburg South at Wheeling Park Harrison Central at Buckeye Local Barnesville at Union Local Steubenville Central at Fort Frye Monroe Central at West Muskingum Linsly at Shadyside Cambridge at Meadowbrook University School at Steubenville River at Frontier Indian Creek at Edison Leetonia at Southern Local Shenandoah at Caldwell Clarksburg Notre Dame at Clay-Battelle Buckeye Trail at East Canton Warren Local at Logan Conotton Valley at Lucas St. Clairsville at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Martins Ferry at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Wheeling Central at Madonna

WEEK 11

Friday, Nov. 3

Wheeling Park at John Marshall Madonna at Clay-Battelle Parkersburg at Parkersburg South Princeton at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

(All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted)

Have a safe and victorious football season!

RENO SACCOCCIA STEUBENVILLE

TONY FILBERTO WEIR HIGH

STEVE DALEY CATHOLIC CENTRAL

DARRIN HICKS WEIRTON MADONNA

Saccoccia’s club is coming off a Division IV state runner-up appearance.

Big Red has 29 total playoff appearences, 16 postseason trips, and four straight Division IV Region 13 championships.

Filberto’s contingent seeks a fourthstraight trip to the Class AA postseason. The Red Riders were 7-3 last season and 22-10 the past three years, ending in first-round exits from the playoffs.

Daley’s squad went 5-5 last season, finishing with a four-game win streak.

He is beginning his seventh year as the head coach.

The Crusaders are 32-21 the past six years.

Hicks is in his second season as the Blue Dons’ head coach.

While the team went 2-8 last season, Hicks will have 17 lettermen and 14 returners who got starting time last season.

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Connor’s crew is coming off its fourth playoff appearance in the last six seasons. Entering his 15th campaign as head coach, he owns an 84-60 record.

McLean begins his fourth season as the head coach of his alma mater. A 1994 graduate, he led the Bruins to ta 2-8 record last season, but he sees a lot of potential with 67 players on the roster.

Moses begins his inaugural season for the Wildcats, but he’s no stranger at Edison. Moses has been the boys basketball coach for the past six seasons.

The Wildcats were 3-7 last season.

Arneault begins his second season as the Golden Bears’ head coach. Last year’s squad sported a 2-8 record, but Arneault says that he and his coaching staff see an energized squad this year.

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Meek enters his eighth season as head coach of the Red Knights. He is 44-30, including 8-3 last year, when the Red Knights made it to the postseason for the fourthstraight time.

Kropka is the winningest and longest tenured football coach in school history. He begins his 13th year with the Huskies. The team had playoff appearances in 2009, 2011 and 2015.

Herbert begins his inaugural season as the Panthers’ head coach. He has taken over a program that is 5-35 during the past four seasons. Herbert graduated from Union Local, where he also coached.

McLean begins his 17th season as the Red Devils’ boss.

His teams are annual participants in the postseason and they were the 2012 Division IV state runners-up. His teams are 61-11 since 2010.

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