The Gridiron 2018

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The Index

Aug. 22, 2018

3

Features

Cover Story: Calvin Jones statue celebrates big part of Big Red’s history .............................................. 6 Six reflects, remembers Jones as a great friend ............................................................................................ 7 Our sports writers explain how high school football can improve ............................................................8 Record-setting senior looks for more at Weir ..............................................................................................17 O’Brien comes full circle.................................................................................................................................... 49 Franke prefers classroom over courtroom .................................................................................................... 61 Daley relives his days on the Crusaders’ 1993 championship team ...................................................... 66 Redskins back home in Division IV ................................................................................................................ 67 Hayes takes over Harrison Central after short trip to Toronto and back ..............................................69 Herbert more confident in second season as coach ..................................................................................75 Player salute ..........................................................................................................................................................80 Gridiron Word Search ..........................................................................................................................................81 Steubenville Big Red — 2017 state champions ......................................................................................86-87 2017 stats ........................................................................................................................................................ 96-97 Off the Field Talk ........................................................................................................................ 102, 103 110, 111 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 Central .............................................................................................................................................. 84 Martins Ferry ...................................................................................................................................................... 94 Wheeling Park ......................................................................................................................................................95 Union Local ........................................................................................................................................................ 104 Other area teams of interest ..........................................................................................................107, 108, 122 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/The Weir ton Daily Times spor ts depar tment staff of Joe Catullo, Andrew Grimm, Ed Looman, Ralph Cox and Aaron Petchal; Michael D. McElwain; Eddie Kokosinski; 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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A legend chisled in stone

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Aug. 22, 2018

“It’s an honor to even talk about him.

Big Red has such an outstanding history.

To be the best player ever to play here is just an honor.”

— Reno Saccoccia

Jones statue celebrates big part of Big Red history

By ED LOOMAN For The Gridiron

STEUBENVILLE — Opening night promises to be huge both inside and outside of Harding Stadium.

Inside, Big Red will begin its

quest for another Ohio Division IV championship on Reno Field.

Outside, at 5 p.m., the Calvin Jones statue will finally be unveiled during a special ceremony.

Jones graduated from Big Red in 1952 and went on to be a three-time all-American at Iowa. He captured

the Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the best college football interior lineman, in 1955.

“Wherever he played, he is in the hall of fame,” veteran Big Red coach Reno Saccoccia said of Jones.

“It’s an honor to even talk about him. Big Red football has such an

outstanding history. To be the best player ever to play here is just an honor.”

The Steubenville native became the first African-American to be featured on the cover of Sports Il-

See JONES Page 88

Aug. 22, 2018

7

Six reflects, remembers Jones as a great person

By RALPH COX For The Gridiron

CHESTER — When Calvin Jones played football at the University of Iowa, Norman Six, who was one of the great athletes in little Newell High School history, played alongside him as a center and linebacker for the Hawkeyes.

When contacted at his home in Chester, Six said he has many memories about Jones, and all of them are good.

“I had my parents’ 1947 Chevy and rode them back and forth to school whenever we had a break or on holidays. I would drive Calvin, Frank Gilliam and Eddie Vincent back home,” said Six, who is 85. “Sometimes we had some other

Norman Six, top, relives his days as a football player for the University of Iowa and was also a teammate of Calvin Jones.

At right, Six flips through Iowa’s Hall of Fame pamphlet; that includes Jones.

Joe Catullo

players with us, too, from Youngstown and Moundsville. One time, we had Bob Hayslett from Wheeling, an All-American tumbler and trampoline athlete, with us, and I towed his trampoline on a trailer to Wheeling. It was a 10-15 hour drive in those days on two-lane highways at 50 miles an hour. We traveled on U.S. Route 30 because it passes Iowa City about 25 miles to the north. Of course, Route 30 goes right through East Liverpool and Chester.

“It was well publicized that Calvin was a good player out there (in Iowa).

When we played games, the other teams seemed to pick him out and try to do some-

See SIX Page 89

8

Aug. 22, 2018

Enhancing the game of football Our sports writers discuss how the sport can improve

W

Do away with grass and haul in turf

JOE CATULLO

hat makes football great?

Hard-hitting tackles, record-setting touchdowns, fans cheering on their favorite teams, fans yelling at officials for “terrible” calls.

Whatever it may be, football rules come late summer. And, a fluffy white blanket or a soggy brown carpet covering the usually green surface adds

ANDREW GRIMM

ometimes a question seems so simple but can be so very hard to answer.

That was the case in writing this column to answer what seemed to be a simple enough question — how can high school football be better?

There are several proposed rule changes that may come to mind, some of which my colleagues have written

ED LOOMAN

he Ohio High School Athletic Association has done a considerable amount of tinkering with the football playoff system since it began with the 1972 season.

In the beginning, all high schools were divided into the three recognized classes of AAA, AA and A, based on enrollment, with each class subdivided into four regions. An early computer-

RALPH COX

ust when you think the high school football game can’t get any better, there’s a rule change or something that makes it better such as the 25-second play clock and the second half mercy rule.

Where is the high school game going in, say, the next 20 years? What would make it better?

That’s what our sports editor, Joe

S

T J

another element.

That element is a mess, and it must change.

It’s no secret most high school football stadiums sport natural grass. Now, if the surface is mowed on a normal basis and white lines are visible, it makes everybody’s lives easier. However, picture a small school with not much in the piggy bank, and fields can

look like crap.

In a nutshell, every high school needs artificial turf. Imagine a field like Big Red, Weir High or Brooke at every stadium. That easily makes the school that much better. I won’t name which schools because embarrassment isn’t in my DNA, but you know who you are.

See CATULLO Page 124

about already. I chose to go a different route and focus on one thing that has probably been the biggest concern across all of sports the last several years — concussions, and how to better keep them from occurring.

Knowledge of them and steps to limit them have come a long way in just a few years as the understanding of them gets better and awareness has become

more prominent.

The helmets are safer than they have been in the past. Rules are in place to try and protect the players. Trainers and coaches are more educated about them than ever before.

But, they still happen more than anyone would like. And a large percentage of them still go unreported or undeSee GRIMM Page 117

ized system developed by Jack Harbin assigned point values to each school in an attempt to mathematically determine a team’s strength and that of its opponents. Back then, only 12 teams from the entire state qualified for the postseason, three classes of four regions each — with only one school from each region able to qualify. This system remained unchanged from 1972-1979.

The categories were renamed from class to division in 1980 and were increased from three to five. Each division was still broken down into four regions, but now the top two schools in each region qualified for the playoffs.

So, the postseason grand total increased from 12 to 40. In 1985, a further expansion of eligible schools took place See LOOMAN Page 101

Catullo, who has been on the job for a year now, challenged us to write a column about. He must think I don’t like the game the way it is just because I’m the elder statesman on the sports writing staff.

I would think he’s had enough time on the job to realize I’m not a good enough predictor to answer that. All he had to do was watch my weekly picks

last year to figure that out. It would be better to ask the coaches, players and officials what they think could make the game better.

So, I asked someone who played high school ball recently and led his team to the West Virginia Class A state championship — Ross Comis — what

Concussion protocols still need remodeling

Higher-seeded teams need more rewards

Let’s take another look at that, but quickly

See COX Page 121

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Aug. 22, 2018

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Saccoccia: The harder you work, the better you get

By ED LOOMAN For The Gridiron

STEUBENVILLE — Big Red’s ultra successful football program boasts a bevy of first-class components, including the high-quality game day magazine sold outside Harding Stadium.

Supporters of the Crimson and the Black will definitely need that publication when the 2018 season opens just to get familiar with the new faces and numbers seeing critical playing time on Reno Field.

A boatload of talent is gone from 2017’s dream season where Big Red was a perfect 15-0 and captured the Ohio Division IV championship. Picking up diplomas last spring were the likes of Johnny Agresta, Jacob Bernard, Jonathon Blackmon, Javon Davis, DaJuan Jones, Alijah Demitras, Tyler Ely, Marlon Lawrence, Quentin Moore, Jamal Petteway, Gino Pierro, Reuben Saxon and Alec Taylor.

Many of those graduates are looking to play at the collegiate level. They were part of Big Red teams that went 41-3 during three seasons and reached three straight championship games.

The Big Red football cupboard, however, is far from bare. Hall of Fame coach

The Coaches

Reno Saccoccia welcomed back 25 seniors and 18 letterwinners when two-a-day practices began in July.

“We really don’t have new guys at new positions; we have guys without a lot of game experience at the same positions,” said Saccoccia, who is entering his 36th season as Big Red’s head coach. “As coaches, we hope they continue to improve each day. Every team out there is counting on new guys right now. We are no different.

“Really, the only thing I am counting on right now is for all of our players to give their best effort. I’m not focused on this individual or

that individual. I just want every player to give us the effort no matter where they are on the depth chart.”

Saccoccia enters the 2018 season with a career record of 371-68. His teams have made 17 consecutive trips to the postseason, captured 18 regional championships, finished second in the state five times and claimed four Ohio titles. Big Red has an all-time playoff record of 66-26.

By winning the Division IV title last year, Big Red became only the sixth Ohio school to capture football titles in three different divisions (II, III and IV). Other schools to record that ac-

complishment are Canton Central Catholic, Cleveland Benedictine, Maria Stein Marion Local, Minister and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.

With new players competing for many starting positions, Saccoccia noted there’s been a different focus in his program during the summer.

“We really haven’t changed our focus as far as mental preparation goes, but we have been more patient and given some players more reps of the same thing,” he said. “We keep trying to remind them every

See BIG RED Page 15

Aug. 22, 2018

13

The Seniors

From The Coach ...

“We really haven’t changed our focus as far as mental preparation goes, but we have been more patient and give some players more reps of the same thing.”

— Reno Saccoccia

Seniors (25) 8 ......................Jeziah Blackwell 12 ...................... Nicco Bracone 14 ........................Ethan Duggan 16 ........................ Clayton Criss 17 .......................... Ryan Rauch 21 .......................... Jorian Jones 22 .................... Caleb Mitchell 23 .............. Dumaka McGhee 29 ........ Taveon Montgomery 31 .................. Antoni Demitras 33 ................ Kwadre Williams 34 .............................. Ty Arlesic 35 ............................ Ian Phillips 38 ............................Jabile Smith 39....................Freedom Harper 41 ..................................Erik Lulla 43 ..............Dylan Cunningham 46 ..................James Roundtree 48 ........................Chris Norman 51 ......................Cameron Boley 57 ................Donavin Thornton 63 ............................Elijah Simon 66......................Keonte Holmes 68 ....................Cesare Jennings 75 ..........................Kaleb Brown Juniors (24) 7 ........................Randy Mitchell 11 ........................Noah Howarth 19 ..................Draven Martinau 20 ..........................Stone Biacco 26 ..........................Dylan Bozica 28..............................JoJo Brown 32 ................Tayveon Crawford 36..........................Tanner Power 40 ........................Ethan Waugh 44 ............................David Tuttle 45......................Brayden Pearce 49............................Niko Kausky

52 ......................Terrance Norris 53 ......................Kaisean Wilson 61........................Anthony Boley 62 ..........................Keith Bodnar 67 ..........................Amari Brown 71 ........................Brad Valentine 78............................Ryan Burger 79........................Emanual Ware 81 ..................Johnny Nodianos 82 ..................Shayie Robinson 87................................James Still 89..................Cazieh Richmond Sophomores (23) 13 ......................Cade Kernahan 15 ........................Hayden Taylor 16 ......................Andrew Gresko 24 ..............Deonbre Anderson 25 ....................Isaiah Wickham 27 ..................Isaiah McCartney 30 ......................Nasari Jackson 42 ....................Aaron Ferguson 47..............................Luke Zorne 50 ......................Caesan Sutton 59................Cian Montgomery 65 ......................Raleem Brooks 69 ....................Deshawn Nixon 70 ....................Wesley Mohawk 72 ..................................Zack Hill 76 ..................Taeshawn Conley 77 ................................Eli Burgey 80 ............................Skyler Fauts 83 ........................Gaige Frances 84 ........................Quinn McCoy 85 ..........................Colby Saylor 86 ....................Nathaniel Starks 88 ..................Hunter Stoddard

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Big Red

day that the harder you work, the better you get.

“We really won’t be a team until we trust each other. A coach has to gain the trust of players, and the players have to gain the coach’s trust. You can’t be the best team you can possibly be if you don’t have trust.”

Saccoccia has four players working to replace Davis (2,000 yards passing and 26 scores) at quarterback. They are seniors Clayton Criss and Ethan Duggan, junior Randy Mitchell, who was a regular in the defensive secondary in 2017, and sophomore Cade Kernahan. Criss got some action a year ago as Davis’ backup, while Duggan transferred back to Steubenville after playing for St. Clairsville in 2017.

As is generally the case, Big Red has a full stable of tailback candidates.

Players looking for carries are senior Caleb Mitchell, senior Dumaka McGhee, sophomore Isaiah Wickham, senior Taveon Montgomery, sophomore Nasari Jackson and junior Tayveon Crawford.

Crawford was second to Bernard (1,724 yards and 24 touchdowns) in rushing. He ran for 557 yards, averaging eight yards per trip, and scored four touchdowns. Mitchell added 367 yards and Montgomery 341.

Candidates at fullback include junior Stone

Biacco, junior Dylan Bozica, sophomore Isaiah McCartney, senior Andoni Demitras, senior Ty Arlesic (a starter at tight end last season), senior Erik Lulla (who had a huge season at middle linebacker in 2017), junior David Tuttle, sophomore Luke Zorne, senior Chris Norman and junior Niko Kausky.

Saccoccia has a load of players looking for time at wide receiver, including senior Jeziah Blackwell, junior Noah Howrath, senior Nicco Bracone, sophomore Hayden Taylor, senior Ryan Rauch, sophomore Andrew Gresko, junior Draven Martinau, senior Jorian Jones, sophomore Deonbre Anderson, junior JoJo Brown, junior Tanner Power, senior Jabile Smith, senior Freedom Harper, sophomore Aaron Ferguson, sophomore Skyler Fauts, junior Shayie Robinson, sophomore Gaige Frances, sophomore Colby Saylor, sophomore Nathaniel Starks, junior James Still and sophomore Hunter Stoddard.

The Big Red tight end corps consists of senior Kwadre Williams (a two-year regular on the defensive side of the ball), junior Ethan Waugh, senior Dylan Cunningham, junior Brayden Pearce, senior James Roundtree, junior Johnny Nodianos, sophomore Quinn McCoy and junior Cazieh Richmond.

Senior Keonte Holmes is the lone regular starter returning to the offensive line. Seniors Kaleb Brown

From Page 12

and Cameron Boley were part-time starters.

Others seeking playing time on the line are sophomore Caesan Sutton, junior Terrance Norris, junior Kaisean Wilson, senior Donavin Thornton, sophomore Cian Montgomery, junior Anthony Boley, junior Keith Bodnar, senior Elijah Simon, sophomore Raleem Brooks, junior Amari Brown, senior Cesare Jennings, sophomore Deshawn Dixon, sophomore Wesley Mohawk, junior Brad Valentine, sophomore Zack Hill, sophomore Taeshawn Conley, sophomore Eli Burgey, junior Ryan Burger and junior Emanual Ware.

Ian Phillips returns for his senior season as Big Red’s primary kicker. In 2017, he nailed 66 of his 72 extrapoint attempts and also split the uprights once for a field goal.

Williams is back at his defensive end spot and will be joined there by Waugh, Pearce, Roundtree, Wilson, Brooks, A. Brown, Conley and McCoy. Looking for playing time on the defensive interior are Sutton, C. Boley, Norris, Thornton, C. Montgomery, A. Boley, Bodnar, Simon, Holmes, Jennings, Nixon, Mohawk, Valentine, Hill, K. Brown, Burgey, Burger, Ware, Nodianos and Saylor.

Lulla will again lead the linebacking unit. As a junior, he had more than 80 tackles, with 19 resulting in a loss. He also recorded five quarterback sacks.

Looking to join him are See BIG RED Page 91

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Reno Saccoccia Assistant Coaches Matt DeAngelis Gus DiMarzio Dan Filtz

Jason Kernahan Todd Filtz

Anthony Pompa Ian Whittington Jo Jo Saccoccia John Arlesic Joe Pierro

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Aug. 22, 2018

17

Record-setting senior looks for more at Weir

By RALPH COX For The Gridiron

WEIRTON — After a lot of soul-searching and discussion with family, Donavan Kirby made the decision he felt was best for him and his future during the offseason.

That decision was to transfer across town from Madonna High School to Weir High School.

His thoughts upon making the switch are based on the long term of acquiring an education, college degree and a lifetime career.

But, as a star athlete, he also has to think about that aspect as well.

“My family and I just felt it would be the best move for me and my future at the college level,” said the senior who, because of his athletic prowess as a running back, has been contacted by many colleges to play football.

“He has been contacted by a lot of Division I and II colleges,” Weir High coach Tony Filberto said. “Many have contacted me and his family. They are monitoring him and following him very closely during this football season. There will be a lot of positive things coming for Donovan in the next couple of months.

After two seasons of football, Kirby burst on the scene last year and wound

up leading the state of West Virginia in rushing with 2,554 yards. He earned Class A All-State honors and also wound up as the state runner-up in wrestling at 195 pounds.

Actually, it was wrestling that made him a Blue Don. “I started wrestling in middle school and liked it,” he said. “I became friends with the Madonna wrestling coach and some of the guys and decided to go there.”

In a way, it is a homecoming for Kirby, who attended Weir Middle School after moving to Weirton with his family from Ambridge, Pa., when he was in sixth grade. Starting on an undefeated eighth-grade football team at Weir Middle School helped to ease the change from a Blue Don to a Red Rider because he is already friends and was a teammate of many of the Weir High players, especially the seniors.

“I took that three-year gap at Madonna, but these are the guys I started with,” he said. “I’m just finishing with them.”

There have been a number of transfer students to Weir High during the past couple of years, especially ones who play football. Filberto said his approach is that he treats new candiJoe Catullo dates to the football team Donavan Kirby transfered to Weir High after setting Madonna’s rushing record with 2,554 yards a season ago. For his efforts, Kirby was the Steubenville Herald-Star/The Weirton Daily Times All-

See SENIOR Page 108 Area Offensive Player of the Year.

Weir Red Riders

18

2018 Schedule Aug. 24 Oak Glen Aug. 31 Anacostia Sept. 7 John Marshall Sept. 14 Keyser Sept. 22 at Petersburg + Sept. 28 Union Local Oct. 5 at Fairmont Senior Oct. 12 Edison Oct. 19 at East Liverpool * Oct. 27 at Brooke *

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 4 p.m. kickoff * 7:30 p.m. kickoff

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Aug. 22, 2018

Filberto: We have a lot of pieces to the puzzle

By RALPH COX For The Gridiron

WEIRTON — With a wealth of experience, some outstanding underclassmen and three top transfers, the Weir High football team could be in for a very exciting 2018 campaign.

Veteran Red Rider coach Tony Filberto already has a strong group returning from the 7-4 playoff season of a year ago, and it only got stronger. The leading ground gainer in West Virginia last year and one of his top blockers decided to transfer across town from Madonna, and the family of one of the top linebackers in the state moved from Brooke County to Hancock.

Donavan Kirby, who rang up a Madonna record and state-leading total of 2,554 rushing yards, decided to play his senior season for the Red Riders. Also coming over from the Blue Dons to Weir High is senior lineman Rob Valenti. Christopher Helms, rated as one of the top linebackers in West Virginia by several prognosticators, will wear the red and back after lettering three years at Brooke.

Filberto already has Tyler Komorowski and Reed Reitter, two all-staters, returning along with letterwinners at just about every position.

However, Filberto has

The Coaches

some holes to fill because graduation took several key players, including interior linemen Will Rupert, Zach Martin and Mason Rice along with Caleb Rea, Jaylon Bridges, Tyler Mack, Frank Hudacheck and Josh Taflan.

“Being realistic, this should be a good team,” said Filberto, who is in his 34th year of coaching. “On paper, we have a lot of pieces to the puzzle to be very, very good. Like everybody else, we’re a couple of injuries away from being an average football team.

“Our expectations are high. We feel there are about six good AA teams in West Virginia this year, and we are one of the six. No one knows how that falls, but we’re going to find out in about two months.”

Komorowski, who gained statewide recognition at defensive end last year, also is a top quarterback and will lead the offense again this year. Injured in midseason, Komorowski missed several games but still racked up 604 yards, completing 31 of 62 passes with seven touchdowns.

Sophomore Sebastian Spencer stepped in as signal caller when Komorowski injured his knee at Keyser. He completed 43 of 82 passes for 661 yards and eight scores. He returns as a junior and will be the top backup at quarterback. Yet, as long as Komorowski is healthy, Spencer will return to the slot receiver position.

Blessed with speed, Spencer is the reigning 200-meter champion and was second in the 100 as well as getting gold medals in the 400 and

See RED RIDERS Page 21

Aug. 22, 2018

19

The Seniors

2018 Roster

Seniors (15) 3 .................... Garet Hostuttler 4 .................. Quincy Dameron 5 ............................ Chad Custer 7 ............................ Jake McCoy 10 ................Christopher Helms 11 .......................... Reed Reitter 15 ................ Tyler Komorowski 20 .................... Deon Trupiano 22 ................ Xavier Wolverton 32 ......................Donavan Kirby 42 .......................... Reese Wills 50 ..........................Julian Farran 58 ..............................Ian Kinney 61 ................................Nate Paris 65..............................Rob Valenti

From The Coach ...

“Our expectations are high. We feel there are about six good AA teams in West Virginia, and we are one of the six.”

— Tony Filberto

Be a leader. In the field of your choice.

ON THE FIELD, IT COULD BE FOOTBALL, LACROSSE, SOCCER OR SOFTBALL. Off the field, it could be business, art, law or medicine. Here at Bethany, 22 varsity sports and NCAA DIII competition go hand in hand with more than 30 majors and a tradition of academic excellence. Be a Bison.

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Juniors (13) 1 ................ Sebastian Spencer 8 ............................Elijah Gillette 9........................Brodie McUmar 21..............................Drew Curtis 24....................Ste’von Semedo 68 ........................Isaiah Glasure 69 ..................George Wansack 72 ............................Matt O’Neill 78 ................................Mike Zias

80 ......................Jonathon Clark 84..........................Zak Wypasek 85..........................Nick D’Amico 86 ........................JoJo Majewski

Sophomores (6) 2..................Anthony DiMatteis 14............................Gage Reitter 25........................Logan Walters 56 ......................Levi Hostuttler 76 ................Jonathan Howard 77 ........................Jordan Brueck 87 ....................Ethan Cummins Freshmen (7) 6 ......................Carson Yobaggy 53 ....................Brayden Wilson 70 ........................Andrew Lamp 75 ..............................Myles Rice 81....................Coleton Littleton

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Aug. 22, 2018

21

Red Riders 800 relays.

Filberto feels he has plenty of depth at quarterback, with junior Brodie McUmar and sophomore Anthony DiMarreis.

Kirby joins an already-impressive stable of running backs in Chad Custer, who led the Red Riders last year with 728 yards and 10 touchdowns; junior Ste’von Semedo, a student with blazing speed; junior Drew Curtis and senior Garet Hostutler. Add to that mix of speed and athleticism, Helms and sophomore Logan Walters add strength, and Filberto has a ball carrier for just about any situation.

Filberto also has speed and athleticism on the outside, with leading receiver Reitter returning at split end along with Jake McCoy. Reitter hauled in 33 aerials for 640 yards, and McCoy caught nine for 243. Backups at split end will be juniors Elijah Gillette and Zak Wypasek, seniors Quincy Dameron and Deon Trupiano, and sophomore Gage Reitter.

“We’ll have both speed and

pass-catching ability on the outside to help keep defenses honest,” Filberto said.

At tight end/Hback will be seniors Reese Wills and Helms.

The offensive line is where the Red Riders might be thin, although the addition of Valenti will ease that concern somewhat. Filberto returns three starters in Mike Zias, Walt O’Neill and Jordan Bruek. All are underclassmen.

Zias and O’Neill are juniors, and Brueck is a sophomore who is already getting some feelers from college coaches, according to Filberto. Valenti will be in that rotation as Filberto likes to have interior linemen that are interchangeable.

Filberto is undecided about who will start at center to fill the hole left when Rupert graduated. He’ll have to choose among junior Isaiah Glasure, sophomore Levi Hostuttler and senior Ian Kinney. Filberto said Glasure got some playing time at center last year.

Filberto has been impressed with sophomore Jonathan Howard at guard.

Howard is out for football for the first time, and Filberto says he has quick-

From Page 18

ness for a big man. He comes over to the football team after playing on the Red Rider soccer team last year. Junior George Wansack also has caught Filberto’s eye at guard.

“We have some quality guys on the offensive line,” Filberto said. “We don’t care what they can’t do, we care about what they can do. Some are better at run-blocking, others are better pass blockers. I’ve always believed that to be a good football team you have to have at least seven linemen in the rotation.”

Filberto’s defenders start with four solid linemen, led by Komorowski at defensive end. Kirby will move into the other side defensive end.

“Having Kirby there will take a lot of heat off of Komorowski,” Filberto said. “In our playoff loss to Bridgeport, for example, when they came to the line of scrimmage, the quarterback would find Tyler and just point to him, and you knew whatever play they had called was going to the other side.

With Kirby, teams won’t be able to do

See RED RIDERS Page 98

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Tony Filber to

Assistant Coaches David Cowden Jose Davis Troy Fetty Vance Miller Adam Parsons Terr y Rea Frank Sisinni Quentin Smith Gerard Spencer Tom Taylor

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Catholic Central Crusaders

24

Aug. 22, 2018

2018 Schedule Aug. 24 at Toronto Aug. 31 at Oak Glen Sept. 8 Southern Local Sept. 14 at Edison Sept. 22 at Warren JFK Sept. 28 at Barnesville Oct. 5 Wheeling Central Oct. 13 Huron Heights + Oct. 20 Madonna Oct. 27 Fort Frye

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + Noon kickoff

Daley: We need to be smart, keep our fingers crossed

By ED LOOMAN For The Gridiron

STEUBENVILLE — Steve Daley isn’t exactly stuck between a rock and a hard place as he gets his Steubenville Catholic Central football team ready for the 2018 season, but he is pretty darn close.

With a boatload of starters back on both sides of the ball, the veteran coach is optimistic about the upcoming campaign.

Given the program’s ongoing issues with numbers and depth, however, Daley also realizes he and his staff “have to be smart and keep our fingers crossed.”

“We have 30 players on the roster and not much depth in certain areas,” said Daley, who is entering his eighth season at the helm.

“We do have depth at the skilled positions on offense, but when you break things apart and look at our defense, we are a little thin at certain spots.

“So, as a coaching staff, we have to be smart about how we do things and that’s something we are used to around here. We need to be smart, keep our fingers crossed and hope we can keep these kids healthy throughout the season. If that happens, we have a chance to be OK.” A Central graduate,

The Coaches

Daley has guided the Crusaders to six straight seasons of .500 or better. His 2017 club went 7-4 and qualified for the Division VI playoffs, dropping a heartbreaking 44-40 verdict to Chillicothe Southeastern in the opening round.

Gone from that club via graduation are Vince Oliver Jr., now playing at the University of Pennsylvania; Levi Thompson, who has moved on to Ohio Dominican; Kevin Cuervo, who is looking to play at Capital University; Amin Butler; Jah Sawyer; David Miller and Geno DiBiase,

the squad’s leading receiver in 2017. Craig Smith, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards as junior, is no longer a student at the school.

Leading the returnees on offense is speedy senior quarterback Justin Hartzell, who’s entering his third season as the Crusader signal caller. In two campaigns, Hartzell has passed for more than 2,220 yards and run for more than 1,400. He threw for 17 scores in 2017 and ran for 10 more.

“He has worked hard in the offseason to improve on the things he needed to

improve on,” Daley said.

“He was fully aware of what those things were and where he needed to improve.

“We are expecting another big year out of him.

You can tell he is totally comfortable in his role as far as being the leader of our offensive unit.”

Returning as key receivers out of the slot are seniors Anthony Fallon, who was second on the team in receptions last year, and Noah Fayak.

Both missed considerable time in 2017 with injuries.

See CRUSADERS Page 27

Aug. 22, 2018

25

The Seniors

2018 Roster Seniors (10) 2 .............................. Noah Fayak 4 ........................ Justin Hartzell 5........................ Anthony Fallon 6............................Matt Kilonsky 7.................................... Matt Bell 24 .................... Dom Argentine 52 ......................Austin O’Kruta 72 .................. Alec Constantini 75 .......................... Jordan Maul 77.............................. Jacob Stoll

From The Coach ...

“We have a veteran team, and we like where we are right now. This is a really, really good group to work with. Not only are they a talented group athletically, but they are also a tight group.”

— Steve Daley

Juniors (12) 3 .................... Anthony Lefever 8........................ Jeffrey Dawson 10....................Anthony Sprochi 12 .............. Anthony Simmons 14 ...................... Seth Fitzgerald 17........................ Cole Maragos 22 ...................... Jayden Keeder 44 ....................Santino Chovitti 50 ........................ Indy Marcino 54............................Ben Harbert 66 ............................ Alex Ialenti

74..............Richard Montelione Sophomores (2) 18...................... Vinnie Marcino 33 ...................... Jarred Roberts Freshmen (5) 9 ....................Tomasso Toriscelli 11 ........................Primo Toriscelli 32 ........................Tim Lamantia 51..........................Caleb Lathem 65 ....................Massimo Lancia

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Crusaders Split end candidates are senior Matt Kilonsky; junior Anthony Lefever, who will also back up Hartzell; junior Anthony Sprochi and sophomore Jarred Roberts.

Senior Dom Argentine and sophomore Vinnie Marcino are competing to replace Thompson as the H-Back, while junior Cole Maragos is the top tight end candidate.

In the mix to take over for Smith at running back are junior Jayden Keeder, junior Anthony Simmons, senior Matt Bell and junior Jeffrey Dawson.

“Skill-wise, we have a lot of different guys who bring different things to the table,” Daley said. “Offensively, we’ll have a different look this year.

Last season, our run game was dominated by Justin, Craig and Levi. We have to replace two guys who accumulate a lot of yardage and scored a lot of points, but we hope to do the same thing, just with a different cast.

“You’re not going to see the same two guys carrying the football all the time.

We have a lot of depth there, and our plan is to really mix it

up.”

Up front, Central returns three starters led by big men Jordan Maul and Jacob Stoll, both seniors. They will man the guard spots.

Senior Alec Constantini, who started at center in 2017, has shifted to tackle and will be joined by fellow senior Austin O’Kruta, who didn’t suit up as a junior but played his freshman and sophomore years. Junior Indy Marcino is penciled in as the center. Junior Alex Ialenti will serve as a back up to the offensive line starters.

“It’s a real strength to have three returning starters on the line along with a kid like O’Kruta, who missed last year, but knows what is expected of him,” Daley said. “Jordan and Jake have really taken the lead during the offseason, and Alex is right there with them.

“We have good size and are very experienced. With this type of line, we expect to be able to do the same things offensively that we did last year. I’m really excited about having the three starters back, and I expect big things from them.”

Stoll and Maul also will anchor the defensive line and will be

From Page 24

joined by Maragos, Constantini and I. Marcino. Stoll had 57 tackles a season ago and four sacks, while Maul was in on 44 stops.

Bell, Argentine and Ialenti started at linebacker in 2017 and will get support from Simmons, V. Marcino and Keeder. Bell led Central last season with 86 tackles (34 solo). Argentine recorded 68 tackles, 28 of the solo variety.

Fallon, Kilonsky and Fayak are returning starters in the secondary.

Lefever was a part-time starter, as was Dawson.

“I think we have a good mix on defense,” Daley said. “Given our returning starters, we have experience at each level of the defense. Hopefully, these guys have learned what we need to improve on and will focus on that as we move forward.”

After taking a year off, Jeff Clark will return to Daley’s staff to serve as defensive coordinator.

Bell will handle the punting duties for Central with Simmons serving as the long snapper. Roberts will take care of all the kicking duties after having a successful freshman season.

See CRUSADERS Page 119

Your local sports authority

Joe Catullo

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Steve Daley

Assistant Coaches Rick Gillette Jeff Clark Frank Marcino Matt Grimard Matt Belardine Tony Godich Dave Connor

≤Sports editor Joe Catullo resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Kimber, and their cat, C.C. ≤Born and raised in Youngstown, he graduated from Youngstown State University in 2014, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in social media communications. ≤In his off time, Catullo enjoys playing video games on Playstation 4, as well as watching baseball and the WWE. He is an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Browns. His favorite athlete is Jim Thome, and his favorite team is the Indians. ≤His favorite place in the world is Progressive Field, while his wife is one thing he cannot live without.

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Madonna Blue Dons

30

Aug. 22, 2018

2018 Schedule

Aug. 23 Bridgeport Aug. 31 at Wheeling Central Sept. 8 Vincentian Academy Sept. 15 Beallsville Sept. 21 at Cameron Sept. 29 Notre Dame + Oct. 13 Van + Oct. 20 at Steubenville Central Oct. 26 at Conotton Valley Nov. 2 Clay-Battelle Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 1 p.m. kickoff

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By RALPH COX

Hicks: We are focusing on the positives

For The Gridiron

WEIRTON — After returning Madonna football to the playoffs for the first time since 2013, Darrin Hicks hopes the culture of playoff football is once again something that is expected at the small Catholic school on Weirton Heights.

Hicks has nine lettermen but only four seniors returning from the 8-3 Blue Dons of 2017. However, there are two Madonna lettermen who played huge roles in the playoff season who are no longer wearing the blue and silver after transferring to Weir High. They are Donavan Kirby and Rob Valenti.

Kirby was the leading rusher in West Virginia with 2,554 yards gained, while Valenti did a lot of the blocking for him at.

They will obviously be missed, but Hicks said, “We are keeping our focus on the people that are here. We wish them well, but we are committed to the 25 to 30 boys here. We’re ready to move forward into the 2018 season.

“We are focusing on the positives. We had another great offseason program, and we’re focusing on how much better the players have gotten in the offseason.

There are increases in strength, size and speed. We

The Coaches

want to stay with the positive parts and stay away from negative people.”

The Blue Dons finished eighth in the state Class A ranks last year with an 8-2 regular-season record. They rolled to victories in the first eight games before suffering losses in the final two games. They still earned home field advantage for the first playoff game, a 30-20 loss to Sherman.

“We had 11 seniors off that team who graduated,” said Hicks, who is beginning his third year as the Blue Don head coach. “They were really good seniors, good leaders, guys who worked

hard to get this program on solid ground. We have replaced them with 11 freshmen, so we have gone from a big senior class to being very young. That’s not a bad thing.

“We have 11 very capable, talented freshmen who are committed to this program and the future of Madonna football. Most have come from our Junior Don program and were in our system at either St. Paul or St. Joseph middle schools. They have sacrificed a lot of free time to make themselves better.

They all understand what we expect from them and what

we want the Madonna program to be. All are also good citizens and good students.

We’re happy with where we are headed.”

Hicks is counting on the 10 lettermen to be a good nucleus for 2018.

“We were fortunate last year to have about half of our games where we were able to play our entire roster,” Hick said. “Normally, you don’t get that type of quality time for the underclass guys. That is something that will help us moving forward.”

Gavin Dietrich returns

See BLUE DONS Page 33

Aug. 22, 2018

31

The Seniors

2018 Roster

Seniors (4) 3 ..........................Gavin Dietrich 8..............................Dylan Austin 56 ..........................Garrett Cook 76 ............................Luke Beatty Juniors (4) 5 ..................Antonio Daddario 52 ....................Mark Pietranton 54 ..................Jakob McCombs 77 ........................Josh Gasvoda Sophomores (7) 1 ..............................Evan Daniels 9 ..................................Ty Ingram 10 ..........................Thomas Sessi 32 ........................Ethan Rowing 55 ..........................Mason Smith 61 ..........................Jacob Bonner 80 ..................................Joe Soos

From The Coach ...

“We are focusing on the positives. We had another great offseason program, and we’re focusing on how much better the players have gotten in the offseason.”

— Darrin Hicks

15 ..................................Trey Kush 18..........................Evan Quering 19 ....................Lennon Dietrich 20 ....................Michael Burdine 22 ..............................Evan Bone 25........................Cameron Gray 34 ....................Mark Pietranton 64 ................................Nick Elias 67 ................................Nate Elias

Freshmen (11) 7..........................Korey Kakascik 12............................Santino Arlia

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Aug. 22, 2018

33

Blue Dons with a full season of experience as the starting quarterback.

“Gavin is our best athlete, and he made tremendous strides as the season went along last year,” Hicks said. “He just got better each week. We didn’t pass a lot last season, but his passing ability kept getting better. He just has a knack for the big play and wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.”

Freshman Santino Arlia, whose brother, Connor, was an all-stater at Madonna earlier in the decade and whose father, Mike, is Madonna athletic director, is expected to make an impact as Dietrich’s backup.

“Santino has a huge up side,” Hicks said. “He’s more of a pocket passer than Gavin. Like a lot of our young guys, he had a very good summer. Santino can do a lot of things and he gives us a one-two punch at quarterback.”

Ty Ingram, a sophomore who got some varsity playing time and was a starter at defensive back, inherits the running back spot.

Trey Kush, an athlete Hicks describes as being extremely fast with an extra gear and allusiveness, is the backup.

Another sophomore, Evan Daniels, returns at halfback. Hicks said he started some last year at halfback, which in Hicks’ offense does a lot of blocking. A pair of freshmen, Lennon Dietrich, Gavin’s brother, and Cameron Gray are in the mix.

Joe Soos, one of the bigger players on the Madonna squad, will be the tight end with Mark Pietranton and Evan Bone, a pair of freshmen, backing him.

Tom Sessi, who saw a lot of playing time last season on special teams and occasionally at wingback, will get the chance to start this year with junior Antonio Daddario and freshman Korey Kakacick looking for playing time as well.

Senior Dylan Austin returns at wide receiver with Evan Quering and Mitch Sagan in backup roles.

All-state senior Garrett Cook returns to lead the offensive line.

“Garrett is ready to have a tremendous season,” Hicks said. “He’s an ex-

From Page 30

cellent football player, and I’m excited about him.”

Also on the offensive line will be senior Luke Beatty, who transferred last winter from Brooke and was the starting catcher on the Blue Don baseball team. The O-line also will include Josh Gasvoda, Nate Zanieski and Jacob McCombs, all juniors, along with sophomores Jacob Bonner and Mason Smith and freshmen twins Nate and Nick Elias.

Cook also leads the defensive line, where he starred last year at defensive end. Most of the offensive linemen will see double duty on the defensive front along with Soos and Pietranton.

Gasvoda, a two-year starter, leads the linebacker corps. He’s joined by Daniels and Daddario with Lennon Dietrich, Bone and Gray expected to get playing time.

Gavin Dietrich will be back for his third year at cornerback. Ty Ingram gets the call at safety and Austin will be on the other corner. Others vying for playing time in the defensive backfield are Sessi, Arlia, Sagan, Quering,

See BLUE DONS Page 98

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Darrin Hicks Assistant Coaches Tyler Ossman Pete Melnyk

Tom Kikascik

Connor Arlia Jordan Allen

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Indian Creek Redskins

36

Aug. 22, 2018

2018 Schedule Aug. 24 Cambridge Aug. 31 East Liverpool Sept. 7 at Alliance Sept. 14 at Buckeye Local Sept. 21 St. Clairsville Sept. 28 at Brooke + Oct. 5 at Martins Ferry Oct. 12 at Beaver Local Oct. 19 Crestview Oct. 25 Edison

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 7:30 p.m. kickoff

Connor: Balance, depth are major strenghths

By ANDREW GRIMM For The Gridiron

WINTERSVILLE — The 2017 edition of the Indian Creek football team had a knack for a bouncebacks on a weekly basis.

Head coach Andrew Connor, entering year 16 at the helm of the Redskins, is hoping the current edition will translate that same resilience into a bounce-back season and get back to the playoffs.

Indian Creek, a Division III school at the time, finished 6-4 last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Dropping back to Division IV should help, along with the experience of losing tight battles.

In the game following all four of those losses, however, the Redskins shut out their opponent and won decisively.

“The positive last year was, I thought, we faced adversity well,” Connor said. “Whether it was during a game or after we lost a football game, we always seemed to bounce back in convincing fashion. Our kids showed a tremendous amount of heart and tenacity.”

In all four of those losses, the Redskins were in the game throughout. Connor is confident his team has put

The Coaches

in the work to come out on top in such instances in 2018.

“We’ve been over the film of those four losses, and in all four we did not close the deal in the fourth quarter,” Connor said. “All four of those were fourthquarter losses and, in every one of those instances, we had a chance to win the football game either on the final possession or by getting a stop on the final possession, and were unable to do it.

“I’m hoping (added experience) will help. It’s a mentality now. We were

able to come from behind in those games; we just could not finish them. Dealing with adversity was a positive. Now, we’ve just got to learn to close games out. We were on our way to the top of the hill, but we never got there.”

Closing the deal late, along with a hunger to get back to the playoffs, has been the focus of the offseason.

“One thing we have really been working on over the offseason is playing 48 minutes of football,” Connor said. “We worked on it in conditioning. We’ve

worked on it in some of the things we have done. There have been no shortcuts; everything has been about finishing. “(The players) were disappointed in letting some of those games get away last year. They have really taken it under their wing and worked hard to, hopefully, play meaningful football games in October again. We want to get back to the state playoffs. That is the goal.”

The added experience comes with a group of re-

See REDSKINS Page 39

Aug. 22, 2018

37

2018 Roster

The Seniors

Senior s (11) 2............................ Jakih Scales 6 .......................... Shane Zrinyi 10 ...................... Matt Mamula 16 .................. Brennon Norris 21 .......................... Cody Allan 27 .................. Richie Gualtiere 45...................... Logan Wilson 51 ...................... Nathan Truex 64 ...................... Josh Harvey 65 .......................... Trent Bolek 75........................Sean Stevens

From The Coach ...

“One thing we have really been working on over the offseason is playing 48 minutes of football. There have been no shortcuts; everything has been about finishing.”

— Andrew Connor

Juniors (19) 1 ............................ Brock Lucas 3 .............................. Klay Cottis 4..........................Gerald Walsh 7 ............................ Sam Mazar 19........................ Kaleb Fenske 22 .............. Brandon Fleming 23 ........................ Trevor Fante 26..................Donte Grinstead 29 ................ Malcolm Walker 32 .......................... Sam Baska 33 .................... Brandon Hiles 34.................... Tyler Smarrella 42 ..................Dylan McMillen 43 ....................Miles Simmons 55 ...................... Logan Scheel 56 ................ Garren Swickard 72 ...................... Jacob Hejduk 76.................. Shawn McClurg 84 .................. Parker Rodgers

Sophomores (14) 9 ........................Matt Schaefer 12 ..................Clayton Parsons 15 ...................... David Ferroni 24 ......................Jeremy Brown 25......................Blake Dulkoski 31 ........................ Skyler Miller 35........................ Pierce Pietro 44 ................ Jonathan Giusto 52 ........................Corey Cottis 53.................... Jacob Edwards 54 .................. Gage Simmons 61 ...................... Gabriel James 73 .......................... Jesse Bolek 74 .................... Michael Belisle Freshmen (7) 5 ................................Eli Powell 8 ............................Cam Franke 14 ........................Shane Lucey 20 ........................Roan Kovach 28 ................Samuel Coleman 58 ..................Gavin Dondzilla 79 ..........................J.J. Orlando

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Aug. 22, 2018

39

Redskins

turning starters that now has a full season under its belt, led by senior quarterback Brennon Norris and junior tailback Trevor Fante — both of whom were fulltime starters for the first time in 2017 — among others.

Norris, who finished last season as the leading passer in the Herald-Star/Daily Times coverage area with 2,010 yards, while completing better than 60 percent of his passes, set multiple single-season school records for Connor.

“He is the first 2,000yard passer in school history,” Connor said. “He set all of our marks last year when it comes to singleseason records. He’s got experience, and there is nothing better than game reps. He played some as a sophomore, and he won the game at Beaver

Local that got us into the playoffs (in 2016). Last year, he got a full 10 games in. You can practice all you want, but nothing duplicates game experience, and now he has that.”

The Redksins’ offense went through a transition in 2017 as Norris burst on to the scene, something that Connor says will continue.

“We kind of shifted a lot of what we do with Brennon at quarterback,” he said. “We transitioned last year from being a predominantly running team to a balanced football team.

That is something we want to build off of even further this year. We want to make sure a team that is playing us has to defend the entire field.

“We feel like we are going to be more balanced going into the season this time around, instead of how we got there as Brennon

matured in the later part of the year. Now we start the year that way, which gives us a lot more possibilities on offense. Any time you are making a transition like we have to something more open, the more time you get with it the better. We have seen it and have film to go back on to try and improve.

That is going to be a big positive.”

Norris sparingly used his legs to make plays, showing the ability with more than just his arm in spurts.

That is something Connor thinks Redskins fans will see more often in 2018.

“He showed he could run at times last year, and he worked very hard in the weight room to get even stronger,” he said. “That is going to be another part of it — Brennon being able to run the football. Not just escaping out of the pocket, but being able to call runs for our quarterback, too.”

From Page 36

Behind Norris on the depth chart, the Redksins have a lot of depth with junior Sam Mazar, senior Shane Zrinyi, junior Klay Cottis and sophomore David Ferroni.

“We can get dinged with injuries, even at quarterback, and still be OK,” Connor said. “Not many schools can say that.”

At tailback, the aforementioned Fante returns after scoring 15 touchdowns on the ground and racking up 733 yards.

“He was very good for us in short yardage situations,” Connor said. “He had a sense for the goal line. He did a good job complimenting Brennon, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield, too.”

Also set to see time at running back are senior Jikah Scales and sophomore Matt Schaefer.

See REDSKINS Page 113

Your local sports authority

Andrew Grimm

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Andrew Connor

Assistant Coaches Joe Hammack Doug Karas Mike Voltz Todd Mazzaferro Mike Wilson Sr. Matt Shreve Rob Lucas Mike Wilson Jr. Joe Strohmeyer David Kemp

≤Sports reporter Andrew Grimm resides in Dillonvale. He owns a dog and two cats. ≤ Born and raised in the Ohio Valley, he attended Eastern Gateway in Steubenville. ≤ In his off time, Grimm enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, going to the gym and playing video games on Playstation 4. He is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ohio State Buckeyes, auto racing, the UFC and Wheeling Nailers. His favorite athlete is Sidney Crosby, and his favorite team is the Penguins. ≤ His favorite place in the world is Ocean City, Md., while the one thing he cannot live without is his family.

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Catholic Central

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 11 a.m. kickoff

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + Noon kickoff

Aug. 24 Penn Hills Aug. 31 Morgantown Sept. 7 St. Joseph’s Catholic Sept. 15 The Hun + Sept. 21 Pittsburgh Obama Sept. 28 Dover Oct. 5 at New Philadelphia Oct. 12 Erie Oct. 19 Cardinal O’Hara Oct. 26 University School

Buckeye Local Aug. 23 Martins Ferry Aug. 31 at Union Local Sept. 7 Oak Glen Sept. 14 Indian Creek Sept. 22 at Bellaire + Sept. 28 John Marshall Oct. 5 at Beaver Local Oct. 12 at East Liverpool * Oct. 19 Edison Oct. 26 at Harrison Central

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 12:30 p.m. kickoff; * 7:30 p.m. kickoff

Indian Creek

Brooke

Aug. 24 at Toronto Aug. 31 at Oak Glen Sept. 8 Southern Local Sept. 14 at Edison Sept. 22 at Warren JFK Sept. 28 at Barnesville Oct. 5 Wheeling Central Oct. 13 Huron Heights + Oct. 20 Madonna Oct. 27 Fort Frye

Aug. 24 Cambridge Aug. 31 East Liverpool Sept. 7 at Alliance Sept. 14 at Buckeye Local Sept. 21 St. Clairsville Sept. 28 at Brooke + Oct. 5 at Martins Ferry Oct. 12 at Beaver Local Oct. 19 Crestview Oct. 25 Edison

Aug. 23 Wheeling Park Sept. 7 at University Sept. 14 Morgantown Sept. 21 at Ripley Sept. 28 Indian Creek Oct. 5 at Parkersburg South Oct. 12 John Marshall Oct. 19 at Buckhannon-Upshur Oct. 26 Weir Nov. 2 at Princeton

Edison

Toronto

Weir High

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 7:30 p.m. kickoff

Home games at 7:30 p.m., road games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 24 at Southern Local Aug. 31 Wellsville Sept. 7 at Toronto Sept. 14 Steubenville Central Sept. 21 Beaver Local Sept. 28 Oak Glen Oct. 5 East Liverpool Oct. 12 at Weir Oct. 19 at Buckeye Local Oct. 25 at Indian Creek

Aug. 24 Steubenville Central Aug. 31 at Bridgeport Sept. 7 Edison Sept. 14 at Southern Local Sept. 21 Leetonia Sept. 28 at Columbiana Oct. 5 at Lisbon Oct. 12 East Palestine Oct. 19 at United Oct. 26 Wellsville Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 4 p.m. kickoff; * 7:30 p.m. kickoff

Harrison Central

Oak Glen

Weirton Madonna

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 1 p.m. kickoff

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 24 at Garaway Aug. 31 Bell Sept. 8 at Bellaire Sept. 14 at Union Local Sept. 21 Martins Ferry Sept. 28 St. Clairsville Oct. 5 at Lucas Oct. 12 at Oak Glen Oct. 19 Lutheran East Oct. 26 Buckeye Local

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 24 at Weir Aug. 31 Steubenville Central Sept. 7 at Buckeye Local Sept. 14 Grafton Sept. 22 East Liverpool Sept. 28 at Edison Oct. 5 at Warren Oct. 12 Harrison Central Oct. 19 at East Fairmont Oct. 26 Beaver Local

Aug. 24 Oak Glen Aug. 31 Anacostia Sept. 7 John Marshall Sept. 14 Keyser Sept. 22 at Petersburg + Sept. 28 Union Local Oct. 5 at Fairmont Senior Oct. 12 Edison Oct. 19 at East Liverpool * Oct. 26 at Brooke *

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Brooke Bruins

44

2018 Schedule

Aug. 23 Wheeling Park Sept. 7 at University Sept. 14 Morgantown Sept. 21 at Ripley Sept. 28 Indian Creek Oct. 5 at Parkersburg South Oct. 12 John Marshall Oct. 19 at Buckhannon-Upshur Oct. 26 Weir Nov. 2 at Princeton Home games at 7:30 p.m., road at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 22, 2018

McLean: We have really good numbers up front

By ANDREW GRIMM For The Gridiron

WELLSBURG — The Brooke Bruins are coming off of a disappointing 2017 season that concluded with a 3-7 record, but there is reason for optimism for head coach Mac McLean.

His team closed the season with wins in two of the last three games, and a lot of young players who return to the 2018 edition gained valuable experience.

“There’s no way to go around it,” McLean said.

“Last year was definitely a disappointment. There were a lot of things that led to that. We weren’t healthy in a lot of spots. We had enough talent that we should have been more successful than we were.”

The Bruins had the wind taken out of their sails early on with losses in the first three weeks, including the last one to Morgantown.

That’s something McLean’s team found it hard to recover from.

The wind is back in the Bruins’ sails now, however, as they prepare for 2018.

“The enthusiasm has come back in the offseason,” McLean said. “The kids recover quickly, and the kids seem to be excited to be there. They picked up really quickly on some new things we are going to do on

The Coaches

both sides of the ball.

“I’m very hopeful. Every day since last year, whether it be in the weight room or on the field, the confidence has rebuilt itself. I think we’ve got a group of kids that want to go out and prove themselves.”

The aforementioned experience among the underclassmen has helped.

“We’ve got a lot more experience lower down in the ranks than normal,” McLean said. “We have a set of sophomores coming back that lettered as ninth graders. It’s helped. With

our roster and the number of guys that we have, we’re going to have a lot of sophomores on the field. It’s going to help that they have their feet wet.

“Now it is kind of about closing the gap between experience and physical maturity.”

The balance between the young guys and the seniors is a mix McLean hopes can lead to success.

“I am going to have a lot of young men out on the football field this fall, and that is good because it brings experience,” he said.

“We also have a group of seniors that have stuck with me and stuck it out that want to win right now. I think if we play to our ability, we can have a successful season.”

On thing that hurt the Bruins in 2017 was turnovers. Leading up to this season, McLean has put some emphasis on putting that behind them.

“We have put some focus on that,” he said. “You also don’t want to make the kids too nervous. You want them

See BRUINS Page 47

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Aug. 22, 2018

45

The Seniors

2018 Roster

From The Coach ...

“Every day since last year, whether it be in the weight room or on the field, the confidence has rebuilt itself. I think we’ve got a group of kids that want to go out and prove themselves.”

— Mac McLean

Seniors (15) 1 .......................... Austin Miller 2 ......................Logan Williams 4................................Gage Yost 10........................Devun Castro 13 ........................Aleksey Rasz 24 ................Anthony Pannett 25 ......................Ethan Bradley 40 ....................Kenton Conley 41 ....................Scott Browning 44 ..........George Makricostas 56 ....................Kolton Yahrling 63......................Billy McKinney 70 ....................Landon Urban 72..........................Jimmy Willis 88......................Arch Newman Juniors (4) 11 ......................Camden Bates 20......................Max Camilletti 22 ..............................Trent Rice 65 ....................Austin Williams Sophomores (18) 8....................Joseph Fuscardo 9 ................Robert Gabbert III 12 ........................John George 26 ........................Aaron Scipio 34..........................Drake Hukill 48 ........................Isaac Lippoli 53 ..................Stephen Hunter 61 ......................Kurtis Leonard

64 ......................Joshua Shorts 66 ....................Jacob Raveaux 67 ......................Samuel Casto 71 ........................Jackson Julio 73 ............................Max Oxier 78 ........................Ethan Ratcliff 79..........................Jacob Smith 80 ................David McCombs 85 ........................Seth Coburn 87 ..................Andrew Stewart

Freshmen (14) 6 ........................Nathan Taylor 7 ..................Nicholas Costlow 14..............................Ryan Knox 16 ..........................Luke Secrist 21 ..........................Cyrus Harris 23 ......................Hunter Edgell 46 ......................Ashton Burns 54 ......................Ethan Marker 57 ....................Brett Browning 62 ......................Jacob Donley 58 ......................John Casinelli 76 ....................Daniel Rawson 84 ....................Jakob Baustert

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Aug. 22, 2018

47

Bruins to relax and just play the game. We do ball security practice like everyone else does. Putting it behind us and looking forward is our attitude this year.”

One place that Brooke has experience is at the quarterback position with seniors Gage Yost and Logan Williams, each of whom got multiple starts at the position last year. Both can be expected to see time this season and are competing for the opening-night start.

“Both of them have a lot of experience,” McLean said. “Both guys have multiple varsity starts under their belts at different times over the last two seasons. Both of them bring different things to the table. I would not be surprised at times if you see either one of them under center. We are going to have to pick a starter, but they’ve both come into camp and looked good.

They’re both athletes, and they’re both going to be on the field making plays this fall.”

Yost went 47 of 90 passing (52.2 percent) for 648 yards, four touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2017, while Williams completed 36 of 70 (51.4 percent) for 608 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception.

Junior Max Camilletti is the Bruins’ leading returning rusher, carrying the ball 60 times for 143 yards and a touchdown a season ago.

“Max has another offseason in the weight room where it is impressive the dedication that he has and the size that he has put on,” McLean said. “He’s a fast kid, and I look for him to probably get the majority of the reps.”

Also at tailback will be sophomore Aaron Scipio, who rushed for 80 yards on 20 carries as a freshman, and senior Kenton Conley.

At wideout, the Bruins lost their top three receivers to graduation. Senior Aleksey Rasz is expected to help fill that void after starting nine games in 2017 at tight end.

“He’s a very athletic kid and a very intelligent kid,” McLean said of Rasz.

“He’s the type of kid you can plug in anywhere on the field. He is going to

From Page 44

know what is going on and what he needs to do.”

Also catching passes will be Williams when not playing quaterback and junior Camden Bates. At tight end, senior George Makricostas and sophomore Drew Stewart will both see time.

Fullbacks will be senior Scott Browning and Conley.

On the offensive front, seniors William McKinney and James Willis, junior Austin Williams, sophomore Samual Casto, senior Kolton Yahrling and Kurtis Leonard are all in the mix.

Browning, Bradley, Conley, sophomores Josh Shorts and Ethan Ratcliff, Yahrling, Leonard and Willis will make up the defensive front.

“The one place on our team we have really good numbers is up front,” McLean said. “We’re a little short on size and experience, but they’re all working hard. We can move guys around. One of our focuses with our big guys is to be as platooned as we can possibly be. If you look back at last season, I think we taxed our big

See BRUINS Page 113

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Mac McLean

Assistant Coaches C.J. Besece Corey Br yan Mario DiBias Zeke Farmer Mike Findling Paul Julio Kent Kidder Br yan Kosikowski Jeremy Sadler Ryan Scherich Doug Sizemore Chuck Taylor Jason Williamson

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49

O’Brien comes full circle

By AARON PETCHAL For The Gridiron

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RICHMOND — Shane O’Brien has completed his journey from student to head coach in only five years.

O’Brien was hired in Februrary as Edison’s new head football coach. O’Brien, a 2012 graduate of Edison, replaces Nate Moses, who spent one season at the helm after replacing Derrick Stickles.

O’Brien served as an assistant for the Wildcats for four seasons before becoming He was the team’s offensive coordinator last season.

“I have learned from every coach I have had,” O’Brien. “One thing I learned from coach Stickles was his intensity and passion for the game. Coach Moses, his character really shined through. He truly cares about the school and the kids. I have taken stuff from the two of them.

“I want to develop a better relationship with my players. I want to develop that trust. When you have a good relationship with your players and they trust you, they work even harder for you and they believe in you.”

O’Brien also learned a lot from Mike

McKenzie, who was O’Brien’s head coach when he played at Edison.

“Coach McKenzie is a great coach,” O’Brien said. “He did a lot of stuff behind the scenes. He worked hard in the offseason.

He worked hard year round. He developed the foundation for the program.”

O’Brien will face off against his former head coach when Beaver Local plays Edison Sept. 21 at Cartwright Memorial Field.

Edison ended last season with a 2-8 record.

“These kids are really hungry to win,” O’Brien said. “They have embraced the program. They want to take it to the next level.

They want to be a part of the next chapter of Edison football. We want to establish respect for our team and for our program.

They want to be respected as a team and not just through winning. They have been giving me a great effort. They are working hard to not only be the best players and teammates that they can be, but they also want to be respectful.”

As July came to a close, the Wildcts were ahead of where they were last year at the same point in time. One reason for that is

See CIRCLE Page 105

Edison Wildcats

50

2018 Schedule

Aug. 24 at Southern Local Aug. 31 Wellsville Sept. 7 at Toronto Sept. 14 Steubenville Central Sept. 21 Beaver Local Sept. 28 Oak Glen Oct. 5 East Liverpool Oct. 12 at Weir Oct. 19 at Buckeye Local Oct. 25 at Indian Creek Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Aug. 22, 2018

O’Brien: Experience is a great thing to have

By AARON PETCHAL For The Gridiron

RICHMOND — A new chapter for the Edison football team begins this season.

In February, Shane O’Brien was named head coach of his alma mater, replacing Nate Moses who resigned after one season.

O’Brien, a 2012 graduate, served as an assistant coach for the Wildcats for four seasons, including serving as the team’s offensive coordinator last year.

Edison ended last season at 2-8. Its wins came against Oak Glen and Buckeye Local, a combined 2-18 mark.

Edison lost seven seniors in Dustin Calhoun, Seth Cade, Kenny Cranston, Tim McCoy, Hunter West, Dylan Haldamin and Zak Kestner. The Wildcats return 14 lettermen and have 46 players on the roster heading into August, 11 more than last year.

“A large portion of our players do have experience playing on Friday night,” O’Brien said. “We had a small senior class last season. We return eight or nine starters on offense and eight or nine starters on defense.

Having so many players with experience is definitely a great thing to have.”

Offensively, the Wildcats will be using a variety of

The Coaches

formations.

“We are going to have a hybrid set,” O’Brien said. “I like the pro set with a tight end and a fullback with the quarterback under center.

We are not going to run a constant spread. We want to have our tight ends on the field. Sometimes they will be attached. We have a good mix in the backfield and some good athletes. We can move guys around. We can play our tight ends at fullback or as slot receivers.”

Newcomer Anthony Sini-

cropi, a standout on the baseball team, will be the starting quarterback this season. Sinicropi, a senior, has not played football since junior high.

“He’s a little rusty, but he is getting better,” O’Brien said. “He’s a hard worker.

He’s doing a good job and has won the starting job.”

He wil be backed up by junior Noah Woods and freshman Tyler Griffith.

Woods saw time at quarterback last season and even started a few games.

“They will be competing for the No. 2 spot,” O’Brien said. “Woods will be one of our starting wide receivers if he is not playing quarterback. Tyler Griffith has a ton of potential. He has a strong arm. We want to see him develop.”

Junior Kaleb Waggoner will be the starting tailback, an athlete O’Brien describes as quick and agile.

“He is a little small, but he runs hard,” he said. “He

See WILDCATS Page 53

Aug. 22, 2018

51

The Seniors

2018 Roster

Seniors (17) 3....................Anthony Sinicropi 7 ........................Andrew Kinney 10..............................Ryan Higgs 19 .................... Kiethan Woods 20 ...................... Dakota Clifton 23 ..........................Myles Drake 25 .................. Bryce McAfoose 27........................Conrad Gump 43 ......................Noah Simpson 54 .............................. Ben Kuntz 58 ............ Dominick Flenniken 59 ..............................Luke Allen 62 .................. Logan Morrison 64 .................. Joey McCallister 67 ...................... Kaleb Briganti 78 ................ Dominic Williams 84..............................Zane Dean

From The Coach ...

“We have good athletes who make plays and play fast. We have guys who can shoot through the gaps and take on double teams.”

— Shane O’Brien

Follow us @HSDTsports for live updates and scores throughout the 2018 season.

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Juniors (13) 2 .......................... Noah Woods 4 .................... Kaleb Waggoner 5 ......................Troy Hackathorn 9 ........................ Tristan Hughes 21 .................... Logan Hanchin 45................................Brady Fox 46 .......... Carter Montgomery 52 .................... Levi Waggoner 55 .................. Cody Waggoner 60 ...................... Lukas McCain

61 .......................... Blake Chesla 72 .................... Kaleb Morrison 75 ............................Tucker Irwin

Sophomores (4) 8............................ Tyler Shrieve 22 ........................ Jakob Fenske 30..........................Layne Kinney 73 ........................Chase Furbee

Freshmen (12) 12..................Damean Flinniken 14 ............................Tyler Griffith 25 ..........................Carter Mosti 31 ................................Eli Wilson 50........................Hunter Russell 65 ........................Jonah Snyder 66 ............................Dakota Coil 68........................Hunter Cronin 70................................Kyle Stock 77 ........................Kolten Hanlin 81............................Tucker Elliott 86..............................JacobCusik

Aug. 22, 2018

53

Wildcats runs hard for his size. He is not afriad to run downhill and is not afraid of getting hit.”

Senior Myles Drake and Griffith are also expected to see some carries this season. Drake has not played football since junior high.

“We do not have a true fullback this season,” O’Brien said. “No one has won that job. Offensively, we are going to try some different things. Our scheme is we want to move around the talent that we do have. We want to give defenses a couple of different things to look at.”

Senior Bryce McAfoose and Woods will be the team’s two main wide receivers. Seniors Ryan Higgs, Keithan Woods and Zane Dean will all also see time.

“Ryan is a new guy,” O’Brien said.

“He is another great athlete. He has good hands and will play in the slot.”

Senior Andrew Kinney and junior Logan Hanchin will both see time at tight end.

“We have two guys who have really done a great job,” O’Brien said. “We will be looking to get them both on the field at the same time.”

The offensive line will play a key role in Edison’s ability to move the ball on offense. O’Brien hopes it will also be the most improved.

Senior Ben Kuntz, a threeyear starter, returns at center to anchor the line.

“He is our first-team

captain,” O’Brien said. “He does a great job. He is the leader of the offensive line. He makes sure the other guys are all on the same page. He makes all of the calls.”

The two guards will be juniors Cody and Levi Waggoner, who are cousins.

Junior Blake Chesla is in the mix to see time at center and guard.

The two starting tackle positions have not been set. Four players (seniors Logan Morrison, Luke Allen and Joey McAllister along with junior Lukas McCain) are all in the running for one of the two starting spots.

“We have good depth on the offensive line,” O’Brien said. “We have guys we can rotate in. We have some battles going on at camp. We are to settle on our top five guys.”

Defensively, Edison will be playing a 3-3-stack.

“We have good athletes who make plays and play fast,” O’Brien said.

“Defensively, we want to confuse the offensive line. We are going to be playing a lot of guys close to the line of scrimmage. We want to play aggressive on defense. We have guys who can shoot through the gaps and take on double teams. We want to put pressure on the backfield. The strength of our defense is our defensive line.”

The Wildcats are looking to rotate six guys on the defensive line. Seeing time at nose guard will be the Waggoners.

Kuntz, McCain and Chesla will all also see time up front.

From Page 50

“We are still looking for more depth,” O’Brien said. “We have a lot of guys competing for time. We are going to find out who the guys are who can rotate in on Friday nights. We are still looking for that.”

Morrison, Hanchin and Kinney are the top three guys to see time at middle linebacker. Drake and Griffith also are in the mix. The top guys outside are McAfoose, Kaleb Waggoner and Higgs.

In the secondary, Sinicropi, Keithan Woods and Dean will all see time at corner, while Noah Woods and Kaleb Waggoner will see time at safety.

Junior Carter Montgomery returns to handle the kicking duties. Noah Woods, Hanchin and Kinney are in the mix at punter. Noah Woods punted some last season.

“Last year, we punted out of an offensive formation,” O’Brien said.

“This season, we are going to line up in a punting formation.”

Kaleb Waggoner and McAfoose will be returning kicks and punts.

“Kaleb Waggoner is a great athlete,” O’Brien said. “He was close to taking a couple of punts back for touchdowns last season. He is dangerous back there.”

Kuntz will serve as the team’s long snapper, although there are a couple of other guys in the mix at that position.

There are 17 seniors on the Wildcats roster, and they are being counted on to provide good leadership to the lower classmen. Some of the leaders lead by example, while other are more vocal leaders.

“Anthony Sinicropi leads by exam-

See WILDCATS Page 105

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Shane O’Brien

Assistant Coaches Spencer Bendle Jason Fogle Jim Marcus Mark Smyth Al Johnson Greg Marsh

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Oak Glen Golden Bears

Aug. 22, 2018

we play this year,” he said.

“Our goals are to continue to evolve the culture here, respond to adversity, match physicality, focus on discipline and make sure we are doing the right things. We want to refine things.

“We are hoping a lot of the little things getting better will equal some big results.”

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and 11 interceptions as a freshman in 2017. Also getting reps at QB have been Brayden Mineard, another sophomore, as well as few freshmen.

Before last season began, Hunter Skeeles and Chaney were the Golden Bears’ two QBs who would see equal amount of opportunities.

However, Skeeles broke his arm in the season opener against Weir High, setting the table for Chaney.

“With Skeeles sidelined

har

third season with the Golden Bears as head coach, hopes his team’s speed can help with the size disadvantage it will have against a lot of its opponents.

“We grew a little bit, but we are still not going to be a very big team,” Arneault said. “Outside of our bigger receivers, we’ve got a lot of smaller kids with speed.”

After going 4-16 over the last two seasons, Arneault wants to see the program take a step forward.

“We have expectations to compete in every game that

har

NEW MANCHESTER — The Oak Glen Golden Bears finished 2-8 last season, dropping each of their last six games.

The culprit for that might just be the reason Ted Arneault’s team takes a step forward this season — young players. The Golden Bears have the majority of everybody back from 2017 and, while still youthful, they now have experience.

“I think the kids that we have on the roster have a lot of Friday night experience,” Arneault said. “We’re still young, but experienced, so it is kind of like the best of both worlds. That is something that is going to pay off big time because that is something that you just cannot replace with anything else.

“We’re returning almost every starter. Having kids back that have been out on the field on Friday nights is going to help dramatically.”

In addition to added experience, Arneault likes some other aspects of his team.

“I think we have some really good team speed,” he said. “We’ve got some playmakers and some big receivers to throw the ball to.

We’ll be a fast team defensively, too.”

Arneault, heading into his

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har

Aug. 24 at Weir Aug. 31 Steubenville Central Sept. 7 at Buckeye Local Sept. 14 Grafton Sept. 21 East Liverpool Sept. 28 at Edison Oct. 5 at Warren Oct. 12 Harrison Central Oct. 19 at East Fairmont Oct. 26 Beaver Local

By ANDREW GRIMM

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57

The Seniors

2018 Roster

From The Coach ...

“Our goals are to continue to evolve culture here, respond to adversity, match physicality, focus on discipline and make sure we are doing the rightthings.”

— Ted Arneault Jr.

Seniors (8) 8 ........................Derek Lightner 9 ............................Zach Nolder 12 ....................Jackson Chaney 14 ........................Dan Dwoskin 56 ......................Kellen Tropeck 64 ..................Logan Meadows 70 ..........................Cole English 83 ..........................Ethan Travis Junior s (9) 10............................Jacob Jones 11 ..............................Ethan Mick 15 ....................Michael Lemley 24 ............................Zach Taylor 33 ........................Shane Bragg 35 ......................Preston Brown 54 ....................Connor Adams 81 ........................Justin Hartley 84 ..................Dylan Merriman Sophomores (13) 1 ....................Brayden Mineard 2....................Hunter Patterson 5 ......................Gage Patterson 7 ................................Gavin Ray 18 ..........................Nick Chaney 21 ....................Paxton Shuman 50 ......................Danny Bealles 51 ........................Ethan Hooker

53 ..................Matthew Mallick 60 ......................Kyle O’Connor 65 ........................Jeremy Taylor 71 ..................Chantz Dopudja 78 ......................William Minnis Freshmen (15) 4 ........................Ashton Adams 6......................Daniel Pritchard 13 ..................Seth Humberson 23 ................Cameron Tropeck 25 ..........................Ethan Lively 32..............................Tyler Davis 33 ......................Nathan Stoica 36 ........................Dylan Conley 52 ............................Aiden Gray 57........................Jordan Morris 66..........................Dalton Ebert 74..........................Mark Snyder 75 ......................James McDole 82 ......................Gage Logston 88 ........................Nathan Lang

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Aug. 22, 2018

59

Bears

for the season, Chaney will have to learn quickly,”Arneault said before Oak Glen’s Week 2 battle at Steubenville Catholic Central. “For a young kid, Chaney is eager and ready to learn the intricacies of the game. He keeps talking to the coaches about correcting mistakes and is very motivated.”

Arneault feels the same way to this day.

Oak Glen finished as the No. 2 passing offense in the Herald-Star/Daily Times coverage area in 2017 in terms of yardage, averaging 162.6 per game.

“We’re running the same offense and finding our groove,” Arneault said.

“We were able to put some points on the board last year.”

At tailback, sophomore Gage Patterson is expected to get a lot of work along with juniors Preston Brown and Ethan Mick. Paxton Shuman, a sophomore, will line up at fullback.

Catching passes will be senior tight end Ethan Travis, a 6-foot-5 returning starter who made 29 catches for 563 yards and four touchdowns last season.

“He’s gotten a lot more physical and, I think, gotten a lot stronger since last year,” Arneault said.

Wideouts will be junior Zack Taylor, Michael Lemley, Mineard and Hunter Patterson among others.

Up front on the offensive line, senior Kellen Tropeck, a state champion in discus, returns along with fellow senior Logan Meadows.

Ohters in the running are junior Connor

Adams, sophomores Jeremy Taylor, Matthew Mallick, Danny Bealles, Kyle O’Connor and Ethan Hooker.

On the defensive front, the Golden Bears have senior Cole English, Tropeck, Meadows and O’Connor.

Oak Glen will use a threeman line in 2018.

The linebacking corps will be made up of Brown, Adams, Bealles, Patterson and Mick.

Lemley returns at free safety and Mineard at corner, while senior Jackson Chaney and junior Jacob Jones will compete for the other starting corner position.

The Golden Bears will use a 3-3 stack look on defense, where Arneault wants to see run defense and tackling get better.

“The emphasis is on our run defense,” he said. “We

From Page 56

need to improve there dramatically, there and tackling. We want to be more aggressive getting to the football.”

Dan Dewoskin, a senior, will handle kicking and punting duties.

Oak Glen opens its campaign very similar to last year, at least for the firstthree weeks. Weir High will host the Golden Bears in the season opener, which was a shutout victory for the Red Riders last year. In Week 2, the Bears compete in their home opener against Catholic Central before traveling to Buckeye Local.

After a Week 5 bye is when things turned for the worse with six straight defeats a season ago.

“Expectations are higher this year,” Arneault said.

“We’re a young team that should be able to compete.”

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Ted Arneault Jr.

Assistant Coaches Ted Arneault Sr. Ethan Delekta

Brian Cunningham Chris Hill

Scott Pr yor

Chris Michael Pat Chaney

GOOD LUCK

Go Red Knights!

Toronto Red Knights From Students, Staff & Administration of Toronto City Schools GOOD LUCK RED KNIGHTS!

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Aug. 22, 2018

New Toronto coach prefers classroom over courtroom

By AARON PETCHAL For The Gridiron

TORONTO — Sitting through an American government class during his college days, Josh Franke had an epiphany.

Majoring in pre-law at the time, he decided beoming a lawyer wasn’t the right verdict.

His real passion is being a teacher and a head football coach.

Coaching became a reality on June 5 and with his alma mater at Toronto.

“Being a football coach is just something I have always wanted to do,” said Franke, a 2005 graduate of Toronto. “In sixth grade, I was drawing up plays in my notebook. It is something I have always liked doing. I like designing plays. I would have gotten in a lot of trouble if Mrs. Glenn knew what I was doing.”

Franke, who was originally hired as an assitant coach, replaced Anthony Hayes after he resigned on May 31 to become the head coach at Harrison Central. Hayes replaced Eric Meek, who resigned in January after

serving as head coach for eight seasons.

“The transition has not been hard on the kids,” Franke said. “We have a good administration, and we have gotten a lot of suport from the school district. It has been good for myself and my family. I had to deal with fundraisers and scheduling and different things. We want to pick up where things were left off.

“The kids have really responded, and I give them a lot of credit. They could be negative about getting a new coach in June, but they have not been. They have accepted me. They have embraced me. They trust me. We have good kids at Toronto. There is a lot of history associated with Toronto football. When you are from here, you have a lot of pride.”

The Toronto program is in good shape as Franke takes over.

“Coach Meek did a great job here at Toronto,” Franke said. “He did a great job building the program back up to where it should be.”

61

Newbrough Photo

Toronto hired Josh Franke as the team’s new head coach, takSee CLASSROOM Page 92 ing over for Eric Meek and Anthony Hayes.

Toronto Red Knights

62

Aug. 22, 2018

2018 Schedule

Aug. 24 Steubenville Central Aug. 31 at Bridgeport Sept. 7 Edison Sept. 14 at Southern Local Sept. 21 Leetonia Sept. 28 at Columbiana Oct. 5 at Lisbon Oct. 12 East Palestine Oct. 19 at United Oct. 26 Wellsville

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Franke: They have bought in, picked up what we’re teaching

By AARON PETCHAL For The Gridiron

TORONTO — The Toronto football team is looking to get back on track after a disappointing end to 2017.

The Red Knights began the season 4-1 but lost its last five games to finish at 4-6 and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Toronto’s wins came against Bridgeport, Edison, Southern Local and Leetonia.

This season, Josh Franke takes over the reins at his alma mater. Franke, a 2005 graduate, is the third coach for the Red Knights since the end of last season. Anthony Hayes was hired in Februrary to replace Eric Meek, who resigned following eight seasons as head coach. Hayes then left at the end of May to replace Justin Kropka as head coach at Harrison Central, and Franke was hired in June to replace Hayes. Franke was originally hired to be an assistant coach under Hayes.

Toronto also lost seniors Nathan Keenan, Jake Keenan, Juston Patterson, Luke Fogle and Avery Watkins from last year’s team. Keenan missed the final six games due to injury.

The Red Knights return 21 lettermen and have nine

The Coaches

starters back on offense and eight on defense.

A lot of kids saw time last season, and that experience gained should prove beneficial this season.

“They sure did play a lot of kids,” Franke said. “That is really good for us. We have thrown a lot at the kids, and they had to learn a lot. They have really bought in, and they picked up what we have been teaching them. We are ahead of where I anticipated us being at this point.

“We return a lot of experienced players, especially

at the skill positions. We have depth at the skill positions. We also return three starters on the offensive line. You can’t simulate a game in practice. It is tough when you have kids who have never played at the varsity level. They do not know what to do. We are fortunate that a lot of these kids played last season.”

After a few days of practice, a good amount of the starters are already determined.

“For the most part, we have got things squared away,” Franke said. “We

are still trying to figure out our offensive line and, defensively, we are still trying to figure out our defensive line and one of our linebackers. We have a couple of battles going on, but we are pretty close to figuring things out.”

Last season, the Red Knights scored 34 or more points in five games.

Toronto went 4-1 in those games but was held to 20 or fewer points in the other five games. The Red Knights lost all five of those

See RED KNIGHTS Page 65

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63

The Seniors

2018 Roster

Seniors (7) 4........................Nathan Karaffa 5 .......................... Kobe Herrick 33 ...................... Carson Meek 45 ...................... Nick Sninchak 58 ........................ Trent Wright 60 ........................ Seth Watkins 76 ...................... Justin Haynes

Juniors (11) 3 ....................Brendan Matyas 7 ............................Jesse Fulton 8........................Tristan Thomas 9 ................................Kyre Smith 12 ............................Isaac Miller 15 ..................Zach Stackhouse 16................................A.J. Clegg 19 ..........................Coulter Kelly 20 ..........................Frank Fulton 63 ........Shane Van Steenburg 72 ..................Cameron Garcia

From The Coach ...

“We have thrown a lot at the kids, and they had to learn a lot. They have really bought in, and they picked up what we have been teaching them.”

— Josh Franke

Sophomores (17) 1..........................Garrett Dozier 2 ..........................Devin Corrao 6 ........................Nathan Haines 10........................Caleb Leasure 11............................Jack Rawson

14..................Bryson Anderson 21 ..........................Jo Jo Savage 22 ........................Bryan Cattrell 28............................Evan Roche 34 ..........................Chris Parker 51 ............................B.J. Pearson 55 ..............................Zac Close 57 ......................Jayden Oleksy 64 ....................Michael Tizzani 70 ........................Aaron Adress 74 ........................Dylan Scalise 77 ....................Daniel Quaynar

Freshmen (7) 6 ..............................Aiden Mick 17 ..........................Trevor Lewis 25 ......................Shane Keenan 56 ........................Josh Fancher 59....................Klaytan Andress 62 ............................Noah Sapp 71....................Landon Thomas

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Aug. 22, 2018

65

Red Knights games.

Toronto got a big boost this summer when senior standout quarterback Nate Karaffa decided to come back.

He has a baseball scholarship waiting at Ohio State.

“For a while, we did not know if he was going to play,” Franke said. “He is a great athlete. It is a joy to watch him in practice. He does things in practice that you can’t coach. He is able to do a lot of things.”

Karaffa will be backed up by sophomore Caleb Leasure and junior A.J. Clegg.

Toronto has a good group of running backs to line up behind Karaffa.

Senior Kobe Herrick will be the team’s starting tailback, and junior Tristan Thomas will serve as the starting fullback. Sophomore Garrett Dozier will also see time in the backfield.

Karaffa also will have a good group of receivers to catch the ball. That group includes juniors Frank Fulton, Zach Stackhouse and Brendan Matyas.

Senior Nick Sninchak will be the tight end.

The Red Knights are looking to fill one of the five starting spots on the offensive line. Senior Justin Haynes will play left tackle, freshman Josh Fancher will play right tackle,

senior Trent Wright will start at center and junior Shane Van Steenberg will start at left guard.

A few players are battling it out to start at right guard.

“Our offensive formation is going to vary,” Franke said. “We are going to use multiple formations. We are going to use the spread. We are going to get to the ball to as many guys as we can so the defense can’t key on one kid.”

The Red Knights allowed 40 or more points seven times last season and went 1-6 in those games. The lone win came in a 44-41 victory against Southern Local.

Defensiviely, Toronto is going to play a 3-3-5 formation.

The Red Knights are going to rotate guys up front on the defensive line.

That list of players includes Sninchak, junior Isaac Miller, Fancher, Landon Thomas and Shane Keenan.

Seeing time at linebacker will be Wright, Trsitan Thomas, Clegg and sophomore Chris Parker.

In the secondary, Stackhouse and Matyas will be the starting cornerbacks, while the safeties will be Herrick, Dozier and Fulton.

“We want to be able to pressure the

From Page 62

quarterback,” Franke said. “We want to contain the run. We have good linebackers who are able to make tackles.”

Coulter Kelly will kick field goals and extra points, while Karaffa will kick off. Wright will serve as the team’s punter with Sninchak as the long snapper. Stackhouse, Dozier and Matyas will handle returning duties.

Toronto is scheduled to open the season against rival Steubenville Catholic Central at Clarke Hinkle Field.

“You can’t ask for a better game to start the season,” Franke said. “We have a great game right off of the bat.

It is a great opportunity. A writer could not write a better script than this. The hometown kid comes home to coach at his alma mater, and he opens the season at home against his team’s arch rival. It does not get any better than being able to coach my first game at Toronto against those guys. It is going to be an awesome opener.”

Due to scheduling conflicts, the two teams did not play last season.

“When I heard the news that we were not going to be playing them, I was upset,” Franke said. “It was like Ohio State and Michigan not playing.”

Toronto will then play at Bridgeport in Week 2 and at home against Edison in Week 3 before ending the season with six straight games against teams in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Confer-

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Josh Franke

Assistant Coaches Steven Rebich Matt Ludewig Dave Dozier Jake Haynes Tyler Butler

See RED KNIGHTS Page 92

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Riding Central’s coattails

66

Aug. 22, 2018

Daley relives his days on the Crusaders’ 1993 championship team

By JOE CATULLO For The Gridiron

STEUBENVILLE — Nothing in Steve Daley’s 25-year coaching experience compares to Dec. 3, 1993.

In his first year as an assistant, just two years removed from graduating high school, Daley road the coattails of Steubenville Catholic Central weeks after the freshman squad ended its campaign. Thanks to coach Craig Farrar, a seat was always open for Daley in the press box, charting the opposition and helping with halftime adjustments.

Daley also attended every practice, though coaching was not required for the unpaid assistant. Learning from the vetrans and picking their brains was his main focus, because he knew he would become a head coach one day.

All that extra work — while working side jobs at the old Gilbert Iron and Metal on State Route 7 and security at the hospital — on little to no sleep paid off on that December night in Mas-

sillon.

Mike Kuczykowski’s game-winning field goal in overtime lifted the Crusaders to a thrilling 17-14 victory over Liberty Center for the Ohio Division V championship. Pandemonium ensued, of course. To this day, Daley remembers it vividly.

“I remember getting out of the press box and going through the roof,” he said.

“It was pretty crazy on the field. It was just a neat moment where I was riding the coattails and was fortunate to be a part of it.

“Especially from a head coaching perspective, there are games you can point to that were big and exciting.

I’ve had last-second wins at St. John against Wheeling Central and Toronto. We had one last year, defeating Warren JFK. There are great moments you can pick out, but there’s nothing like the pinnacle of winning a state championship. I hope I get that opportunity one day as a head coach. Nothing can match that moment.”

See COATTAILS Page 109

CCHS head coach Steve Daley, top, looks at a Crusaders championship photo hanging in the team’s locker room.

At left, Jason Bias (33) let everyone know that his team just won the 1993 state title.

Staff photos

Aug. 22, 2018

67

Redskins back home in Division IV

By ANDREW GRIMM For The Gridiron

WINTERSVILLE — After one season in Division III, Indian Creek is happy to return to Division IV in 2018.

The Redskins went 6-4 and missed the playoffs last season after back-to-back postseason berths in 2015 and 2016 while a member of Division IV. For coach Andrew Connor, it’s a welcome move with, his Redskins playing a schedule that is geared more for a Division IV program. It’s the same as last year with the home and road games flipped.

“Our schedule probably fits a lot better for a Division IV football program,” Connor said. “It kind of caught us off guard last year when we moved to Division III because we did not see that coming. We tried to put our schedule together to be very competitive for a D4 school. We do play a very competitive schedule for D4, so when you get into D3 and all of those schools are playing each other, mathematically it was going to be very tough for us with how the Ohio high school playoffs work.”

Although the math to get to the playoffs might be more favorable in Division IV, Connor knows the teams his Redskins will be competing against for a playoff spot won’t make it easy.

“It didn’t change a lot for us other than we were in a different region last year,” he said. “We know the region (in Division IV) is loaded with talent. Right off the bat you see we are back in a region with two of the most storied programs you can think of in the state of Ohio in Steubenville

Joe Catullo

Junior Brandon Fleming relaxes for a moment during Indian Creek’s media day. This year, the Redskins move back to Division IV after spending one season in Division III.

and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney.

There are a variety of other schools in there that are all known for their football.

“It is going to be a tough season for us if we want to make the postseason. That is our ultimate goal, to get back into the state playoffs after we missed last year. We have to take care of buisness week-by-week to get there.”

Getting back in the playoffs and the return to its familiar division has been the focus of the entire offseason.

“We feel like we are back in a surrounding we are used to in Division

IV, and now we have to do our best every week to get back to the playoffs,” Connor said. “It was disappointing after the Edison game in Week 10 not to have a Week 11 after we had gone the past two seasons before that. That has been a goal; something we talk about is getting back in the playoffs.”

While getting there is still a challenge, his players have been putting in the work with the goal in mind.

“Making the playoffs is a very difficult scenario,” Connor said.

“Everything has got to go right. You have to play well and sustain yourself through 10 games. You’ve got

to battle through injuries. There are so many variables.

“We worked hard in the off eason.

We’re working hard over the summer to be able to reach the goals that we set for ourselves.”

Indian Creek’s goals go beyond just getting there.

“The goal is to get there, but you don’t want to just be satisfied when you get there,” Connor said. “Our kids are focused. Our attendence has been very good. We’ve had good leadership and hard work. They’ve taken it on themselves because the one-year absence from the playoffs was disappointing.”

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Aug. 22, 2018

69

Hayes takes over Harrison Central after short trip to Toronto and back

By ANDREW GRIMM For The Gridiron

CADIZ — Anthony Hayes is having quite the year since the 2017 football season ended.

An assistant for Harrison Central at the time, Hayes was named the head coach of Toronto High School in February but opted to return to the Huskies in June to replace Justin Kropka as the sideline boss.

Now that things have settled in for Hayes, a graduate of Cadiz High School, he is just as excited to coach his hometown team as he was when he first got the job.

“The dust settled rather quickly I would say,” he said. “Once we got through the initial chaos, everything really settled in nicely. I am still kind of on that excitement buzz.

The people in the community have been very receptive and given a lot

of good feedback.

“It is still kind of that honeymoon phase where I am excited. Everyone is excited and the kids are still up for it. People will see me at the store and give me well-wishes.

They are excited for me and my opportunity here. It has been really enjoyable.”

Having been on the staff under Kropka, Hayes feels the transition will be easy one.

“Everyone picked up right where we wanted,” he said. “Things have gone really, really smooth. I couldn’t be happier with how it has all worked out. (Having been an assistant at Harrison Central) helped a lot for a multitude of reasons. The kids know what to expect from me and are familiar with me.

“I think sticking with someone that they are familiar made the transition not just easy for me, but most

importantly for the kids as well.”

Getting to coach in Cadiz means coaching a lot of familiar faces.

“It kind of shows my age a little bit, but I know (the player’s) moms and dads pretty well,” Hayes said.

“When I ask, ‘Who are your parents,’ it’s usually someone I went to school with or played ball with.”

Those ties to the community make the job at hand even more important to Hayes.

“Obviously, I want to do a good job for my home school,” he said.

“It’s important for me to make sure I give back to these kids the same way my coaches, and the people of this community gave to me. I want to put the same effort that those people put in me. I would not be where I am at if those people have not had such a huge impact on my life.”

The experience so far has given

Hayes a new understanding of football in the valley.

“Over the last couple of years, coach Kropka and I talked a lot about what goes into being a head football coach and being a coach in your town,” he said. “The one thing that has stuck out is how important high school football is in a small town and in the Ohio Valley. It’s kind of like being a parent for the first time. It is something you know is special but do not fully understand until you are one.

“It is that way with football.

Football in Harrison County is so unbelievably important to so many people, people that I would have never guessed. They tell you at the gas station or the store just how important Harrison Central football is to them. I think that is one thing I didn’t fully understand until I became a head coach.”

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Harrison Central Huskies

70

Aug. 22, 2018

2018 Schedule Aug. 24 at Garaway Aug. 31 Bell Sept. 8 at Bellaire Sept. 15 at Union Local Sept. 21 Martins Ferry Sept. 28 St. Clairsville Oct. 5 at Lucas Oct. 12 at Oak Glen Oct. 19 Lutheran East Oct. 26 Buckeye Local

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Hayes: It’s an exciting time to be at Harrison Central

By KIM NORTH For The Gridiron

CADIZ — Anthony Hayes, a 1996 Cadiz High graduate, has taken over the Harrison Central reins after veteran head coach Justin Kropka stepped down following last season, which was his 13th. However, Hayes is no stranger to the Huskies program as he served as an assistant coach for 11 years under Kropka.

“It’s an exciting time to be at Harrison Central,” Hayes said after being hired in the summer. “We’ve got a new school being built, and we just had turf installed at our stadium prior to last season.”

Harrison Central has 39 kids out this season, and 19 of them are returning lettermen.

“Our numbers are a little better than they have been.

Last year we ended with 27, so the numbers are OK. But, don’t get me wrong, they are not where they used to be, but we’re taking steps in the right direction to fix that problem. Having an offseason to recruit our student body, I think that will help us as well.

“We have a lot of returning lettermen. It makes it a little easier on me in one sense, but I tell people we have 13 seniors on our roster. Those are very, very inexperienced seniors. Those are guys that

Belmont Career Center )BNNPOE 3PBE St. Clairsville, OH 43950 (740) 695-9130

The Coaches

were probably forced into playing some, and a lot of them were probably not ready to play on Friday nights, but it does give all of those kids a chance to look back and understand what took place on Friday nights.

Now, we have to figure out how to prepare so we can be competitive on Friday nights.

Before, we had experience and knew what it took to play. We’re doing what we need to do to allow us to play at a higher, competitive level.”

Offensively, the Huskies will line up as they have in

the past.

“We’ve done a lot of things here for a long period of time with coach Kropka that worked. That system was very similar to the system that I played under when I was at Cadiz High School,” he said. “As the game changes and evolves, you always try to add in a few wrinkles whenever you can and try to utilize the personnel that you have as compared to trying to pound that square peg into a round hole.

We want to make sure that we build our system around what we have.”

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Harrison Central’s offense will be centered around speedy senior tailback Tyler West. He ran for 1,607 yards and 24 touchdowns last fall on 164 carries. That comes a year after picking up 1,447 and 12 TDs as a sophomore.

He had 479 yards and seven scores as a frosh.

“He is such a diverse player that he can play. Obviously, he can dot the I with the best of them,” Hayes said of West, who has 4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash. “He is, in my opinion, one of the betSee HUSKIES Page 73

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Aug. 22, 2018

71

The Seniors

2018 Roster

Seniors (12) 6 ........................Caden Dalton 12......................Preston Haney 13 ............................Joe Rogers 14 ........................Job Positano 15 ........................Payton Taylor 22 ............................Tyler West 27 ..............Damon Carpenter 54 ..............................Eric Perry 60 ......................Cody Gamble 62 ............................Josh Croft 64 ........................Blayne Erwin 77 ......................Zack Marbais

From The Coach ...

“We’re doing what we need to do to allow us to play at a higher, competitive level.”

— Anthony Hayes

Have a safe and successful season from the Steubenville Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times.

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73

Huskies

ter dual-threat skilled players that we’ve had in terms of lining up at receiver and play that position as well as anyone in the valley. On top of the fact, in my opinion, he’s in the group of top running backs in the area.”

Joining West in the backfield are three dependable ballcarries in senior Damon Carpenter and juniors Tucker Coultrap and Cale McAfee.

“We are blessed with skilled players.

We have four kids that we can count on to carry the ball with effectiveness,” Hayes said. “McAfee can play back there, as can Carpenter. In my mind, Carpenter is in a position where he’d be one of the best tailbacks in the Ohio Valley. He’s a lot bigger after blowing out his knee as a junior in Week 3. He missed a lot of games but stepped in as a sophomore when Tyler (West) got banged up and probably rushed for 500600 yards. He’s a thick, bruising type runner, but he’s also extremely skilled in catching the ball out of the backfield.”

As for the fullbacks, Hayes smiles when he said they are interchangeable with the tailbacks. Whoever is playing tailback will be playing fullback.

Others ticketed for duty in the backfield are junior Lee Sponaugle and freshmen Nic Evans and Nathan Bertolino.

Starting his first year at quarterback is sophomore Kobe Mitchell. He didn’t take a snap under center last season and replaces three-year starter Wyatt Elias.

“Kobe is a three-sport athlete, and when I say that about the kid and hear a three-sport athlete, it gets me excited because that means that kid is a competitor,” Hayes said. “If he wasn’t the leading scorer on the basketball team, he was really close. He also played baseball.”

Junior Mark Smith is the backup QB. “He’s progressed enough that, if we have to make a change or something would force our hand, Mark is more than capable of coming in and doing a good job,” Hayes said.

The offensive line is a jumble right now, but Hayes likes what he’s seen.

“We’ve had a lot of kids back-andforth at different positions along the line,” he said. “I’ve told them, “You’re not a center, you’re not a guard, you’re not a tackle. You are an offensive lineman, so all of our skills that we’ve learned at each of those positions are transferrable. You have to be able to play every position.’”

At center is sophomore Ronald Pauley. He’s being challenged by juniors Bryce Wade and Haden Stull.

“We have a few kids we think can play at that position, but the idea is who is going to

From Page 70

seperate themselves from the pack in terms of competition every day in practice,” Hayes said.

One guard will be senior Cody Gamble, who Hayes said has done a really good job so far. Seniors Josh Croft, Eric Perry, Zach Marbais and Blayne Erwin are also in the mix.

“I think because we’re so thin that everybody has to play multiple positions. Right now, we are going to take guys in and out,” Hayes said. “We’re planning for the worst-case scenario.

We ran into that last year. We had just a weird, freakish camp as far as injuries go. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Our job is to make sure we prepare everybody to the best of our abilities, so if something unfortunate like that happens again, we’re ahead of the curve.”

Whoever isn’t playing guard is going to play tackle, according to the head coach.

Junior John Dannehl is another player working in there, as are juniors Albert Taylor and Blaine Milliken; sophomore Jeremiah Unterzuber and freshmen Logan Ellis, Matthew Smith, John Wagner, Dillon Drapp and Braxton Slone .

“We’ve got about 10 guys that we are going to rotate in there. I expect all of them to get time on Friday nights,” Hayes said. “It allows us to rest some guys on either side of the ball and keep them fresh. These kids have to be ready to play whether it’s varsity or JV. We don’t want to throw them out there on a Saturday for junior varsity action if they are not prepared. We have to coach each kid equally.”

The receiving corps are deep and tal-

Orme

See HUSKIES Page 91

2018 Coaches

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75

Herbert more confident in second season as coach

By ANDREW GRIMM For The Gridiron

YORKVILLE — When Roger Herbert took over the Buckeye Local Panthers last season, he knew the goal of getting the program turned around was not going to happen overnight.

Preparing for his second season at the helm, he’s happy with the progress the team made.

“Last year was about putting in our offense, putting in our defense and instilling discipline in the kids,” Herbert said. “I am very happy with the way they took to us as a coaching staff. The attitude and the effort was a lot better. Our goal was to get the culture turned around. It might even be moving along faster than I thought coming in. I didn’t make it any secret this was going to take a couple of years, but I think we are going the right way, and I

could not be happier with the progress so far.”

Despite another 0-10 season, the Panthers were more competitive in each game compared to the 2016 season.

“I kept a calendar at work to keep track of that,” Herbert said. “A winless season is nobody’s goal, and we understand that, but every game was closer than the previous year. We almost got one at Oak Glen; the kids battled to double overtime. We played competitive against a pretty good schedule.”

Now, with a year under his belt, Herbert has set the goals a little higher for 2018.

“Our first year, we didn’t really have a wins goal,” he said. “Now we have goals in terms of wins and losses. We want to take some of those close games and some of those games we competed in and turn them to our side of the scoreboard. Our summer

and our spring lifting has been outstanding. Our juniors, we have about 20 of them, have really taken a leadership role.

“As far as continuity, we are leaps and bounds ahead of where we were last season. Out motto is ‘play fast.’

There are several, I feel, winnable games this year.

We’ve got a lot of guys back with varsity experience.

Guys are getting faster, getting stronger and buying in.

Now we have to get that to show up out on the field.”

Herbert, who last year was the third coach in three seasons, told his team he is in it for the long haul.

“I made these kids a promise when I came here — I am not leaving,” he said.

“These freshmen and sophomores will not know anyone else. These seniors had three Andrew Grimm coaches in three years, so Buckeye Local head coach Robert Herbert enters his second season with high expectations that his Panthers will finally

See HERBERT Page 119 end their long losing skid.

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Buckeye Local Panthers

76

Aug. 22, 2018

2018 Schedule Aug. 23 Martins Ferry Aug. 31 at Union Local Sept. 7 Oak Glen Sept. 14 Indian Creek Sept. 22 at Bellaire + Sept. 28 John Marshall Oct. 5 at Beaver Local Oct. 12 at East Liverpool * Oct. 19 Edison Oct. 26 at Harrison Central

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted + 12:30 p.m. kickoff * 7:30 p.m. kickoff

Herbert: Our guys know what our expectations are

For The Gridiron

The Coaches

YORKVILLE — Roger Herbert came to Buckeye Local last fall as a late hire, but he set out to build the Panther football program.

He endured a winless season as the school’s third coach in three years.

It takes just a minuten to see that he is certainly a coach who looks ahead and doesn’t waste his time looking back. He is optimistic about the approaching 2018 season, but he is realistic in his thinking. He works on the moment while building for the future.

“I think the second year in the program, our guys know what our expectations are,” Herbert said. “Our offense is ahead of last year, our defense is in the third year of our system and the offseason went well.”

Although Buckeye is looking to revamp its schedule for 2019, it hasn’t seen any changes from a year ago. It will be brutal again this year, but Herbert believes that his squad will be up to the change.

Herbert will be starting the new season without a group of graduated players that include Josh Dulesky, a participant in the OVAC allstar game, and John Marelli, a speeding back who provided the offense with some

breakaway thrills. The remainder of the list are David Zanes, William Hopkins, Kadin Weaver, Cody Griffith, Matt Barsch, Lukas Dickerson, Luke Bell, Ashten Antigo and exchange student Matteo Viola.

“I think the kids lost a lot with the change in the coaches over the three previous years, but I think that when they see that, we are going to be here,” Herbert said. “When they see turnover and change, they don’t have much confidence.

“In the past, they were looking for improvement in

By RICK DeLUCA

six months. But, in reality, we are looking for like three, four or five years to get this program back.”

Herbert is optimistic for the future as well, with an improving junior high program that has brought out better numbers and a staff that is not just coaching, but also working to prepare the younger players for movement into the varsity and jayvee levels. Herbert reaffirmed that in order to get the program going in the right direction, the start must come from the junior high level.

“Staying with the same crew and the same staff is

FELLOWS

nothing but a good thing for the team and the school,” Herbert said, while noting that the current senior group is smaller in numbers, but that the numbers are higher at the junior, sophomore and freshman levels.

Ten seniors are part of that Panther roster, and the group includes some very valuable influences to the Buckeye attack. The senior group includes: two-way lineman Matt Carpenter; center/defensive tackle Gage Kornetti; wide receiver/linebacker Shayne Christian; two-way end Jack

See PANTHERS Page 79

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Aug. 22, 2018

77

The Seniors

2018 Roster Seniors (10)

10 ..................Shayne Christian 16 ..............................Jacob Stills 30..............................Jack Reese 36 ......................Kris Kendjorsy 51 ........................Gage Kornetti 52 ..............................Ben Bailey 53 ........................Dustin Dicola 57 ....................Matt Carpenter 66..............................Nick Jones 79....................Max Kendjorsky

Juniors (17)

From The Coach ...

“Our offense is ahead of last year, our defense is in the third year of our system, and the offseason went well.”

— Roger Herbert

4 ............................Jacob Moffo 5 ..............................Mark Bailey 7 ..........................Lane Herbert 8 ............................Ethan Powell 11 ....................Seth Richardson 13............................Gino Barber 14 ....................Corban Westfall 29 ..........................Walker Doty 32........................Charles Smith 50 ..........................Dylan Mayle 56 ..............................Sam Sabo 59............................Zac Cesario 69 ....................Garrett Cesario 70 ..................Logan Charnock 75 ..........................Andrew Toto 77........................Austin Fulmer 99 ................................Seth Bird

Sophomores (5)

6 ..............................Bub Palmer 15..................Andrew Wharton 24 ..........................Jacob Zanes 27 ......................Tyler Donahue 55 ..........................Casey Bailey

Freshmen (14)

2 ....................Johnathan Leput 3 ..........................Tucker Martin 12 ....................Jacob Anderson 20 ......................Trevor Herbert 21 ............................Colin Lucas 34 ..........................Luke Darrah 44 ......................Hunter Darrah 49 ..............................Erik Bailey 54 ..........................Logan Neilly 60 ........................Justin Driscoll 63....................................Ian Roe 68 ........................Kolby Keyoski 72 ....................Xavier Loscano 79 ......................Mariah Pelkey

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79

Panthers Reese; receiver/defensive back Jacob Still; offensive lineman/linebacker Dustin DiCola; offensive lineman/defensive end Ben Bailey; two-way tackle Dylan Mayle; two-way lineman Nick Jones; and receiver/defensive back Kris Kendjorsky.

Christian split half of last season under center and, in one game, established a school record in passing yards. He is being moved to wideout to give the Panthers more options offensively.

A big contingent of juniors includes quarterback Seth Richardson, who started most of last season until being sidelined by injury. He will be back as the starting QB. Juniors expected to be a

big part of the Panther assault are: two-way lineman Zac Cesario; guard/defensive end Sam Sabo; wide receiver/defensive back Gino Barber; wideout/defensive back Corban Westfall; twoway lineman Andrew Toto; quarterback/defensive back Lane Herbert; two-way lineman Garrett Cesario; receiver/defensive back Jacob Moffo; fullback/linebacker, Charles Smith; tight end/linebacker Ethan Powell; two-way lineman Max Kendjorsky; two-way lineman Logan Charnook; twoway lineman Seth Bird; receiver/defensive back Walker Doty; and two-way lineman Austin Farmer.

While the sophomore class might be small in numbers, it does supply the lineup with

some young starters. That group includes: running back/defensive back Jacob Zanes, the likely starter at tailback; tight end/linebacker Tyler Donahue; receiver/defensive back Andrew Wharton; receiver/defensive back Bob Palmer; and receiver/linebacker Mark Bailey. Wharton and Palmer are two receiver expected to see plenty of action.

Herbert’s freshman group features height and a large number with 15 players.

Looking at the group, those players are: fullback/linebacker Trevor Herbert; twoway lineman Justin Driscoll; Mariah Pelkey; receiver/defensive backs Erik Bailey and Tucker Martin;

From Page 76

receiver/linebackers Hunter Darrah and Luke Darrah; two-way linemen Xavier Loscano, Casey Bailey and Kolby Keyoski; running back/linebacker Colin Lucas; running back/defensive back Jonathan Leput; two-way lineman Logan Neilly; quarterback/linebacker Jacob Anderson; and two-way lineman Ian Roe. “The numbers are OK; it’s just getting the right players on the field,” Herbert said. “Right now, we are pretty set. We will open Zanes at tailback. He is only a sophomore, but he saw a lot of action as a freshman last year. The one big change is that we will be going with Seth Richardson at quarterback, and Shayne

See PANTHERS Page 119

2018 Coaches

Head Coach

Roger Herber t

Assistant Coaches Lee Heisler Dylan Stickler Doug Sabo Jim Westfall Trevor Zanes Neil Zacagnni Spenser Sninchak Kyle Solar

Follow us @HSDTsports for live updates and scores throughout the 2018 season.

80

Aug. 22, 2018

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

Richie Gualtiere

Sebastian Spencer

"Best of luck your Senior Year!

Make it count!

You always make us proud!”

We Love You, Mom, Dad & Rileigh

"The time is now for you to shine.

You have all the power & skill to get to the top.

Have a great year.”

Mom, Dad and Donavan

Indian Creek Senior

Weir High Junior

Dylan Cunningham Steubenville Senior

"Roll Red Roll!

Good Luck Team and #43 have a great season!”

Love, Mom, Dad & Moe

Benjamin Kuntz

Myles Drake

Anthony Pannett

“You’ve been working hard... We’re so proud of the young man you’ve become.

Enjoy every game til the last whistle blows. Go Cats!” Love Mom, Dad, Zac & G.G.

“Good Luck Myles and the Edison Wildcats!”

“Good luck #24 in your senior year!

We are all very proud of you.”

Love, Your Family

Ryan Burger

Ben Kuntz

"Congratulations on another season-stay healthy and know all our eyes are on you!”

Al Fabian and Aunt Shirley McAnally

“Good luck Ben, enjoy your Senior year.”

We love you, Uncle Bill, Aunt Cindy & the whole Kuntz Families.

Edison Senior

Hayden Taylor Steubenville Sophomore

“Play with your heart and leave it all on the field. Roll Red Roll!”

Love, Dad, Mom & Kylee

Gage Kornetti Buckeye Local Senior

"Good Luck Gage #51!”

Love, Pap and Roo Mom and Dad

Edison Senior

NaNa and PaPa

Steubenville Junior

Brooke Senior

Edison Senior

From the sports staff of the Steubenville Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times, good luck to all area teams this season.

GRIDIRON WORD SEARCH

Big Red Red Riders Crusaders Blue Dons

Redskins Bruins Wildcats Golden Bears

Red Knights Panthers Huskies Kicker

Touchdown Quarterback Penalty Safety

Defense Football Offense Gridiron

Good luck to all area teams this season!

For the Gridiron Word Search solution, see page 112

82

St. Clairsville Red Devils

Aug. 22, 2018

McLean: It all starts with putting your best foot forward every day

By SETH STASKEY For The Gridiron

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Whether it’s a practice, an opponent or even as it pertains to evaluating itself, St. Clairsville doesn’t plan to leave a stone unturned.

Quite simply for Brett McLean, the entire season boils down to the word “prepared.”

And by that, the veteran Red Devils coach doesn’t just mean studying extra film or going over an opposing team’s tendencies a few extra times during the course of a week.

To reach the levels at which St. Clairsville coaches, players and even fans have become accustomed to once again, McLean, who is preparing for his 17th season, approached each offseason workout, summer conditioning session and preseason practice with the same focus.

“It all starts with putting your best foot forward every day,” McLean said.

The Red Devils began this philosophy long before two-a-days started on July 30.

“We had a few workouts before we left for Christmas break, and we’ve talked about being prepared every day since,” McLean said.

“We wanted the kids to come in, work out and give the best they can give with every workout. We do not want to leave the field after 48 min-

utes upset because we felt like we didn’t give everything we could either physically or mentally.”

The Red Devils return an abundance of talent and experience from a club that was maybe a season away in 2017. With many underclassmen playing, McLean and the Red Devils kind of pointed toward this season as the one.

“We came into last year not really knowing what to expect,” McLean said. “We were coming off an uncharacteristic season in which we struggled. Plus, we didn’t have a large group of seniors compared to our average, so we were somewhat inexperienced in places, and our ego was hurting a bit. I thought we did a good job of finding ourselves and did a lot of good things.”

However, they pressed the fast forward button a bit. St. Clairsville finished 8-2, hosted an openinground playoff game in the Division IV, Region 15 tournament and edged out eventual state champion Steubenville on a tiebreaker for the OVAC Class 4A title.

While all of those are fond memories, the fact that the season ended with a 31-13 loss to Philo at Red Devil Stadium didn’t sit well with anyone.

“I hope that stung (the players) because I know it stung the coaching staff,” McLean said. “We realize coaching in the playoffs is tough because there are so many talented

teams and coaches.”

Though many of the key cogs return, the Red Devils lost a class of 12 seniors, including three OVAC All-Stars in Matt Greenwood, John Hawley and Geno Drake. Others who picked up a diploma were Matt Butkus, Shane Tomlin, Luke Sorge, Tanner Younkins and Hunter Cook.

Obviously, McLean would love to think that his team is going to make it through the campaign totally unscathed of injuries, illness or some other unforeseen circumstance.

However, he’s a realist, too.

“Injuries and sicknesses are the additional opponents that we have to be prepared for,” McLean said.

“Those things make each week its own season because it leads to so many extra decisions having to be made. You just can’t look into the crystal ball, however, and see what’s going to happen, so the fact that we’re able to prepare as many kids for game action as we can in a competitive camp is a nice luxury.”

When the 2017 season opened, St. Clairsville had a high level of unknowns on the offensive side. It actually started the season without much significant experience, and that was clear on the stat sheet.

The Red Devils developed an identity as a down-hill, run-first club last season, and it paid dividends. When McLean looked around in camp, many of those same faces who played a key role in

that running success return.

All told, 14 players carried the ball for an impressive 2,761 yards and 34 touchowns last season. Of those 14, only three are gone and all but 165 yards and three touchdowns return.

“When we break into position groups at practice, about 25 guys are in there,” McLean said “It’s one of the most competitive spots on our team. We have some kids who return with some big stats, but we have about 18 other kids who are trying to get their hands on the ball, too. We hope our upperclass guys can stay healthy and our younger guys can earn their way into time.”

The Red Devils’ workhorse is expected to talented, physical senior Brady Kolb, who put together an all-Ohio season for the second straight year in 2017. He was an offensive pick after carrying the ball 271 times for 1,567 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was an all-state defensive player as a sophomore at linebacker.

“Brady had a great year, but we need him to develop into a full-time player,” McLean said. “I know that’s been a big goal of his throughout the offseason, and he’s prepared himself to be on the field constantly. He’s a great kid, and his work ethic and attitude have rubbed off on younger players in our pro-

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Aug. 22, 2018

Wheeling Central Maroon Knights

Young: Expectations are always high — this year is no different

By JOSH STROPE For The Gridiron

WHEELING — Mike Young will be the first one to say that expectations are always high at Wheeling Central.

And, coming off a state championship, they are about as sky-high as one can imagine.

“This is definitely a group we are proud of what they accomplished, but we also lost some great senior

leadership and some outstanding young men,” Young said. “We have a nice group coming back that played a huge role in that state championship.

“Expectations at Central are always high. This year is no different, but last year is what we did. You can’t rest on your laurels and what you did yesterday. You have to grind today, and these kids know that because we preach it.

“These kids know what is ex-

pected of them. The biggest challenge is getting these younger kids some experience and staying injuryfree. We only have 34 kids. We have great talent, but you lose one person here, one person there and it could put you back a lot.”

Wheeling Central went 6-4 last season before going on an impressive run that culminated in raising the championship trophy at Wheeling Island Stadium, following a 4021 victory against St. Mary’s.

As is the norm at Wheeling Central, the schedule won’t be easy.

The Maroon Knights open defense of their title at Williamstown in a Thursday night clash, a place that’s always tough to play in, according to Young.

Wheeling Central opens the home portion of the season season the following Thursday against rival Madonna. The Maroon Knights and

See KNIGHTS Page 120

Aug. 22, 2018

85

Red Devils gram.”

Seniors Justin Heatheringon and Kyle Storer are both in search of their fourth letters and coming off impressive junior seasons. Heatherington is a versatile player. He rushed for 472 yards and four touchowns. He also caught 19 passes for 429 yards and four more touchdowns.

Storer is another multipurpose offensive player.

He rushed 57 times for 331 yards and two touchdowns.

He also caught six passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns.

“Justin and Kyle are very important to what we hope to do because they can fill so many roles,” McLean said. “They both saw significant carries last year and, when they’re not in the backfield, they’ll be split out this year.”

Senior Luke Watt has been a solid contributor and

will look to continue to make an impact.

Depth is supplied by seniors J.T. Porter and Declan Dombrowski; juniors Jake Elerick, Noah Trubiano, Aaron Jordan and Corey Naylor; and sophomore Reese Skaggs.

“Those backs are all going to have to understand we only have one football,” McLean said. “Spreading it around is the goal, but there are going to be times when we have to put our nose to the grindstone and only one guy can carry the ball, so it’ll have to be the ‘he scores, we all score’ mentality.”

Though the Red Devils will run the ball a lot, McLean knows they’ll have to throw it, too. Like nearly every coach, especially this time of year, he’s seeking as much balance as he can possibly attain.

A season ago, the Red

Devils were breaking in a new quarterback. Dustin Carrothers had some growing pains, but he continued to evolve as the season went along. He finished with 1,178 yards and 16 touchdowns through the air and threw just 123 times in 11 games.

“Dustin was one of those guys we learned about during the season and what he could do,” McLean said.

“He made a lot of progress last year and has continued that through camp. I really think the game has slowed down. He’s capable of not only managing a game but also making plays for us.”

Sophomore Tyler Tonkovich is his primary understudy.

When the Red Devils call upon Carrothers to throw the ball, he has a plethora of capable targets. The leader of the wide receiver group is senior standout Craig

Bober. After missing most of his sophomore season with a knee injury, Bober came back strong last fall.

He caught 23 balls for 428 yards and nine touchdowns, including a few highlightreel type catches.

His frame and abilities have caught the eye of college coaches. He owns an offer from FCS member Morehead State.

“Craig’s had an excellent summer, and I believe he’s primed for a big year,” McLean said. “He means a lot to our team. He made some big, big catches at times. He’s a rangy target who can catch the ball in traffic.”

Heatherington and Storer could also see time on the perimeter, but McLean is high on senior Greg Norman, who saw spot duty last season and made four receptions.

Others working to get into

From Page 82

the wide receiver mix are seniors Braedyn Mihalic, David Mellema and Caige Hepburn; juniors Blake Gretchen, Tyler Brookover and Nate Fusco; and sophomores Domenic Panepucci and Austin Da’re.

The tight end job has been one of the biggest competitions of the summer between senior Andrew Elerick and junior Derek Witsberger. Sophomores Luke Jozwiak and Mark Benda also are vying for time.

St. Clairsville, which has a boatload of offensive skill, has a huge and talented front to open holes and protect Carrothers.

“We’ve not had this much size in the time I’ve been at St. Clairsville,” McLean said. “But, (size) doesn’t always translate into winning football games. You need

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Steubenville Big Red

2017 Results

Ohio Division IV, Region 13 Week 1: Big Red 37, Upper St. Clair 7 Week 2: Big Red 28, Morgantown 6 Week 3: Big Red 42, St. Joseph’s 14 Week 4: Big Red 42, Boardman 21 Week 5: Big Red 55, University Prep 20 Week 6: Big Red 21, Dover 10 Week 7: Big Red 37, Ursuline 6 Week 8: Big Red 41, New Philadelphia 3 Week 9: Big Red 48, Cardinal O’Hara 16 Week 10: Big Red 30, University School 0 Week 11: Big Red 49, Salem 14 Week 12: Big Red 19, Cardinal Mooney 14 Week 13: Big Red 33, Perry 21 Week 14: Big Red 35, Shelby 22 Week 15: Big Red 50, Clinton-Massie 36

Jamal Petteway easily ran away from defenders with his quckness.

Reno Saccoccia has guided Big Red to 30 playoff appearances, 17 postseason trips and five straight Region 13 titles.

Johnny Agresta was another force, compiling 55 tackles (nine for a loss) and three sacks.

Ian Phillips was Big Red’s kicker and unsung hero, converting on multiple PATs.

Despite a quiet regular season, Erik Lulla shined for Steubenville during postseason action.

2017 State Champions

Jacob Bernard was Big Red’s leading rusher, recording 1,271 yards on 192 carries and 20 touchdowns.

Gino Pierro caught 24 passes for 287 yards and four TDs. He also played defense and returned kicks.

Quentin Moore led the defensive charge. He tallied 58 tackles (23 for a loss) and eight sacks during the regular season. For his efforts, he was named the Division IV Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year, an All-Ohio member and the Herald-Star/The Daily Times Defensive Player of the Year.

Quarterback Javon Davis threw for 1,482 yards, ran for 194 and compiled 17 total touchdowns.

88

Jones lustrated, which took place in the Sept. 27, 1954, edition. His Iowa jersey (Jones wore No. 62) is one of two numbers the school has retired.

Jones originally committed to play for Woody Hayes and Ohio State, while his two Steubenville teammates (Eddie Vincent and Frank Gilliam) accepted scholarships from Iowa. Before the fall of 1952, Vincent and Gilliam drove to Jones’ house to say goodbye before leaving for Iowa. Jones reportedly shocked his friends when he said, “Wait a minute…I’m coming with you.”

The Steubenville trio arrived when Iowa football was in bad shape. The Hawkeyes only had one winning season in the previous 10 years. In 1953, the Hawkeyes finished ninth in the final AP poll and had another winning season in 1954, with Jones serving as team captain in 1955. Iowa struggled to a 3-5-1 record, but Jones was named a consensus first-team all-American for the second consecutive year.

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

As fast as his professional days began, Jones died in a plane crash on Dec. 9, 1956, over the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Plans to immortalize the hometown legend through the erection of a life-sized bronze statue at the entrance to Harding Stadium were announced in November 2015.

Work on the project began last December.

“This a wonderful community project,” Big Red Principal Ted Gorman said.

“The community is on board

Aug. 22, 2018

From Page 6

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 football for Big Red 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.”

Designed by worldrenowned sculptor Jerry McKenna, the Jones statue, base included, will stand 6feet-8 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 and pillars 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 has 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 reported McKenna will be in attendance for the unveiling and Jones will be represented by Patti West, his niece. Donors to the project will also be asked to attend.

See JONES Page 89

Contributed

Designed by world-renowned sculptor Jerry McKenna, the Jones statue, base included, will stand 6-feet-8 and will be placed in front of Calvin Jones Way. The statue shows Jones holding his helmet and looking to the future. In addition to the statue, new fencing and pillars will be installed at the entrance to Harding Stadium. McKenna will be in attendance for the unveling.

Aug. 22, 2018

89

Jones The statue carries a price tag of $75,000, all of which, according to Gorman, was covered by donations. The cost of the entire project is $500,000.

“We were fortunate from the very beginning of this effort to receive buy-in from the community,” Gorman said.

“We had a lot of people support the project and want to be a part of it. People purchased bricks and bronze plaques in memory of different family members. It was just so wonderful to experience such great support. The project really changes the whole landscape of Harding Stadium and how people look at it. When people drive by it, they’ll be able to see the pillars and the beautiful iron fence.

“When I played for Big Red in the 1980s, you weren’t allowed in that stadium until Thursday for the pre-game practice. We played on Fridays and Central played on Saturdays. Once the turf went it, the stadium really became a community gathering place. A lot of different events occur inside the stadium now that didn’t happen before. It’s great to see this project kind of bringing everything together.”

Gorman praised the efforts of E. Mullins Construction, the general contractor for the project, SB Carroll Metal

Six thing. I remember we were playing Michigan State, and it was their first year in the Big Ten. They beat us that day by a touchdown, I think, but the story I remember about Calvin is that when they came up to the line of scrimmage for their first offensive play, a Michigan State player said ‘Calvin, we’re coming over you.

We’re going to get the guy.’

They ran the play over Calvin, and I was playing linebacker. There was a big pileup. Calvin got up from under the pile with his face bleeding because we didn’t wear facemasks in those days.

“Michigan State had what they called a Pony Backfield that year, and LeRoy Bolden was their running back. I was chasing him and Calvin, also chasing him, tackled Bolden from behind and he fumbled the ball. I think then they found out he was a

ballplayer.”

Six said he remembers that when Jones ran, he grunted on every step.

He noted that Jones was being recruited by Ohio State, but they didn’t want Gilliam and Vincent. Iowa legendary coach Forrest Eveshevsky took all three of them.

“I remember one time in practice, and I was playing linebacker against the first team offense with Calvin at guard,” Six said. “I hit Jones, and he must have been off balance or something because it knocked him down. He got up with a big grin on his face.”

The story about Jones’ death is that he slept in and missed his scheduled flight after the Canadian Football League All-Star game and had to take a later commercial flight that crashed in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

“I remember the first time

From Page 7

Calvin did that was when we played in the 1956 Rose Bowl. When the bus to the airport left the dormitory hall, Calvin wasn’t with us,” Six said. “Someone told him we were leaving, but he thought they were pulling his leg, so he went back to bed and missed the flight to California. He had to take a commercial flight by himself and got there a little late.

“Of course, Calvin was a three-time All-American and Outland Trophy winner and was drafted as the No. 1 pick of the Detroit Lions. They offered him a contract for $12,000, but he went to Winnipeg and played for $15,000.

“With his first check, he bought a 1950 Chevy car and, for the Easter break that year, he drove me home.”

Six said he plans to be at the dedication of the Calvin Jones statue at Harding Stadium on Aug. 24.

From Page 88

Works and Shaeffer & Madama, the architect for the design, for their work on the project.

“It’s been a real honor for me to be part of this project,” said Dennis Madama from the Wheeling architectural firm. “I graduated from Big Red and played football, so I am well aware of the program’s history, and I remember hearing about Calvin Jones and his success on and off the football field.

“I’m humbled to have played a role in this endeavor. I believe fans heading to Harding Stadium are going to be really impressed by what they see. The community deserves praise for stepping up and contributing to this project. It speaks volumes about my hometown.”

Gorman noted 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 said.

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, Ohio 439532. In addition, those interested in supporting can reach Gorman at the high school (740) 282-9741.

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Big Red Caleb Mitchell, McGhee, Bozica, McCartney, Jackson, Demitras (who saw plenty of playing time in 2017), Crawford, Arlesic, Tuttle, Zorne, Norman, Kausky and Richmond.

Defensive back candidates include Randy Mitchell, Blackwell (who started at defensive end in 2017), Bracone, Kernahan, Duggan, Taylor, Criss, Gresko, Martinau, Biacco, Anderson, J. Brown, T. Montgomery, Power, Smith, Harper, Ferguson, Fauts, Robinson, Frances, Starks, Still and Stoddard.

Looking for playing time at safety are Howrath, Rauch, Jones, Wickham and Cunningham. “Overall as a team, we’ve had a really good summer, but our seniors have had a great summer,� Saccoccia said. “That’s where it begins, with your seniors. I can truthfully say from the bottom of my heart that on Friday nights, win or lose, they are going to play hard and leave it all on the field.

That’s something we look for every year, and I’m sure we will get it this season. I just hope that we, as coaches, can put a good game plan together and, as a team, we can execute it together. “The work is always there. Now it is the work when you are tired, when you don’t feel like doing it.

That’s the next step we have to take. Everyone is fresh in the spring and during June.

Once you get to two-a-days and they begin to drag on, you start to see guys who are going to play separate themselves from the guys who are going to be backups. It’s effort really, effort when you feel you can’t go anymore.�

Saccoccia added two new members to his varsity staff in the offseason in Anthony Pompa and Ian Whittington, the former head coach at Oak Glen.

Also, Todd Filtz was promoted to defensive coordinator, replacing veteran

91

From Page 15

assistant Anthony Pierro, who retired from coaching.

Pierro served as the defensive coordinator since 1994.

Filtz played for Saccoccia and was an all-state linebacker. As a head coach, he guided Maple Heights to the 2010 Ohio Division II championship and also served as head coach of Canton McKinley. “I have confidence in him,� Saccoccia said of Filtz. “He’s experienced and very well qualified.�

When discussing the success of his program, Saccoccia said “the ones who have been through it understand it, but I’m not sure if all the players understand it yet.� “We have a lot of guys who are going to need to play a bigger role for us this year, and they haven’t been through the third yet,� he said. “Until you are presented with the grind, you never know how good you are going to be. “It’s really about how you react to the grind. When you see how players react to it, that’s when you see where you are as a program.�

Big Red opens its season against always-tough Penn Hills, which competes in the WPIAL Class 6A Northern Seven Conference. The Indians, one of three new opponents on Big Red’s schedule, went 8-4 in 2017. “We have a very challenging schedule, starting with our scrimmages,� Saccoccia said. “I really believe our opening game is the best we’ve had since I have been there as far as athletes on the field and defending the ball in open spaces. It’s going to be a real challenge for us, and we’re trying to prepare for that. “It’s going to take a great effort, and I’m sure our players will be up to it. We are playing a school that had one of the better teams in Pennsylvania last year.

It’s going to be a great atmosphere, and we have to be prepared and ready to go.�

Huskies ented. McAfee, Carpenter and Mark Smith will see action at tight end. Senior Caden Dalton did a very good job last year. Senior Payton Taylor is another player that will see playing time. “He is the kind of guy that, as a coach, you enjoy coaching,� Hayes said. “Whatever you tell him to do, he’ll do.

He’s very skilled as well.�

Also listed at wide receiver are seniors Joe Rogers, Preston Haney and Job Positano; sophomores Skyler Mazeroski, Kanyon Coleman and Jesse McLeod and freshmen Trevor Carman, Gabe Marbais, Brian Hendershot, Jonathon Vermillion and Ethan Moreland. “We’ll flex out our running backs, as well,� Hayes said.

Defensively, the Huskies will switch up alignments, as needed week-to-week. “People keep asking me what type of defensive team

we’re going to be,� Hayes said. “That’s a funny question that everyone keeps asking. We are built to run, which is what I’ve been telling people. “Make no mistake about it.

We are not blessed with size.

We don’t have those holepluggers that we’ve had in the past. We do have guys that need to get to the ball, and I think they can do just that.�

The ends will be Perry, Croft and Blayne Erwin. “We’ve got three nice ends in Perry, Croft and Blayne Erwin,� Hayes said. “Those kids have all done an excellent job thus far in camp. In my mind, I think they are starting to get it. This past week in two-a-days, I saw a light switch flipping on. We tell them they have to play with a surge of urgency. In the past, we’ve had bigger, thicker guys that would take up gaps and just sit there, and

From Page 73

you couldn’t move them. We don’t have those kind of guys anymore, so we have to play with a sense of urgency. We have to be sound gap-sound.�

The tackles will be the same guys plus Dannehl and Gamble, who also will see action at nose guard when the Huskies deploy an odd front. “Cody Gamble has a shot to have an incredible senior year,� Hayes said. “He’s a really-good wrestler, and a big, strong kid. You can tell he’s paid his dues in the weightroom in the offseason. He’s committed to making himself the best he can possibly be.

He’s a very-coachable kid, and he’s a big part of our defensive line. “ Others in the mix are Vermillion, Ellis, Matthew Smith, Hull, Wagner, Drapp, Slone, Z. Marbais, Taylor and Unterzuber.

The linebackers are to See HUSKIES Page 92

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Aug. 22, 2018

Red Knights

Classroom

ence. This season is the Red Knights second and final year in the EOAC. They plan on being independent next season.

Toronto won its first two EOAC games last year over Southern Local and Leetonia before losing its last five to Columbiana, Lisbon, East Palestine, United and Wellsville. A win against the Tigers would have gotten the Red Knights into the playoffs.

Franke’s assistant coaches are Dave Dozier, Steven Rebich, Matt Ludewig, Jake Haynes and Tyler Butler. Rebich will serve as the team’s defensive coordinator, while Franke will be the team’s offensive coordinator.

“I will call the offense,” Franke said. “I have always seen myself as a play caller. I don’t think I would have as much fun as I do if weren’t calling plays. I have called plays for offense and defense. I love being in that position.

I would not enjoy coaching as much as I do without having play-calling responsibilities.”

The Red Knights ended last season at 4-6 and just missed qualifying for the playoffs for the fourthstraight season.

“I could turn on the news last season and see stuff on the teams they played like Columbiana, Lisbon and East Palestine,” Franke said. “We scrimmaged United, so I am very familiar with the teams we will be playing this season. They are quality teams.”

After joining the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference last year, this will be Toronto’s second and final season in the conference. Franke said there are positive and negatives regarding it.

“Fans do not always travel, but fans always travel when you have a good team and play locally,” he said. “One of the negatives about leaving is it is hard to find games against quality opponents.

Some years, you have to go 9-1 or 10-0 just to make the playoffs. Toronto almost made the playoffs last season. Had they beaten Wellsville, they would have gone 5-5 and made the playoffs. You want to play a tough schedule, but it can be

From Page 65

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tough to schedule tough teams. We are going to have to pick up games.”

The Red Knights open the season with three non-EOAC games before ending the season with seven-straight conference games.

“It is very important to get off to a good start,” Franke said. “After the first week, half of the state will be 1-0 and half of the state will be 0-1. If you lose, then you have to play catch-up. With the schedule we play, we do have a lot of opportunities to make up ground if we slip up in the opener. Winning the opener makes the rest season much more smooth. If you lose, the season is like an uphill battle, and it will not be as smooth as it could be.”

While in high school, Franke played football under Ed Weidger and Ron Sines.

Franke played under Sines in his senior season.

“I learned a lot from them,” Franke said. “I have used things I learned while I was at Toronto. The cadence we use is the same cadence I used when I was in high school. It is the same cadence I have used for every

team I have been on. I have used the same terminology wherever I have gone. It all traces back to when I played high school football at Toronto.”

Franke has a lot of experience coaching football, but for him, nothing compares to coming back home and coaching his alma mater.

“The last two or three months, I do not have the words to express what this feels like,” Franke said. “I have two little girls. I have traveled all over the place. I have been to Virginia, Columbus and Indianapolis.

When you are traveling, you always want to find a place that reminds you of home no matter the places you go or the things that you do. There is no place like home. There is no place like Toronto.

“Being here means a lot to my family. My girls will get to go through the same school district I did. It is an overhwelming feeling. When you leave a place like Toronto, you look to try and find another place like Toronto, but you will not find a better place than Toronto.”

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From Page 91

Hayes’ liking.

“It’s nearly the same group as our running backs,” he said.

“They can all run to the ball, and that is what we need. Our team speed on defense is pretty good.”

Carpenter, a two-year letterman, is a very-good, veryskilled football player, according to Hayes.

Mark Smith is in his first year at linebacker.

“I like his motor a lot. He gets after the football.”

Coultrap and Pauley will also see quality time.

“We kind of have hybridtype players,” Hayes said. “I just wish we were a little bigger, but I’ll take guys that can run any day.”

Other linebacker candidates include McAfee, Carman, Gabe Marbais, Haney, Sponaugle, Milliken and Blayne Erwin.

Hayes thinks he has two of the best cover cornerbacks in the business in Mitchell and Dalton.

“Kobe started last year as a freshman and really did an outstanding job,” Hayes said. “In my opinion, he was one of the better coverage corners in the valley that I saw last season. I think we are in really-good shape back there.”

West will also rotate in secondary. Taylor will man the free safety slot.

Rogers is also ticketed for duty.

“He’s been out of football for a little while, but he’s done a really good so far. I’m excited about what he brings to table,” Hayes said.

Other defensive backs include Coleman, Hendershot, Evans, McLeod and Moreland.

Special teams should be special for the Huskies, as Positano returns as the placekicker and also will handle the kickoff and punting chores.

“He did a lot of kicking for us last year. One of the finest kickers in the area,” Hayes said. “He’s a soccer player who has really taken a liking to football. I give cach Kropka kudos because he was always able to work magic with kickers. He maximized their potential.”

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94

Aug. 22, 2018

Martins Ferry Purple Riders

Yoder: There’s a lot more to being a head coach than people realize

By KIM NORTH For The Gridiron

MARTINS FERRY — Chas Yoder played football at Martins Ferry, where he was an all-stater and the Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year following the 2004 season. After a stellar career at Mount Union and serveral years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, he is now the head coach.

Yoder takes over for longtime Martins Ferry head coach Dave Bruney, who retired in May. He was 275-134 as the Purple’s leader for 40 seasons.

“It’s exciting but also a little different. Coach Dave is still around to give me help or any advice that I may need. He’s helped me out with ordering equipment and getting things organized,” Yoder said. “There’s a lot

more to being a head coach than people realize, but I’m learning, and he’s been a great help. A lot of the stuff we’re going to, coach Dave did. I’ve learned a ton from him.”

Another head coach Yoder credits is current Mount Union coach Vince Kehres.

“He was my (position) coach,” Yoder said. “I want to take what I learned from both of them and incorporate it into what we’re doing now.”

Yoder, who also was a state champion wrestler and served as the Purple Riders head mat coach for the past several seasons, will get his first taste of what it’s like to be a football coach when Martins Ferry makes the short junket north on State Route 7 to meet Buckeye 8 rival Buckeye Local.

One luxury Yoder, who will serve as the defensive coordinator, has is that most of his varsity staff returns.

It includes: Anthony Reasbeck (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks, defensive backs); Taylor Yoder (linebackers, offensive tackle); Chad Ware (linebackers, running backs); Greg Kumpse (offensive line, defensive tackles)); Nick Stankovich (offensive line, defensive end); John Bennett (receivers/defensive backs); and Gregg Bahen (tight ends, defensive ends).

“All of those return from last season. A lot of us played together in high school. We’re all good buddies and hang out together,” Yoder said.

“Coach Bennett coached when I was here, so we all know each other.

Coach Kumpse is only in his second year, but he was my roommate in college. We all know each other and know what each other has to do.

They are a great bunch of assistant coaches.”

Making life that much easier is the fact that Yoder has either taught or coached everyone on the 42-player roster.

“That makes the transition a whole lot easier,” he said. “I’ve been around this bunch of kids from teaching them in school to coaching them in football and wrestling. I know what to expect from them, and they know what to expect from me.”

Lost to graduation were all-stater Dalton Hoover, who is wrestling at Wheeling Jesuit; Jacob Johnson; Hunter Bodkin; Shaun Jeter; Cory Bennett; Demetrius Dokes; RayQuan Prayear; Jason Husvar and Keith Wilson.

Hoover, who initially committed to Northern Illinois University for wrestling before changing his mind, See PURPLE RIDERS Page 112

Aug. 22, 2018

Wheeling Park Patriots

95

Daugherty: There is no game where we are a clear underdog

By JOSH STROPE For The Gridiron

WHEELING — Coaches around West Virginia have been waiting for the day former Wheeling Park quarterback Cross Wilkinson graduated.

That day has come, but don’t expect Wheeling Park to be “easy pickings.”

In fact, Patriots coach Chris Daugherty is thrilled with what he has seen from his squad and feels this is a team that will be right in the thick of things once the season kicks off with a road game against rival Brooke.

“Anytime you lose the quarterback you lost, you immediately wonder, ‘How do we fill those voids?’”

Daugherty said. “Last year,

we were young along the offensive line, and we were young defensively, and maybe that didn’t get noticed because of the skill we had.

“This year will be a little bit different. We will be old in spots defensively and old on the offensive line, while newer at the skill positions.

Right now, I am really happy with how these kids have been progressing. At the end of the day, I would take a seasoned offensive line over fabulous skill. You would like to have it all and that remains to be seen, but we might have it all.”

Those big boys up front is what will be Wheeling Park’s strength.

See PATRIOTS Page 98

96

Aug. 22, 2018

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STATS OHIO VALLEY FOOTBALL

2017 FOOTBALL STATISTICS

Team Games RYDs Big Red 10 2926 C. Central 10 2745 Madonna 10 3381 Weir 10 2303 Ind. Creek 10 1080 Toronto 10 1737 H. Central 10 2283 Oak Glen 10 878 Buckeye L.10 635 Brooke 10 864 Edison 10 1235

TEAM OFFENSE PYDs Total Avg 1440 4366 436.60 1365 4110 411.00 326 3707 370.70 1267 3570 357.00 2014 3094 309.40 1290 3027 302.70 697 2980 298.00 1626 2504 250.40 1539 2174 217.40 1287 2151 215.10 590 1825 182.50

Points Avg 381 38.10 382 38.20 300 30.00 373 37.30 277 27.70 277 27.70 304 30.40 188 18.80 132 13.20 131 13.10 114 11.40

Team Games RYDs Big Red 10 726 Ind. Creek 10 1146 Madonna 10 1294 Weir 10 1183 C. Central 10 1689 H. Central 10 1525 Brooke 10 2328 Edison 10 2059 Toronto 10 2493 Buckeye L. 10 2666 Oak Glen 10 2994

TEAM DEFENSE PYDs Total Avg 837 1563 156.30 778 1924 192.40 920 2214 221.40 1139 2322 232.20 1046 2735 273.50 1393 2918 291.80 781 3109 310.90 1231 3290 329.00 1102 3595 359.50 1072 3738 373.80 1063 4057 405.70

Points Avg 103 10.30 118 11.80 167 16.70 141 14.10 239 23.90 306 30.60 263 26.30 324 32.40 387 38.70 442 44.20 459 45.90

RUSHING Player - Team Att Donavan Kirby - Madonna 321 Ty West - Harrison Central 164 Craig Smith - C. Central 153 Jacob Bernard - Big Red 140 Nate Karaffa - Toronto 135 Justin Hartzell - C. Central 96 DeJuan Caldwell - H. Central66 Seth Cade - Edison 151 Trevor Fante - Indian Creek 168 Chad Custer - Weir 104 Tyler Mack - Weir 67 Tayveon Crawford - Big Red 54 Levi Thompson - C. Central 45 Hunter Baird - Madonna 92 John Marelli - Buckeye L. 108 Gage Yost - Brooke 53 Jon. Blackmon - Big Red 37 Tav. Montgomery - Big Red 63 Blake Almo - Oak Glen 45 Caleb Mitchell - Big Red 59 Sebastian Spencer - Weir 43 Kobe Herrick - Toronto 50 Tyler Komorowski - Weir 47 Gavin Dietrich - Madonna 48 Vince Pulice - Madonna 10

Yds 2361 1,607 1048 946 858 747 747 738 732 728 565 534 486 444 422 372 356 353 312 307 303 293 213 201 188

Avg 7.36 9.80 6.85 6.76 6.36 7.78 11.32 4.89 4.36 7.00 8.43 9.89 10.80 4.83 3.91 7.02 9.62 5.60 6.93 5.20 7.05 5.86 4.53 4.19 18.80

TD 27 24 15 15 14 8 9 4 15 10 6 5 10 4 2 3 7 2 1 3 6 3 3 3

Aug. 22, 2018

STATS OHIO VALLEY FOOTBALL

2017 FOOTBALL STATISTICS

Player - Team Norris - Indian Creek Chaney - Oak Glen Davis - Big Red Hartzell - C. Central Karaffa - Toronto Christian - B. Local Spencer - Weir Yost - Brooke Williams - Brooke Komorowski - Weir Caldwell - H. Central Cranston - Edison

Att 265 242 161 179 159 151 82 90 70 62 59 95

PASSING Comp Comp% Yds 160 60.38% 2005 102 42.15% 1593 111 68.94% 1395 84 46.93% 1367 85 53.46% 1290 73 48.34% 1163 43 52.44% 661 47 52.22% 648 36 51.43% 608 31 50.00% 604 31 52.54% 466 45 47.37% 397

RECEIVING Player - Team Rec Yds Devin Eakle - Indian Creek 52 708 Ethan Secrist - Brooke 39 729 Josh Dulesky - Buckeye L. 39 660 John Marelli - Buckeye L 35 565 Devon Eakle - Indian Creek 33 423 Reed Reitter - Weir 33 640 Johnny Agresta - Big Red 32 372 Ethan Travis - Oak Glen 29 563 Michael Lemley - Oak Glen 26 200 Gino Pierro - Big Red 23 274 Nick Snichak - Toronto 22 242 Sam Mazar - Indian Creek 20 198 Zack Stackhouse - Toronto 20 264 Tripp Moore - Brooke 17 207 Geno DiBiase - C. Central 16 364 Jeremy Taylor - Oak Glen 16 318 SCORING Player - Team TDs Donavan Kirby - Madonna 156 Ty West - Harrison Central 150 Levi Thompson - Catholic Central 96 Trevor Fante - Indian Creek 102 Craig Smith - Catholic Central 96 Jacob Bernard - Big Red 90 Nate Karaffa - Toronto 90 Chad Custer - Weir 72 DeJuan Caldwell - Harrison Central 72 Jonathan Blackmon - Big Red 66 Vince Pulice - Madonna 56 John Marelli - Buckeye Local 54 Reed Reitter - Weir 54 Ethan Secrist - Brooke 48 Justin Hartzell - Catholic Central 48 Jake Keenan - Toronto 48 Devin Eakle - Indian Creek 42 Tyler Mack - Weir 36 Dujuan Jones - Big Red 36

TD Int 14 5 15 11 14 4 17 10 12 0 9 13 8 3 4 8 5 1 7 5 4 5 4 9

Avg 13.62 18.69 16.92 16.14 12.82 19.39 11.63 19.41 7.69 11.91 11.00 9.90 13.20 12.18 22.75 19.88 2-Pt 8 4 6 2 2

2

2

TD 6 7 5 4 2 7 1 4 1 4 2 2 2 3 3 Total 164 154 102 102 98 90 90 74 72 66 56 54 54 50 48 48 42 38 36

97

98

Aug. 22, 2018

Red Riders

Patriots

that.”

Brueck and Zias will be the defensive tackles. Backups on the defensive line are juniors Geno Little and Dakota Brown, along with Kinney, Wansack and sophomore Logan Walters.

Helms and Curtis, who started at inside linebacker last year, will be the middle backers, while Filberto must decide on the outside linebacker between seniors Xavier Wolverton, Reese Wills and Hostuttler. The rover outside linebacker will be either McCoy, McUmar or Gillette.

Reed Reitter returns as the safety, with DeMatteis and senior Deon Trupiano as backups. Spencer returns at one corner back slot, and the other will be either Dameron, Trupuano, Gillette or McUmar.

Of course, Reed Reitter, who kicked seven field goals in seven tries last season, including two from 44 yards, a school record, returns as the kicker and also will handle the punting.

Daugherty mentioned that size along the line hasn’t exactly been a known commodity at Wheeling Park.

This year is much different.

That group is led by Tristen Bittner. The senior right guard is a mauler and has a number of scholarship offers on the table, including a Division I offer from Marshall.

Joining him as starters will be Ronan Butts, Ryan McCave, Chase Mortakis and Cade Miller.

“They know what they are doing, and some of the bonehead mistakes they have made last year, those are all gone,” Daugherty said. “I am really excited about those five guys, and we have depth there, too.

Not that you want to see an injury, but we could afford to rest a kid or absorb an injury.”

That depth comes in the form of Brett Mundy, a starter as a sophomore before injuries took a toll last season; Jaylen Rouse and Eli Kutrovac.

Wilkinson set every major school passing record before taking his talents to the University of Toledo this season. The biggest question everyone will want to know about Wheeling Park is who will fill Wilkinson’s shoes?

“Nobody,” Daugherty said. “Alex Dunlevy just has to be Alex Dunlevy. That doesn’t mean statistically, or wins and losses, can’t be just as good. It will be a long time before we run into a kid like Cross that can put the ball on the hash and throw a 15-yard out into the field. Alex is more like (former Park and current West Liberty QB) Zach Phillips.

“Alex can run it. Alex can throw it. If he gets pressured, he can get out of the pocket with his feet and throw it on the run. Alex is an athletic kid. We knew he could run, but we are real happy with what he can do with his arm and in the pocket, too.”

With Dunlevy will come a slight change in the offense.

There will be some new

wrinkles, although nothing too dramatic, according to Daugherty, that comes with having a more mobile quarterback. He will be backed by sophomore Beau Heller.

Rennie Clark and Donnie Evans provided most of the carries last season and, with them graduated, the tailback position is wide open.

Daugherty felt Rapheal Bradley could have started on a lot of teams last season, but just as he gets his time to shine, the junior has been pushed in practice by a number of talented ballcarriers that could force their way into playing time.

“He had a great offseason, a little more compact now,” Daugherty said of Bradley.

“That being said, we have been really happy with Kenya Robinson, a junior, and Stevie Mitchell, a sophomore. Right now, we feel we have three kids that we can use in the backfield, and three kids that can really play.”

Nate Phillips is another in a long list of offensive

standouts that graduated, but Park will bring back another talented wideout in Jack Stakem. He had 42 receptions for 638 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

“He is another one that had a great offseason and worked hard in the weight room, and it shows,” Daugherty said. “Every year, he has gotten a little bit better at the little things of being a wide receiver.

Now, it is really coming into play in practice.

“I think he is going to have a great year. He is a kid that can stretch the field, catch short and turn it long.”

Sophomore Shaheed Jackson, along with Xavier Morris, Jack Cook and Donovan Goodard, will see time at wideout.

“Some of those kids will be young, but they are talented,” Daugherty said.

“We feel good there. It is just a matter of getting to Friday night lights and get-

Kush and Kakacick.

“We have a lot of talented freshmen that will get playing time this year, but we had some get time last year,” Hicks said. “They are building the foundation of what Madonna football can be, and it doesn’t end there. We

are focusing on the improvements of where our program is.

Hicks added that his program made a foundation. Although this year’s squad is different in many aspects, he’s confident they have the commitment, talent and de-

sire needed to build on that foundation.

“We won’t sneak up on anybody this year like we may have early last year,” he said. “We have a challenging schedule, but our goal every year is to be in the playoffs. Our main goal,

though, every day and every week is to be 1-0 after that week’s game. We can’t move forward unless we are 1-0 one more time. Our long-term goals are to be in the playoffs and be state champions.

“Last year, we had that

good group of seniors to lead us. We’ll be younger this year, but with more size and athleticism. We’ll be different schematically both offensively and defensively.

The approach is the same but adapted to fit what our kids can do.”

From Page 21

Blue Dons

From Page 95

See PATRIOTS Page 105 From Page 33

Aug. 22, 2018

99

Red Devils toughness and technique, too. The size, though, is something we’re blessed with ... in the skill spots, too.”

Though the Red Devils have key returnees and a talented incoming freshman in Avery Henry, McLean points at holes left by Sorge and Hawley are critcal to replace.

“We’re finding some guys,” McLean said. “We lost some guys but, because of injuries and such, we had to shuffle some linemen around, and we have some quality and experienced kids back.”

Senior Chase Espen is expected to anchor the front at center. He saw time a season ago there due to injury.

The tackle spots are locked up with talented vet-

erans. Senior Trey Delguzzo and junior Javon Lyons are back after taking nearly every snap at the position last season. The guard spots have been a battle in camp between Henry, Isaak Myers, junior Austin Angus and senior Luke Ewing.

“We’re going to have some depth up front, and I’d like to see it get to the point where we don’t have to play many — if any — guys both ways,” McLean said.

Other linemen seeking to get into the rotation are seniors Brandon Biery, Justice McCamick and Colton Skukan; juniors Anthony Ochoa, Jeremeiah Burdyn, Mason Thornton and Colton Grimm; and sophomores Jaiden Springer, Coleton VanDyne and Jalen McCall.

While the Red Devils

caught the attention of many, the defensive side of the ball was solid, too. St. C. yielded 237 yards of offense per game and 21 points.

“There’s truth to the cliche that the defensive coordinator’s best friend is a running offense,” McLean said. “When you’re able to run the ball and limit opposing team’s touches, it makes it nice. We’re not an offensive-minded team first. We start every practice with defense and special teams.”

Similar to the offensive side, the biggest key for the Red Devils lies up front.

Skukan and McCamick are back at the defensive tackle spots after posting 28 and 37 tackles, respectively.

Andrew Elerick is set to take over a defensive end

post. Myers and Ewing are vying to serve as the other end.

Storer returns at an outside linebacker after recording a team-best 92 tackles a season ago. Porter, Watt and Brookover are all “interchangeable parts” according to their head coach and will all see time.

At inside linebacker, Kolb returns after an 86-tackle season. Trubiano also returns there. Witsberger will also see quality time.

In the secondary, Heatherington returns after posting 52 tackles. Mellema was a starter last season.

Bober saw time back there and is expected to take on a larger role. Other defensive back options are Fusco, Hepburn and Mihalic.

Special teams are contin-

From Page 85

ually a focus. McLean indicated the Devils have spent nearly an hour a day in practice throughout the month on the special units.

The grouping got a shot in the arm when Mike Jacob agreed to rejoin the staff in his prior role.

With a roster of so many players, St. Clairsville is hoping to utilize as many different faces as possible on specialties. But, according to McLean, that’s not as simple as just picking guys out and throwing them into the fire.

Sophomore Jake Bolyard is expected to handle the kicking duties and could serve as the punter, too.

Bolyard stepped in admirably when Greenwood went down with an injury last fall and nailed 29 PATs.

Aug. 22, 2018

101

Looman when it was decided that the top four schools in each region would qualify for the playoffs, doubling the number of participating schools to 80. In 1994, a sixth division was created, adding 16 more schools to the tournament.

In 1999, the number of qualifiers per region increased to eight. Finally, in 2013, the playoffs expanded to seven divisions with eight schools per region moving on. Heading into its 47th year, the tournament has 224 participants (719 Ohio high schools field football teams), quite an increase from the original 12 qualifiers.

Last year, OHSAA experimented with having all playoff games on Friday nights during the first four rounds. It would appear that experiment didn’t go real well since the association announced earlier this year playoff games in Divisions I, II, III and VI will be played on Fridays, while Division IV, V and VII contests will be played on Saturdays. All games will kick off at 7 p.m., which is a great for newspaper folks across the state.

Previously, Friday playoff games began at 7:30 p.m., which made it pretty tough to make press deadlines for Saturday.

State championship games

have been hosted by Ohio State University, the Akron Rubber Bowl, Canton and Massillon. In 2017, the games were played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

They will stay in Stark County for 2018.

I have no real problem with any of the tinkering the OHSAA has done with the playoff system since its inception. Granted, the playoffs have added five weeks to the season, but you will hear few, if any, complaints from those schools that have qualified for postseason play. To date, by the way, 610 schools at one time or another have enjoyed the excitement of the playoffs.

In Ohio’s larger cities, it is the individual school where most of the excitement takes place. However, it is a much different story for the schools in some of Ohio’s smaller communities. There, when the local team makes the playoffs, it is like the Fourth of July and the Super Bowl all rolled into one. Just about everyone gets behind the team, and it really doesn’t matter whether the team is the first seed or the eighth seed — just making the playoffs is really all that matters.

Given the buzz created by the playoffs, I have a sug-

Good Luck To All Area Teams!

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324A Penco Rd Weirton, WV Phone: 304-748-5041 Fax: 304-914-4687

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gestion for the OHSAA for its next round of tinkering.

Simply put, it is this: Change the rule regarding neutral sites for regional playoff games and let the higherseeded team serve as host.

Big Red rolled to a 10-0 regular season in 2017 and earned the top seed in Division IV, Region 13. That accomplishment gave the eventual state champion a first-round home game against Salem. That, however, was the extent of the reward Steubenville received for going unbeaten and finishing first in the region.

Its second-round game against Youngstown Cardinal Mooney was played at Salem High School. No offense to the great folks in Salem, but the stadium there pales in comparison to Harding Stadium. A win over Mooney put Big Red into the regional title game opposite Perry. The championship

was played in Niles, which does pale in comparison to Harding Stadium, particularly when it comes to climbing a ladder to reach the press box.

So, why not allow the higher-seeded team to host regional games? Is it the travel?

Coming to Steubenville would have added another 45 minutes to Mooney’s trip and a little more than an hour for Perry.

I’m guessing their fans would have whined some, but my guess they would have still attended given the excitement a playoff appearance generates.

To me, the higher seed deserves more of a reward. I realize the higher seed does get to dress in the home locker room, but some of those locker rooms leave plenty to be desired. I just don’t see the downside of one more OHSAA tinker.

West Virginia, in my opin-

From Page 8

ion, does it right. The higher seed gets to play at home until Big Six weekend comes to Wheeling. Because of potential lengthy road trips, the Mountain State does allow the visiting school to decide whether games will be played on Friday or Saturday.

It does makes sense for state semifinal games to be played at neutral sites. I just don’t see any reason why the regional schedule can’t be changed.

I have been, and continue, to be a major fan of playoff football. It is an exciting time for players, coaches, fans and schools. The excitement level would definitely go up a notch or two if the hometown team had an opportunity to host three games instead of just the one.

Who knows? Maybe OHSAA at some point in the near future will add my request to its tinkering list.

Off The Field Talk What some local players say about life off of the field ...

Favorite team?

Mark SMITH Harrison

Keonte HOLMES Steubenville

Pittsburgh Steelers

Philadelphia Eagles

Isaac MILLER Toronto Ohio State

Joshua SHORTS Brooke Ohio State

Ethan POWELL Buckeye Local

Nathan TRUEX Indian Creek

Derek LIGHTNER Oak Glen

Seattle Seahawks

Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings

LeBron James

Favorite athlete?

Ryan Shazier

Jason Peters

Bryce Harper

James Harrison

Lawrance Taylor

Place you most want to visit?

Israel

The Bahamas

Hawaii

Mexico

Italy

Favorite place in the world?

Church

Key West, Florida

Disney World

U.S.A

World War 2 Memorial Stadium

Las Vegas

My bed

Favorite movie or TV show?

The Passion of the Christ

Remember the Titans

Step Brothers

American Sniper

The Dukes of Hazzard

American Pie

The Longest Yard

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Blake Lively

Shakira

Katherine Webb

Gwen Stefani

Cardi B

Sommer Ray

Jennifer Aniston

One thing you can’t live without

The Lord

Family

Parents

Football

My phone

Miami

Cell phone

Randy Moss

Minnesota

Food

Off The Field Talk What some local players say about life off of the field ...

Anthony FALLON CCHS

Gage PATTERSON Oak Glen

Zach STACKHOUSE Toronto

Reed REITTER Weir High

Dylan Austin Madonna

Erik LULLA Steubenville

Favorite drink?

Ice Tea

Chocolate Milk

Water

Dr. Pepper

Gatorade

Mountain Dew

Favorite holiday?

Christmas

Christmas

Christmas

Christmas

Christmas

Thanksgiving

What actor would play you in a movie?

Will Ferrell

Adam Sandler

Batman

Tom Cruise

Adam Sandler

Ashton Kutcher

Kevin Hart

Michael Jackson

Lil Pump

XXXTentacion

Person you most want to meet (dead or alive)?

Christmas

Brad Pitt

Barack Obama Spongebob Sqaurepants

Favorite movie or TV show?

Psych

42

Where do you want to go to college?

Walsh University

West Virginia University

West Virginia University

One thing you can’t live without

My family

My mother

My family

Spongebob Squarepants

University of Cincinnati Football

Friday Night Lights West Virginia University

Fortnite

Abraham Lincoln

Forrest Gump Ohio State University

Football

Logan WILSON Indian Creek Mountain Dew

J.J. Watt

Spongebob Squarepants

University of Akron

Air

104

Union Local Jets

Aug. 22, 2018

Thompson: Good things will happen, so just stick with us

By SETH STASKEY For The Gridiron

MORRISTOWN — Someone might have to pinch Bernie Thompson.

The personable, 25-year-old has actually been pinching himself basically every day since March when he was hired as the football coach at his alma mater, Union Local.

“It’s still a little surreal,” Thompson said. “I found myself, at times, sitting around and thinking, ‘Wow! I am the head coach.’”

The reality of the matter, however, comes to fruition when Monroe Central comes calling for the season opener.

“To be able to coach a game you love and are passionate about in

your hometown is a blessing,” Thompson said. “I know it’s unique to be a head coach at 25 years old, and I definitely do not take anything for granted, especially being in a position of leadership.”

Thompson takes over for Bruce Stiles, who put the finishing touches — at least for now — on an impressive coaching career that saw him lead the Jets to the OVAC Class 3A title and a home playoff game last fall. He capped things last month when he led Ohio to a 21-14 victory in the OVAC All-Star Game.

“I’ve learned so much from the different people I’ve been around in this game,” Thompson said. “From playing for Mark Cisar here at UL to Rick Shepet at Waynesburg and then having the opportunity to

coach under coach Stiles has provided me with so much of a foundation.”

While the Jets soared to impressive heights in 2017, graduation also took a toll. And Thompson is aware of that, too.

“This team will never make an excuse,” Thompson said. “We’ve came in since day one and competed at everything we’ve done. We’re going to play the hand we’re dealt and attack everything full throttle.

We are going to be a young team, and that’s exciting.”

From last season’s 7-4 squad, which claimed the first OVAC football title in school history and hosted a playoff game against Columbus Academy, Stiles wasn’t the lone defection.

Included on the graduation list are all-Ohioans Braden Lucas and Cody Ray, as well as Lucas Donley and Ben Howell. All four represented the Jets in last month’s OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Game. Others gone are Luke Menges, Ty Kildow, Zach Greene, Zane Thompson, Hank Myers, Kade Clark, Dalton Latham, Braden Robinson, Nate Kinney and Brandon Taylor.

With so many new faces in so many places, the one word Thompson stressed more than once was “patience.”

“I would tell the fans and the public to bear with us,” Thompson said.

“We have some kids who are going to be doing something or playing as

See JETS Page 114

Aug. 22, 2018

Wildcats ple,” O’Brien said. “He is not a guy who says much.

Zane Dean is another good leader. Bryce McAfoose is a little more vocal. He is one the rah-rah guys.

“They want to help the other guys, and we want to help them become better leaders. The kids are working hard. They want to learn how to be good leaders. We want the guys to buy in. We have some very good leaders.”

Eight of the 10 teams on Edison’s schedule return from last season. The two new teams — Southern Local and Weir High — replace Union Local and Harrison Central. The Wildcats and the Red Riders played in

Patriots

ting that nervousness out.”

The Patriots plan to play with a tight end a little more than in previous seasons, and that job will belong to Dustin Vansickle and Jordan Aldridge. Austin Stobbs and Dylan Gongola could see time, too.

Last season, Wheeling Park was young on defense

105

From Page 53

2016 at Jimmy Carey Stadium.

The Wildcats are scheduled to open up the season against the Indians at Wigwam Stadium. The contract between the squads is a multi-year deal “It’s a great matchup,” O’Brien said. “We are excited. We are looking forward to it.”

A win against the Indians would give the Wildcats a boost going through the rest of their season.

“A win would give the new guys confidence,” O’Brien said. “It would show them that all of their hard work pays off. It is a process. We are excited.”

O’Brien was hired in Februrary, while Moses did not become head coach until the end of July.

O’Brien said Moses did a good job last season with what was spiraling out of control.

“Our athletes are very hard workers,” O’Brien said.

“Even when they face adversity, you always get their best effort.

“We want to get off to a better start this season. The kids have worked hard in the weight room. That is huge for us. They worked hard in the spring and in mini-camp.

We are ahead of where we were last year at this time.”

O’Brien was a standout running back for the Wildcats, and he wants his team to be able to move the ball From Page 98 well on the ground. O’Brien and, at times, really strugwas named Ohio’s MVP in gled to stop anybody. That the Penn-Ohio Stateline being said, a year older and Classic at Springfield Local more experienced, Daughin 2012. erty expects that group to be much improved with nine starters returning.

“We were transitioning last year, and we think we See PATRIOTS Page 123

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Circle “One thing we are trying to develop is we want to establish the run game,” O’Brien said. “We want to be a balanced team offensively and defensively. We have experienced players on the offensive line. We want to establish the run. We also have good athletes, and we want to be balanced. We want to play fast and aggressive on defense. We want to keep teams on their toes. We are also placing a huge emphasis on special teams.”

O’Brien thought about becoming a football coach back when he was playing for the Wildcats.

“I always loved playing games,” he said. “Becoming a coach was something I definitely wanted to do. I thought a lot about it at the time, and it was something I definitely wanted to do.

“When I was in college, coach Stickles asked me to be a part of his staff. I got

From Page 49

the opportunity to coach, and I fell in love with it.”

As a coach, it is important to have a good relationship with the players.

“You have to be able to relate to your kids for sure,” O’Brien said. “You have to care about your kids. That is something I take very seriously. Our kids help one another on and off of the field and at school. As a coach, that is something you love to see. It is rewarding.

“There is definitely a lot more responsibilities,” O’Brien said. “I have always tried to learn as a coach.

When I was an assistant, I treated the job like I was the head coach. I think that is important. It is a process. I have gotten a lot of help along the way from different people. The support from the community and from the school board has been great.

I have a lot of people I can lean on.”

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Aug. 22, 2018

Clay-Battelle Cee-Bees

Wilson: Our goal is to make the state playoffs and keep on winning

By KYLE LUTZ For The Gridiron

BLACKSVILLE — Clay-Battelle coach Ryan Wilson knows how much of a challenge it is to get in the playoffs, especially in Class A. While finishing with a record of 6-4 in 2017, the Cee-Bees failed to make it to the postseason for the second year in a row with a winning record. And, although it is a tough hill to climb, Wilson knows that his squad just has to keep grinding.

“Getting to the playoffs in Single A has become more difficult,” Wilson said. “In that reclassification — and they brought down seven more AA schools — we got shoved down further on the enrollment. It just made it tougher on you when you are competing against 43 schools. I look back and, if they didn’t bring down those AA schools, we would have been in the state playoffs two of the last three years. But, with the addition of those six or seven schools, it just makes it tougher to get in the playoffs when you are competing against 43 schools instead of 36.

“The year before we went 7-3, and we still didn’t make the playoffs. It’s tough and, if you do make the playoffs, you have to feather your cap. We’re doing the best we can, and our kids have done a great job with it. Hopefully, we keep trying and we get over the hump here one of these days.”

In 2017, Clay-Battelle got off to an excellent start as it won five of its first six games. However, down the stretch, the Cee-Bees lost three of their final four, including dropping games against Cameron, Notre

Dame and Madonna.

“We just came up short against those three right there, and those are quality clubs,” Wilson said. “We played them tough; we just couldn’t get over the edge.

It wasn’t quite the finish we wanted, but you look at the season, we did finish 6-4.

We finished with a winning record. We had some nice wins along the way. We just came up short pertaining to getting to the playoffs.”

Even though Clay-Battelle lost a handful of talent because of graduation, including Gunner Brummage, Travis Dillie and Benji Steele, the cupboard is definitely not bare as a handful of players with experience return for the 2018 season.

Like last year, Wilson will adapt a two-quarterback system with juniors Seth Casino and Levi Carrico.

While Casino got most of the snaps last year, Wilson said they have formations and situations for Carrico as well. However, the maturity of the two is what Wilson is excited about.

“They both gained a lot of good experience. Coming into camp this year as juniors, I have two kids that’s been in the role as quarterback,” Wilson said. “They already know our system, and they’ve gotten stronger.

They are able to make throws so much easier this year, and we’re going to do the same thing. They both have strengths, and we’re going to use them. They will both see time at quarterback.”

Senior Nathan Swaniger and junior Sean Hays will see time in the backfield.

Wilson described Swaniger as the back with track speed.

Hays, on the other hand, reminds Wilson of a fullback.

Freshman Daniel Gorbey may also see a little time in the backfield.

Casino could also see some time at wide receiver along with seniors Hunter Brewer, Michael Stewart, juniors Nick Rose, Cadon Skavinsky and Drew Deletto.

There is also a freshman that has caught Wilson’s eye in Noah Sollars.

“He has decent speed as a freshman, and he’s pretty athletic out there,” Wilson said. “He just really stood out at the 7-on-7. It just seemed like he learned the pass route. He knew them, he ran a good route and could finish the play. Teams tried to intimidate him; he did not back down. That says a lot for a freshman.”

There will be three seniors on the offensive line that starts with Noah Wat-

son. Classmates Dylan Statler, Billy Arnett, Kasey Latocha and another freshman that caught Wilson’s attention, Pony Yost, will also be on the line.

Watson, Latocha, Swaniger Brewer, Statler and junior Jordan Herndon will be on the defensive line Seeing time at linebacker will be Hays, Gorbey, Stewart and Rose.

Skavinsky and Sollars will play cornerback, and Casino will be the safety.

In early August, the CeeBees did not have a set kicker or punter.

Nick Palmer is the other senior for the Cee-Bees, while Morgan Foley rounds out the junior class. Cooper Watson, Matthew Cottrell and Gunner Javosky are the

107

remaining sophomores.

Johnny Arnett, Caiden Hilley, Michael Payton, Brady Ammons, Robert Tennant, Jacob Shriver, Jaydon Palmer, Braden Coen, Colton Walls and Allen Nestor are the freshmen.

“I think we are going to be a fun team to watch,” Wilson said. “I’m not sure we have that guy that really stands out, but I think we have several that can get the job done. I think that’s a good thing.

“Our expectation is to make the state playoffs.

That’s our No. 1 goal. Once you get in the state playoffs, your goal is there to keep on winning and try to get to Wheeling. Those state playoffs are very difficult to get in.

108

Beallsville Blue Devils

Deem: We are tired of being cast in survival mode

By BUBBA KAPRAL For The Gridiron

BEALLSVILLE — Stability is an important ingredient to success that has been missing for a few seasons at Beallsville.

Such is no longer the case.

Larry Deem has steadied the once shaky program and has it trending upward. While 17 gridders may not seem like an overabundance of bodies, it does represent a solid turnout for the Blue Devils.

Moreover, the Beallsville facility boasts a gorgeous and expansive new fieldhouse. It comes on the heels of a state-of-the-art video scoreboard in-

stalled a year ago.

Deem’s yeoman reconstruction efforts started to pay solid dividends in 2017 as Beallsville posted a 4-6 mark.

Five of those losses came at the hands of playoff-bound teams, with a sixth being delivered by 9-2 and OVAC champion Linsly.

Deem, a former Marine now in his fourth season at the Blue Devils’ helm, is looking for even more success this fall.

“Winning three of our last four games really did a lot for our kids’ confidence. It helped to fuel the best offseason we have had yet,” Deem said. “The kids are really buying in.

We are excited about the coming sea-

son.

“With our numbers, staying healthy is obviously the biggest key. We only have three seniors, but we have a lot of experience with our sophomores and juniors. They have played only a lot of football. We only graduated two seniors.”

One of those recent graduates was a big-time, jack-of-all trades performer in Dakota Milosavljevic. He caught 25 passes, good for 11 TDs. Milosavljevic led the team with 96 points.

“I haven’t been around this place all that long, but I would be surprised if Milo wasn’t one of the best players to

See BLUE DEVILS Page 117

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Senior

From Page 17

the same as anyone in his fourth season.

“Our approach is that two minutes after our first contact there are no new guys,” Filberto said. “Everybody is a Red Rider. Donovan is another one of the pieces to our puzzle, and he does a very good job of being a part of our team.”

After establishing the rushing record at Madonna, Kirby said he is aware that one of the Weir High greats, Quincy Wilson, holds the single-season rushing record at Weir High.

“I know he gained over 3,000 yards,” Kirby said after learning Wilson gained 3,262 yards in the unbeaten Weir High state championship season of 1998.

“Winning, though, is important to me. I could rack up all the yardage, but if we don’t win, what is there to gain?

“We went 8-2 last year, and I gained 193 yards and three touchdowns in the first playoff game that I ever had, but we didn’t win.

So, at the end of the day, what’s that really mean to me?”

As for this year at Weir High, Kirby gets excited when talking about what lies ahead.

“I played with these guys in eighth grade,” he said. “I know Tyler (Komorowski) is good. Chad (Custer), I know he’s a great back.

Robbie (Valenti), he came over from Madonna, too, and I know what he can do.

All of these kids, I know how they play. I know that they have great potential or are already great. They all put in the work. I know they are not afraid to work.”

Kirby should fit right in then because he has the chiseled look of an athlete that has worked very hard.

Plus, he already knows how to run at Jimmy Carey Stadium. He’ll just need to adjust to Friday night football compared to Saturday night clashes.

Aug. 22, 2018

Coattails STRAIGHT OUTTA WEST POINT The Crusaders finished their 1991 campaign with a 10-3 record and a trip to the state semifinals. Two years earlier, Daley’s sophomore season, Central reached the playoffs for the first time in school history.

After graduation, Daley attended the United States Military Academy in 1992.

The following year, he asked himself, “What do I really want to do with my life?”

An old friend and mentor helped him answer that.

“Teaching and coaching were things I wanted to get into,” he said. “I got a phone call one day from coach (Gregg) Bahen. He said they needed an extra assistant coach on the freshman staff and asked if I would be interested. I would be working with running backs and linebackers, which I played when I was in high school. I didn’t hesitate very long to say yes.”

Daley’s coaching career began in the summer of 1993. His teaching career wouldn’t start until he finished his degree in 1996.

Until that time, he never received one cent as an assistant.

Knowledge was his weekly paycheck, and it was tax free.

“When you look back at it, you learn from every coach that you worked for,” Daley said. “I credit a lot to coach Bahen and my development as a head coach, but one of the main things was his attention to detail.

“Doing that job for them that season really helped me to become a coach that, when I scout a team, pays attention to those details. It was only a small part of what that team and staff did that year, but it was a big part in my development. To be a part of that in my first year is pretty special and amazing.”

Some of Daley’s former teammates looked to him for advice and leadership, even

109

From Page 66

though their interactions were limited. No question Daley had to adjust on the fly, but he got the hang of it.

“My work was behind the scenes, but I was around it,” he said. “I can remember Mike Orlando and a couple of the other guys hanging around us when they got the opportunity. That first year, you really learn a lot. From running the drills to coaching the drills, you really understand why you’re doing what you’re doing.

“As a player, you just do what the coach tells you to do. As a coach, you have to be able to explain why you do what you do.”

OPENING KICKOFF Before the Crusaders began their eventual state run, Daley and the staff knew they had something Staff photo special brewing.

The Division V state champions tured their season around after defeating Bellaire in Week 6 of “That was a special group the 1993 season. After a 3-2 start prior, the Crusaders never lost again until the following year. in a lot of different ways.

Not only were they a talented group, but they were also a very tight group,” Daley said. “They had the right attitude; that’s something I’ve been telling our kids now. Attitude takes you a long way. It’s rare to get a team that has that combination and, obviously, that Our goal is to deliver personalized lized care at home so that our clients nts can maintain their team had it. That attitude wellness and independence. Contact your Community Liaisons to o find out how Capital made them champions.”

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A championship, though, might not have been on everybody’s mind right away. Central fell in the season opener to Campbell Memorial. After three shutout victories over Beaver Local, Martins Ferry and Linsly, Central fell to Big Red, 2015.

Standing at 3-2, Week 6 proved to be the turning Michelle Spencerr Chris hris Stephens point against Bellaire at (740) (740) 457-7695 40) 461-4034 Harding Stadium. michelle.spencer@capitalhcn.com chris.stephens@capitalhcn.com hcn.com hens@capitalhcn.com “I recall coach Bahen telling the players leading into that Bellaire game that if they win, they wouldn’t lose again,” Daley said.

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See COATTAILS Page 118

Off The Field Talk What some local players say about life off of the field ...

Gino BARBER Buckeye Local

Anthony PANNETT Brooke

Noah FAYAK CCHS

Tyler KOMOROWSKI Weir High

Josh HARVEY Indian Creek

Jakob McCOMBS Madonna

Ben KUNTZ Edison

Favorite team?

Pittsburgh Steelers

Michigan

Buffalo Bills

Pittsburgh Steelers

Michigan

Pittsburgh Steelers

Cincinnati Bearcats

Favorite drink?

Sweet Tea

GreenTea

Coke

Water

Root Beer

Iced Tea

Favorite athlete?

Russell Wilson

Barry Sanders

Odell Beckham Jr.

Connor McGregor

Adrian Peterson

Troy Polamalu

Odell Beckham Jr.

Will Ferrell

Adam Sandler

Will Smith

Jonah Hill

Jon Bernthal

Stephen Amell

Alaska

Los Angeles

The beach

My crib

There’s no place like home

Football field

Kylie Jenner

Rihanna

Sommer Ray

Donald Trump

Abbott and Costello

Who would play you in a movie?

The Rock

Favorite place in the world?

Home

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Kate Upton

Kate Upton

Mike Trout

Adam Sandler

Person you most want to meet (dead or alive)

Donald Trump

Bodyarmor

Gal Gadot

Arnold Schwarzene gger

Camila Cabello

Ray Lewis

Off The Field Talk What some local players say about life off of the field ...

Frank FULTON Toronto

Noah WOODS Edison

Matthew BELL CCHS

Favorite athlete?

Odell Beckham Jr.

A.J. Green

Bryce Harper

Place you want to visit?

Aruba

California

California

Favorite movie or TV show?

Who would play you in a movie?

One thing you can’t live without

Last Chance U

Matt Damon

Football

Talladega Nights

Adam Sandler

Phone

Where do you want to go to college?

Ohio State University

Marietta College

Person you most want to meet (dead or alive)

Stevie Wonder

Brandon Phillips

Step Brothers

Aaron SCIPIO Brooke

Kwadre WILLIAMS Steubenville

Joshua GASVODA Madonna

Caden DALTON Harrison

Ezekiel Elliott

Jon Jones

James Harrison

Marshon Lattimore

Japan

Africa

The Bahamas

Spain

Rick and Morty

Batman

Will Smith

Phone

Water

University of Toledo

Clemson University

Babe Ruth

Floyd Mayweather

The Lord of the Rings

Denzel Washington

The people I love and care for Any Division I school

J.J. Watt

The Terminator

Drake & Josh

Arnold Schwarzene gger

Matthew Broderick

Football

Joe Rogers

Robert Morris University

University of Akron

James Harrison

Clark Gable

112

Aug. 22, 2018

Purple Riders was a two-way standout. On defense, he was a tackling machine from his inside linebacker spot. He recorded a team-best 157 stops, while earning first-team all-state Division V as a linebacker.

He was also the Eastern District Player of the Year. He recorded two interceptions, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and sacked the quarterback once. On offense, Hoover rushed for 1,530 yards and 21 touchdowns on 243 carries, which was an average of 6.4 yards per carry. He also caught a dozen passes for 136 stripes and one touchdown, which was a game-winner at Indian Creek.

Johnson missed the entire season with a broken arm.

Hoover, Bodkin, Bennett and Dokes played in the OVAC Rudy Mumley AllStar Game as Ohio ended a two-year losing streak with a 21-14 triumph.

Of the 42 players on the Purple roster, 17 are returning lettermen, which will also help out.

Yoder will employ the same Pro-I offense that the Purple Riders ran for decades. However, the ball might be in the air more this season.

Back for his third year under center is junior Jake Probst. He will be backed up by sophomore Logan Smith and freshman David Skvarka.

“We expect Jake to lead the offense,” Yoder said.

“Jake has improved from his freshman year to his sophomore year, and we are looking for a lot of big things from him this season. I think he is expecting big things for himself. The sky is the limit for him. He’s a great athlete and good leader.”

Probst completed 73 of 157 passes for 1,027 yards and three touchdowns last

fall. He was picked off six times. He also ran the ball 43 times for 197 yards and a pair of scores. As a freshman, Probst passed for 495 stripes and two TDs on 32 of 78 with seven picks.

Five of those returnees are across the front line in senior tackles Shane Krob and DeAndre Pugh, junior guard Donte Lewis, senior center Ian Terrell and senior tight end Drake Dobson.

“Ian will start at center, but he is being pushed for playing time by sophomore Noah Duck,” Yoder said. “Shane and DeAndre both started last season. They are both big boys. Donte saw some time a year ago, and Drake will be a very good blocker for us at tight end.”

Yoder said sophomore Evan Carpenter and junior Gage Kwiatkowski are battling for playing time at guard.

“There are three of them

fighting for two starting spots,” Yoder said.

Other lineman candidates are junior Jervon Thompson, sophomores Cody Smith, Logan Williams, Preston Thaman and Ryan Meeker, and freshmen Josh Dagon, Jesse Nagel, Peyton Hores, Prester Weaver, Zak Dobson and Zeke Bruney.

“We’ve got some big boys in there, but we don’t have much depth,” Yoder said.

In the mix at tight end are senior Donovan Shrodes and junior Richard McFarland.

“We’re pretty solid at tight end with those guys,” Yoder said of Drake Dobson, Shrodes and McFarland.

“You might even see us line up with two tight ends at times.”

Dobson had a trio of catches for 43 yards, while Shrodes snagged one for 24.

The new head coach has a plethora of wideouts to choose from. They include Logan Smith, junior Dasyn Hores, seniors Mason Goddard and Trent Rice, junior Cody Olson and sophomore Alex Bennett.

Hores leads the group of returnees with nine recep-

From Page 94

tions for 215 yards and three touchdowns a year ago.

Mason Goddard latched on to three for 25.

Other possible wide receivers are senior Troy Wise, junior Sabin Ward, sophomore Cole Sztary and freshmen Coltin Larkins and J.T. Hill.

“He’s only a sophomore, but Cole Sztary has showed a lot of good promise,” Yoder said.

Yoder also has a handful of running backs who he won’t be afraid to give the ball to. They are seniors Nate Boxley and Logan DiLoretta, junior Caleb Olson and sophomore Trevor Hanson.

“All four of those kids are going to play a lot. Nate played toward the end of the season and had a long TD run called back in the playoff game,” Yoder said. “Two of those guys are returning defensive starters, so we’ve got some experience.”

Caleb Olson is the top running back returning. He ran for 236 yards and scored four touchdowns on 39 carries. Most of his yardage See PURPLE RIDERS Page 116

Aug. 22, 2018

Bruins guys a little too much because of our lack of experience behind them. We ran out of gas at times — especially early in the season — with too many guys going both ways. This year, we are going to rotate them as much as we can and keep them as fresh as we can.”

At linebacker, Makricostas, Doug Gabbert, Yost, Williams, sophomore Joseph Fuscardo and senior Austin Miller are among those in the mix.

Camilletti is the lone returning starter in the secondary. He will be complimented by Bates, Scipio, Rasz and sophomore John George along with several freshmen fighting for a spot.

While Brooke is young, it will get tested right out of the gate with Wheeling Park at home, a trip to University in Week 2 and a Week 3 home game with Morgantown.

“When you come out with a young team like this, you

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From Page 47

just want to get better every week,” McLean said. “With where we start with our schedule, against those three teams, I’ve preached to the kids they do not have the luxury of being underclassmen. I told them ‘You are varsity football players.

That is your role and you’re here to accept it. Some of you are going to get it pretty early.’ I just want us to play mistake-free football.”

Despite youth and a tough schedule, McLean expects his team to be competitive.

“I look at our schedule, and I see 10 games that we can compete in,” he said. “I think if we play to our potential, we can be in all of these games. If we do the the right things and we grow up fast, I think we can come out on top a lot of the time.”

The Bruins schedule is, again, highlighted by rivalry games with Indian Creek (Sept. 28) and Weir High (Oct. 26), both taking place at Brooke Memorial.

“Growing up, going to Brooke High School and going back the old Wintersville-Brooke games and Weir-Brooke games, that’s why a guy like me gets into something like this,” McLean said. “The rivalries under Friday night lights, the big games are exciting.

Right now, the focus is getting the first first down against Park.”

Redskins Clearing their path at fullback will be a mix of seniors Cody Allan and Logan Wilson, junior Tyler Smarrella, and sophomores Johnny Guisto and Jeremy Brown.

At wideout, the Redskins had some notable losses to graduation with the departure of the Eakle twins, Devin and Devon, two of the top pass catchers in the area. In line to fill that void and haul in Norris’ passes are Mazar, Zrinyi, Cottis, senior Matt Mamula, senior Richie Gualtiere, junior Brock Lucas and junior Brandon Fleming.

“Devin set a lot of single season records for us, and Devon was great compliment to him,” Connor said.

“We feel like we have a really good nucleus back at wideout, too. We feel like we will be able to maintain where we were at a year ago with some new faces.”

At tight end will be juniors Brandon Hiles and Parker Rodgers.

While the Redskins lost some of what Connor considered the strength of his team in 2017 on the offensive line, a portion of it returns up front.

“We graduate three offensive linemen that played a lot for us in Ian Belt, Evan Coppa and Andy Waggonner,” Connor said.

“We do return three seniors that played a lot for us in Trent Bolek, Nate Truex

and center Josh Harvey.

They give us a lot of reps from last year. We rotate six, and three of those six from last year are back, so we feel we have a good starting nucleus on the line.”

In addition to Bolek, Truex and Harvey, juniors Jacob Hejduk, Logan Scheel and Garren Swickard will battle along the offensive front with senior Sean Stevens also seeing time.

On the other side of ball, Connor’s staff will have a new face in charge with the departure of defensive coordinator Sean Grinch to Shadyside. Indian Creek does not expect too much to change under new defensive coordinator Matt Shreve.

“Matt Shreve is going to take over the defense, and we feel like we have a strong nucleus of defensive players back,” Connor said. “We are not going to change a lot. We’ve been very good on defense over the last nine years, and we want to build on that going forward.”

Up front on defense, Bolek, Truex, Harvey, Hejduk, Scheel, Swickard and junior Shawn McClurg are set to see time on the defensive line. Wilson, Hiles, Rodgers, Schaefer and Stevens are expected producers at defensive end.

The linebacking core is

From Page 39

made up of Allan, Smarella Lucas, Fante and junior Gerald Walsh.

The secondary will have Guiltiere at strong safety, Mazar at free safety with junior Sam Baska also in the mix. Junior Malcolm Walker, Cottis, Zrinyi, Fleming and junior Kaleb Fenske will play corner.

Overall, Connor is pleased with the depth his team brings to the field despite losing 10 seniors from the 2017 squad.

“We have a lot of kids that we can play on Friday night,” he said.

Bolek, Allan, Zrinyi, Wilson and Norris will serve as team captains.

The only other change to the coaching staff is the addition of former Redskins QB David Kemp from the middle school staff. Offensive coordinator Joe Hammack, along with Doug Karas, Mike Voltz, Todd Mazzaferro, Mike Wilson Sr., Rob Lucas, Mike Wilson Jr. and Joe Strohmeyer all return.

The Redskins open the season with Cambridge on Friday at Kettlewell Memorial Stadium. They have the same schedule as last year, only the home games are on the road and vice versa. Another 6-4 mark, if it comes to that, could be enough to get them back in the playoff mix.

Only time will tell.

114

Aug. 22, 2018

Jets much as they are for the first time in their lives. There will be growing pains and adjustments. I am sure there are going to be mistakes made, too. We will learn from those and work as hard as we can to represent Union Local the right way by doing things the right way. Good things will happen, so we just ask people stick with us.”

Not only are the Jets green in on-field experience, but they’re also literally young. The roster features 37 players, 24 of whom are either freshmen or sophomores.

“We knew we wouldn’t have a big senior class,” Thompson said. “We have a solid junior class and a lot of freshmen and sophomores. This isn’t a one-term deal. We’re building a culture.”

One area where the Jets boast experience is at the

most important position, quarterback. Senior Cal Kildow is coming off a solid junior campaign in which he passed for 1,212 yards and seven touchdowns. He also ran for 305 yards and five touchdowns.

“Cal’s had a great offseason. He’s put some weight on, gotten stronger and he’s really taken it upon himself to become a leader for this team and help these younger guys,” Thompson said.

Kildow is backed up by sophomore Jimmy Johnson and freshman Kade Kiser.

After Kildow, Thompson was excited about his running back options. Junior Josef Bailey is the expected starter at tailback, while hard-nosed senior Nathan Bomboris is penciled in at fullback. He’s the secondleading returning rusher with 118 yards on 19 carries.

“Nathan is one of the

guys we’ll lean on,” Thompson said “He’s a veteran and an athletic kid who can move.”

Bailey is backed by up sophomore Brady Crum and freshman Caleb McWhorter, who Thompson said is the fastest guy on the team.

When the Jets go to the air, Kildow will lean heavily on junior Hunter McCort.

Thompson, who was a standout receiver in his playing days, is also high on junior Jordan Duke, junior Cody Morrison, who is out for the team for the first time.

Sophomore Bryan Neidert is another who can contribute despite having no experience. Other vying for action include junior Zach Bateman, sophomore Carter Loase, sophomore Cody McRoby, freshmen Nathaniel Gibson, Sawyer Moore and Ayden Smolira.

Leading the depth chart at

tight end is junior Matt Bateman. Pushing for playing time are sophomore Jonathan Porter, junior Kane Kildow, freshmen Dakota Hess, Josh Neidert and Aiden Myers.

“I really like the depth at receiver and tight end,” Thompson said. “We have a lot of young guys there who have really competed well.

And age doesn’t matter. It’s a matter of whoever steps up and what guys make plays.”

One area where Thompson is going to need his team to grow up fairly quickly is along the offensive line. Quite frankly, the Jets’ line was decimated by graduation.

On top of the experience issue, the Jets boast only two players on the roster, one of whom is Bomboris.

“I am not really worried about their size because though they’re not big guys in terms of weight, they’re strong kids,” Thompson said. “The thing that concerns me is learning how to play and the level of aggression with which they play.”

Junior Hayden Hilt saw minimal action and is the lone player up front who has even stepped foot on a varsity field. He will be at guard and serve as the line leader.

Sophomore Claude Romshak will anchor the line at center. Senior Blake Showalter is set to man the other guard spot. The tackles are ticketed to be senior Devin Kalinowski and senior Stuart White. Sopho-

From Page 104

mores David Burghy and Dylan Usenick are two of the top backups in the line.

Others working along the line are sophomore Collin Matusik, freshmen Cody Street, Coleman Peck, Evan Edwards, Gage McEndree and Dakota Wells.

The defensive side of the ball will be a similar look to years past, schematically.

Mike Menges is back to spearhead the unit, which will be a 4-3 base.

“We’re excited about our defense, and I think this will be a strength of our team,” Thompson said. “I am an offensive guy, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing our defense.”

As many guys as the Jets can get to the ball at a time would be a welcome sight for Thompson.

“We want to attack, attack, attack,” he said.

“We’re not going to be the biggest or fastest team around, but defense is more about willpower.”

Along the defensive line will be White and Romshak at the ends, while Hilt and Kalinowski will man the tackles. Burghy and Bomboris will also see quality action.

At the linebacker spots, Showalter, Bailey and Crum will get the first crack, but Thompson didn’t close the door on utilizing Hess, Porter, Smolira or Myers there, too.

Cal Kildow is expected to roam at free safety, while McCort and Duke are ex-

See JETS Page 117

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116

Aug. 22, 2018

Purple Riders came against Harrison Central when he rushed for 153 yards and two scores on a dozen carries. Boxley, who didn’t become eligible until the second half, ran for 345 yards and two TDs on just 39 carries. His long touchdown run that was called back in a playoff game at Portsmouth West would’ve given the visitors a lead late in the first half.

Other candidates to tote the leather are freshmen Frank Smith, Kolton Goddard and Tyler Donaher.

“It’s hard to say this early how far our offense is,” Yoder said. “We’ll have to wait and see how everything plays out through our two scrimmages and into Week

1. We’ve had a great first couple of weeks of practice.

“Play-wise, we’re further ahead than we have been in the past. The kids are picking it up really quick. I think that is due to them all playing some last year, maybe not as a starter, but they played.

That definitely helps.”

Defensively, the Purple Riders have switched from their usual 4-4 to a 4-3 alignment.

“We ran the same defense for 20-plus years,” he said.

“We’ve switched it up this year, and the kids are picking it up quickly. It’s a big change, but I couldn’t be any happier with the way the kids have responded to it.”

Yoder thinks this group of

linebackers will rival last season’s.

“We’ve got a solid group.

Drake Dobson is a returning starter that had an excellent season last year even though he never played inside until the opener,” Yoder said. “He was an outside linebacker and also advanced to the Division III state wrestling tournament after winning sectional and district titles. He’s going to be a good player in the middle for us.”

Dobson was the second leading tackler last fall.

Caleb Olson and Hanson are both returning starters on the outside, while DiLoretta will also see time there, as will Terrell.

Krob and Pugh will anchor

the defensive front from their tackle slots, with Kwiatkowski rotating in there. Other possible tackles are Thompson, Cody Smith, Logan Williams, Thaman, Meeker, Dagon, Peyton Hores and Bruney.

Lining up at the terminal spots will be any one of four players. In the mix are Boxley, Carpenter, Lewis and McFarland (who was also a state qualifier in wrestling), Duck and Zak Dobson.

“Our ends are pretty physical and athletic,” Yoder added. “They should be a pretty strong group.”

The secondary consists of Dasyn Hores, Mason Goddard and Cody Olson battling for the two cornerback slots,

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From Page 112

while Rice is the strong safety and Logan Smith the free safety. Yoder said Probst also will see action at free safety, as well as linebacker. Bennett and Sztary are also in the hunt for playing time. Rice had a trio of interceptions last season, while Probst recorded two.

Others slated for backup duty in the secondary are Shrodes, Wise, Ward, Larkins, Skvarka, Frank Smith, Hill, Nagel, Kolton Goddard, Weaver and Donaher.

“Everyone on defense has some playing experience,” Yoder said. “We’ve shuffled some players around to different positions.”

Special teams could prove to be a huge weapon for the Purple Riders behind the strong left leg of Cody Olson.

“The funny thing about him is all he did was kick the last two years,” Yoder said.

“He was the starting point guard in basketball. He’s an exceptional athlete. He’s going to play offense and defense at wide receiver and cornerback. We’ve been working with him on his punting, so at some point in the season he will probably take that over as well.”

Olson finished with 37 points a year ago on two field goals and 31 point-after touchdowns.

As for the schedule, the Purple Riders have just four home games, while hitting the road for six contests. In addition to the opener at Buckeye Local, Martins Ferry will also play at newcomer Nelsonville-York (Aug. 31).

The Purple Riders have advanced to the state playoffs on 14 occasions, all coming under Bruney’s watch. The first postseason contest came in 1998. Other playoff years are 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and last season. They are 8-14 overall with that first triumph being against Proctorville Fairland in 2003.

Aug. 22, 2018

117

Grimm tected. They are still a big concern to a lot of player’s parents, including ones that I’ve spoken with about the injury.

Don’t get me wrong; This is far from limited to a football problem. Soccer and basketball have high numbers of concussions, too.

It’s far from just something that happens in sports. I got concussions slipping on ice in the winter and falling on my porch. They can happen in just about any walk of life, but they are more common in sports — and, in particular, football — for obvious reasons.

This also is not one of those “the sky is falling, football is too dangerous” pieces. Quite the contrary.

With all of the aforementioned improvements and others I’m sure I didn’t think of to list, a strong argument can be made that it is a much safer game now than in the past.

I love football. I have since I was a kid. I don’t want to see it, what it means

Jets

pected to serve as the corners. Morrison will provide depth as will Zach Bateman and Kane Kildow.

“In a perfect world, we’d love to keep Cal off the field on defense, but ultimately, we will play the best 11 kids,” Thompson said.

Duke and Matt Bateman are slated to handle the placekicking and punting chores, respectively.

When he was hired, Thompson pinpointed a couple of games in the early portion of the schedule. The first was the season-opener against Monroe Central and then in Week 3 against Martins Ferry. And, quite frankly, that wasn’t because he thought they were some kind of easy victory. He was looking forward to matching wits with the likes of Jay Circosta and Dave Bruney.

All told, Thompson will

to the young men who play the game, what it means to our valley and the tradition of it, go away. I want to see the improvements continue and the knowledge of what I consider to be the biggest threat to the game we love continue to grow, so people aren’t afraid to play it.

What makes them different is unlike most other injuries, there is no time frame for recovery, and they can be hard to detect.

Speaking from my own experience, I only went to the hospital to get my elbow looked at and the thought of a concussion was not even on my mind. But I had one and eventually spent months recovering before all of my symptoms went away.

I had what turned out to be a pretty bad one, and several hours after my fall it was oblivious to it. That’s why, according to UPMC Sports Medicine, right around half of all concussions are unreported or undetected.

Of all the statistics out there, and there are many,

match wits with three new coaches this season. Along with the aforementioned jobs, Harrison Central also underwent a coaching change.

The lone new opponent on the Jets’ schedule is a trip to Warren Local in Vincent on Sept. 21. That game replaced Edison.

“The schedule is going to be exciting,” Thompson said. “It’s exciting to start off the season against so many new coaches, but it’s also difficult, too. I am looking forward to facing these guys.”

Thompson calls the second half of the schedule, which includes the likes of St. Clairsville, Weir, Barnesville and Bellaire, a grind.

Of everything he’s tried to get done to prepare for the season, Thompson is may be

From Page 8

that’s the one that stuck out as most concerning.

That’s a percentage that has to get better.

How can that be accomplished? Continue to ramp up what has already been done. Continue to learn more about them, how to better detect them, how to better treat them and how to limit the number of them that happen in the first place.

There are smarter people than me who can determine exactly how that happens, but it has to happen.

This topic isn’t going anywhere. No matter how many rule changes or equipment changes are made, there will always be a risk. Every sport has its own risks.

That’s one reason young men who play the game every Friday or Saturday night have so much of my respect, because they love the game enough to take the risks, as well as dedicate all the time they put into it, to play football.

Let’s keep making them safer while they do it.

From Page 114

most excited about the coaching staff that he has in place.

“Putting together a good staff is important, but putting together the right staff is just as important,” Thompson said. “We’ve got a great mixture of younger guys and guys who’ve been around. It’s a staff that I know I can trust, will be reliable and hard working. I just have so much respect for these guys and I don’t mean that just as coaches. I mean that as mentors, friends and just human beings. I am only as good as the coaching staff.”

Along with Menges and Rocchio spearheading the defensive and offensive units, respectively, the remainder of the varsity staff includes John Kutcher, Ryan Kutcher, Vaughn Butler and Tyler Grant.

Blue Devils put a Beallsville football uniform on,” Deem said.

“He was very exciting to watch. He had a great nose for the football.”

The other graduating senior was no slouch either.

Casey Hill was a stud lineman and an anchor on the offensive line at guard.

So, with just two gridders picking up their diplomas, Deem is working with an experienced, albeit still youthful cast.

Despite the loss of Milosavljevic, the Beallsville offense still possess some potent weapons.

Deem has a dandy to trigger his attack.

Rising junior Dakota Phillips returns under center after enjoying a solid sophomore season. Phillips threw for nearly 900 yards and 16 TDs last fall, while also rushing for more than 500 stripes. He is a dual-threat quarterback.

“Dakota’s football IQ is really impressive. He is taking to coaching much better, and he understands his role,” Deem said. “He is not flying under the radar. We are putting a lot on his shoulders.”

From Page 108

Making Phillips’ football life much nicer is the return of four starting offensive linemen.

“It all starts there (offensive line). I am excited about this bunch,” Deem said. “I expect them to keep our QB clean and help our skilled people get out in space.”

Mathen Decker anchors the front at center. He brings great versatility to the middle of the line.

“Decker has snapped the ball for every play but one since I have been here,” Deem said. “I never thought I would be running center traps. He allows us to do that.”

Spencer Jarrett is a returning starter at guard. He enjoyed a superb sophomore season after an injury-riddled frosh campaign.

“Spencer plays very hard and smart. He is making our line calls,” Deem said.

“There is a very good football tradition in his family.”

Both starting tackles return in senior Logan Rutter and sophomore Garrett Schafer. They are a talented

See BLUE DEVILS Page 121

118

Aug. 22, 2018

Coattails second field goal.

“Sometimes you say things as a coach not knowing if they kids are catching on to what you’re saying or not, but they believed in him and what he was saying. They did exactly that.”

Victories over Bellaire, Indian Creek, Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, Coshocton and Toronto gave Central an 8-2 regular-season record and another trip to the playoffs.

If he wanted it, Daley’s first year was complete. He just couldn’t get away from the atmosphere and wanted to learn more.

“I would still show up to practice, but you’re not really involved,” Daley said.

“You’re there to watch the veteran coaches and see what they’re doing and getting a sense of the attitude from the players.”

Despite that, Daley soaked in as much as possible and enjoyed every moment, one in particular.

“There was an excitement in the air. One of the days I remember is practicing on Thanksgiving day,” he said.

“It’s just something special

CHAMPIONSHIP MATERIAL During their illustrious playoff run, the Crusaders defeated East Knox, Lorain Clearview and Newark Catholic. That set up the championship contest against Liberty Center.

In the weeks leading up to the games, Daley noticed little change at practices.

“From what I remember, it was no different in preparing for (the playoffs),” he said. “They always approached things the same way. They didn’t get out of their normal routine. They just did what they did and did it well. It was just like another week of practice. I saw a lot of confidence in them.”

A firm handshake or high-fives are common celebratory gestures in a press box. For the championship, more was needed.

“I remember trying to get down on the field as fast as possible from the press box in Massilon,” Daley said. “I remember sitting next to

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From Page 109

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Staff photo

This Liberty Center running back cannot escape pressure by Central defender Bob Mascolino during the championship game on Dec. 3, 1993.

coach Farrar and coach (Jim) Orlando. There were a lot of hugs up there, but the concern was getting on the field because coach Orlando’s son was the starting quarterback. He wanted to get down there and enjoy the moment with his son.”

More hugs and tears greeted Daley and the coaches when they finally stepped on the gridiron.

Memories hang in the school’s locker room and cafeteria. If viewed closely, Daley is shown on the team plaque in the cafeteria.

Squinted eyes and a 2020 vision are needed. Four rows up (second from the back) and all the way to the right, a coach with a blue jacket and hat points upward with his left arm, while the right half is cut off.

Daley’s career was officially under way.

FOLLOWING ALONG The following season, Central reached the playoffs again but fell in the first

round to Wellsville.

“There was definitely more pressure,” Daley said.

“The target’s on the defending champs. I remember coach Bahen saying, ‘Now you have to step it up a level.’ They had some returning starters, but they had to step up and maintain that attitude. It didn’t take away anything that was accomplished by that 1993 team, though.”

Daley stayed as an assistant with CCHS until 2000.

His head coaching career began with St. John Central in Bellaire. After the 2004 season, he spent the next two years at Buckeye Local and Edison before returning as an assistant with Central in 2007. He also became the athletic director and took over as head coach in 2011.

Eighteen of Daley’s 25 years have been with his alma mater. He owns a 3925 record at CCHS, including a trip to the postseason last year. Daley teaches science at Indian Creek and is

no longer Central’s AD. He taught at the diocese for 20 years, 15 at Central during two separate stints.

It all started with a phone call 25 years ago, a number Daley can’t believe keeps growing.

“I was on the freshman staff. As far as varsity games are concerned, I would go scout the night before for the coaches with the other freshman coaches,” he said. “On game nights, I was asked to go up to the box and chart, chart the oppossing team’s offense and try to help come up with tendencies for halftime adjustments.

“When we got to the playoffs, freshman coaches weren’t expected to scout anymore, but coach Farar went to coach Bahen and said ‘Hey, we would really like to keep Steve up in the box with us because what he’s doing is really helping us out.’ I was fortunate to make the playoff run with them and sit in the box for the championship game.”

Aug. 22, 2018

Crusaders Central’s roster features 10 seniors, 12 juniors, two sophomores and five freshmen.

“We have a veteran team, and we like where we are right now,” Daley said.

“This is a really, really good group to work with.

Not only are they a talented group athletically, but they are also a very tight group.

I really like our team chemistry.

“Our seniors are doing a great job of leading the younger guys and bringing them along. We have some very raw, younger guys with little or no experience, and our older guys have actually been acting like coaches on the field. It’s just a real nice group to work with. They know what is expected and really pushed themselves throughout the offseason and, so far, through our summer camp.”

Central will open its season by renewing its rivalry with Toronto. Due to Toronto’s move to the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference, the Crusaders and the Red Knights did not meet in 2017. The rivals have played 44 times in the past with Central holding a 3013-1 series lead. Toronto has won three of the last four meetings.

The 2018 schedule features two new opponents in Southern Local and Huron Heights from Newmarket, Ontario. The Indians will visit Harding Stadium on

Panthers

Christian will be moved out to wide receiver. Of course, we have some packages for Shayne to get him into the offense. They both played about five games at QB last year. Christian will handle the kicking duties.”

“Our offensive line will have Mayle, Zac Cesario, Kornetti our starting center, and Sabo whom are return-

119

From Page 27

Sept. 8 with the Warriors coming to town on Oct. 13.

“We have a very challenging schedule,” Daley said. “It’s going to be different opening with Toronto. That game has moved around through the years, but I don’t recall us ever opening with them.

They have a new coach, they’re excited about things and they have very loyal fans. Their fans will be there in numbers and, hopefully, our fans will come out and support us. I’m sure the stadium is going to be packed.

“Oak Glen will be much better and Southern is tough. Edison will be improved and Warren JFK is JFK, they just reload. Barnesville will also be much improved, and Wheeling Central is the defending West Virginia champion.

We know the Canadian team has been very successful, then we close out with our annual rivalry game against Madonna and Fort Frye, which dominated us last year and has everyone back. There are no breaks in our schedule.”

Central will remain in Division VI this season but will move from Region 23 to Region 21. Central’s adjusted enrollment figures of 116 make it the smallest school in the region. Teams of note in Region 21 are Kirtland, Mogadore, Garaway, Columbiana and Berlin Center Western Reserve.

Herbert this is nice for them. They’re starting to just play, not having to think about learning a new system, and we are seeing the benefits of it every day in practice.”

When, and if, the Panthers get their first win, Herbert feels the confidence will grow from there.

“We talk as coaches that we have to create a win in our coaches room,” he said.

“Once we get one, they’ll get a taste of how to win. We’ve got a lot of guys on the team with a lot of individual success. For example, wrestlers that placed in districts and states, now they have to put the success together as a team.”

The turnaround of the program goes even deeper than just the high school team, too.

“When our high school coaches aren’t working with the high school kids, they’re working with junior high,”

From Page 75

Herbert said. “We want everything to have continuity. We have, pretty much, a whole new junior high staff.

Everyone is on the same page.

“If you look at all the good programs, they have probably high school level coaches coaching junior highm and I think we are getting there as well. Our jayvees won a couple of games last year. We’re building for the future here, too.”

The biggest thing Herbert learned in his first season?

Slow down.

“Last year, everything was 100 miles an hour all the time,” he said. “I have lightened my load a little bit. I just want to take things as they go— don’t get too high, don’t get too low, just take things as they come and things will work out. I do a lot more administrative stuff other than coaching football, and I’m taking it a lot better

this year. I am settling down a little bit and finding my rythm.”

Herbert added that the feedback he’s received from the Panther community has been positive.

“From what I hear from the board, from the administrators, from the parents and the community, people really understand what we are trying to do,” he said. “We’ve got great support here. People want us to win. One of the biggest compliments we took as a staff was folks would come up to us and say they stayed for four quarters because the kids played hard all four quarters.

“We traveled well last year. People showed here on Friday nights. The community is behind us. Now we’ve got to give them a good product to watch on Friday nights. People here are thirsty for a winner, and it’s up to us to provide that.”

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120

Aug. 22, 2018

Knights Linsly will continue their rivalry during Wheeling Central’s Hall of Fame game on Sept. 29.

Martins Ferry, Shadyside, East Hardy, Fayetteville, Steubenville Catholic Central, Portsmouth West and Magnolia make for a daunting task in trying to return to the playoffs.

“Not to sound like a cliche, but we have to take it one game at a time,” Young said. “(We must) come up with a game plan for each team we play to execute and take away what they do best and showcase what we do best.”

Curtis McGhee III took over at quarterback as a sophomore last season and, after an up-and-down start, played some of his best football down the stretch.

He threw for more than 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns, while running for 400 yards on 120 attempts.

This season, more will likely be placed on the junior’s shoulders. Young said that is something he fully expects McGhee to be able to handle.

“He grew every week as a sophomore and represented us in that championship game with a great amount of class and leadership,” Young said. “I can’t be more proud of his development, not just physically, but mentally, too. Your quarterback is so significant in your success or failure.

Curt just continued to get better.”

Junior Jacob Rine will be his backup.

Bray Price enters his senior season as one of the most explosive backs in the valley. If he finds a tiny seam, good luck catching this speedster.

During the state championship game, he was named the Offensive Most Valu-

able Player, rushing for 190 yards and a pair of scores.

During the season, he rushed for 450 yards on 90 carries, while collecting 27 receptions for 435 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“He shows great skills in every area as a receiver, a runner and a defensive back,” Young said. “He is being pursued by colleges at the next level all over the country. That is a tribute to his offseason and work habits and his academics.”

Sophomores Jordan Waterhouse and Bellaire transfer Payton Marling will receive some carries to spell Price and McGhee.

A team can’t have a strong running game without having a solid offensive line and Wheeling Central is definitely not lacking there.

Luke Duplaga and Timmy McCabe are a force along the offensive front, according to Young.

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Duplaga and McCabe (first-team All-Valley) are returning seniors that made an impact last season, opening holes for McGhee, Price and the graduated Dawson Wear.

Joining them are seniors Dom Mills and Will Kent and junior Griff Stenger.

Tackles will be Hayden Manns and C.J. Rose.

Michael Horan will see time at guard.

“We have some pretty good size, and I like what they have brought in terms of their work habits and skills,” Young said.

At tight end is Adam Murray, who is relentless as a blocker, according to Young. He also will see time at fullback along with Vinny Mangino.

“Those are two versatile athletes that can put us in position to make us execute the offense we want,” Young said. “They are definitely going to get carries at fullback. We feel very comfortable with them stepping in and replacing Dawson.”

Central was primarily a running team last season, but Young feels the team will be a little more balanced this fall. A lot of that has to do with the growth of McGhee..

“We can put the ball up and have a lot of guys with great hands that can go up and get it.” Young said.

Anthony Robbins is the tallest of that group along with Jalen Creighton, Marling and Price. Mangino, Murray and Waterhouse are dangerous threats out of the backfield.

“These guys can make plays,” Young said. “Teams aren’t going to be able to gang up on us and take away the run with nine or eight in the box. We feel confident putting it in the air. I feel we can exploit the run and the pass.

“Most of who we have been at Wheeling Central is a running team, but I feel this year we can be even more balanced.”

From Page 84

The defense was a major strength last season.

The suffocating runstuffers helped limit some of the top runners in the state such as South Harrison’s Freddy Canary and St. Marys’ Jaiden Smith.

“Our defense will be aggressive, even though we lost three good linebackers that played in the OVAC All-Star Game,” Young said. “We are going to need guys to step up and take that leadership role.”

The prime candidate for that could be Murray, the player voted as the Sam Huff Award winner, given to the state’s top defender.

The linebacker compiled 120 tackles and three sacks.

He was named captain of the all-state first team, as well as All-Valley co-captain.

Murray will be joined at linebacker by Baron Vogrin, with backups being Mason Smith and Wheeling Park transfer Nick Sherman.

The outside backs are Robbins and Marling, along with sophomore Vinnie High, Mason Smith and Ethan Turner.

McGhee, Creighton and Price will lead a talented secondary, with Waterhouse as the main backup. Trey Helms, Braden Martos and Rine will also see time.

The defensive line will be Horan and Mangino at the ends, with McCabe and Duplaga at the tackles.

Rine will be the placekicker, and Murray will be the punter. Peyton Anderson and Waterhouse are the backups, respectively.

Young, who will be inducted into the Wheeling Central Hall of Fame before coaching the game against Linsly, is entering his 13th season in charge of the Maroon Knights. He is joined by assistants Jason Rine, Shannon Kuchinski, Jim Wolfe, Phil Pest, Brett Clough, Ed Anderson, Chance Siebieda, Felix Bruno and statistician Keith Bell.

Aug. 22, 2018

121

Cox he felt would make the game better.

Comis, who quarterbacked the Blue Dons to the state title in 2013 and now quarterbacks a major college program at the University of Massachusetts, feels a change by the WVSSAC to allow officiating reviews of close and questionable calls during the televised games at the Super 6 in Wheeling would make the game fairer and get officiating calls correct. It may make the game a little longer, but when a state championship is on the line it is best to get it right.

Comis cites his experience against Wahama in the 2012 title game. The White Falcons scored the deciding touchdown on a controversial play in which the Blue Dons claimed a ball carrier fumbled before scoring the winning TD. Local television station highlights later that evening clearly showed

the ball carrier fumbled the football and Madonna recovered. That would have given Comis’ Blue Dons back-toback state titles.

Obviously, TV replays are available at only a handfull of regular season games, so we’ll not see that as a change to make high school football better. At least not any time soon, but it would make the Super 6 better.

I believe another simple way to make the game better won’t change the game at all.

It will make it go smoother and should make it a little faster. If the officials of every game, regardless of the caliber of teams or the score, would make every effort to quickly get the ball ready for play as they do when a team is driving against the clock to end the first half or end the game, it would make the game better.

My guess is that an issue is discussed frequently and em-

tandem.

“They are both big boys that give us nice size up front. I expect good seasons from both,” Deem said.

The other starting guard spot is up for grabs between sophomore Toby Otto and freshman Dyson Duvall.

Deem is excited about his starting running backs. Junior James Schnegg and sophomore Wyatt Moore both saw extensive action last season and are primed for an increased workload.

“We have two nice running backs in Schnegg and Moore. I think we will see something special out of them this year,” Deem said.

Freshman Bradley Moats will be the chief understudy at running back.

Steven Yingling will get the call at tight end. The hard-nosed junior will also be utilized at wideout when Deem opts to go to a spread attack.

Beallsville boasts six wide receiver candidates.

Senior Travis Potts heads the group. He is joined by sophomores Aaron Hagan, Jacob Stephen and Joey Davis, along with freshmen Brandon Louden and Fred Moats.

Deem is especially high on Louden’s potential.

“Brandon is going to be a real nice weapon outside,” he said. “It is just a matter of how quickly he picks things up. There is a big adjustment from junior high to high school football.

Defensively, Beallsville will employ both 4-4 and 53 looks.

Decker and Duvall will man the tackle slots. Jarrett and Otto will be the terminals.

Phillips, Schnegg, Moore and Bradley Moats will be the linebackers.

Stephen and Yingling are in line to start at cornerback, with Louden manning the deep zones at safety.

Phillips will also handle the booting.

Blue Devils

From Page 117

phasized at every meeting of officials. But as I watch high school football games, I witness a few officiating crews that appear to be not moving as quickly or getting the ball or the teams ready for play as rapidly as they could.

High school football games just seem to be much longer than today. I remember when I was sports editor of the Weirton Daily Times during the 1966 football season that games started at 8 p.m. and finished around 9:30. Now they start at 7 p.m. and still finish around 9:30. Go figure.

Could this old man be right about keeping the game moving briskly?

Of course, most of that time, difference has to do with the much, much different game today. Back in 1966, if a team passed the ball 10 times or more, it was unusual. Today, if a team doesn’t pass the football at

least 20 times in a game, it is unusual. Obviously, back in the day teams ran the ball much more than most of them do today. You can’t change that with any kind of rule but, again, officials can insist and expect players to get back from a pass play, or any play for that matter, in a timely fashion and get the ball in play.

Perhaps an automatic restart of the 25-second clock like they do in college and 24 seconds in NBA games rather than waiting for the official to signal to start it once teams are ready could be a solution to slower play. Experimenting with that in scrimmages might be a good idea. They may need 30 seconds to do it, but at least it ought to be considered.

Another way to improve the game would be for officials to make their penalty calls and move on. Officials

From Page 8

huddling on the field isn’t enjoyed by anybody. I know, they want to make sure they get it right and every once in a while someone will emerge from those huddles and wave off a potential penalty. But huddling to see if anyone else saw the play should be left back in the officials’ locker room.

I don’t want it to sound like I’m picking on officials.

I used to be one in baseball, softball and volleyball, so I know what they go through and the pressure they find themselves in sometimes. I also know from experience that almost all officials do take hustling seriously and try to make that a part of their game preparation.

Sometimes it takes just a few little tweaks to improve a game like football. Then again, I have heard the phrase many times that if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.

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122

Barnesville Shamrocks

Aug. 22, 2018

Allen: We just look like a much more confident team

By SETH STASKEY For The Gridiron

BARNESVILLE — In many ways, the 2017 Barnesville football season was a learning experience.

Head coach Blake Allen — who experienced his fair share of learning last season — is now looking for his team to take what it learned and apply it to the upcoming season.

How quickly they’re able to do that might just go a long way in determining the amount of success the Shamrocks can enjoy as they bid to rebound from an uncharacteristic 3-7 campaign. “Our kids maintained a good attitude and got better each week last year,� Allen

said. “Obviously, we were disappointed in the end result and wanted to win more games, but we also knew we had a young team. We gained a lot of reps and experience, which is leading to, hopefully, more opportunities this season.�

Allen didn’t shy away from the amount of learning he did as he ventured into his first head-coaching assignment. “Everything in that first (season) goes so fast that you really can’t prepare for it, no matter how much people tell you about it beforehand,� he said. “There’s so much stuff you don’t even realize that you have to handle beyond practice, football and the Xs and Os. All of that stuff has slowed down,

and we’re much more prepared, which is a big thing.�

It didn’t take long for Allen and his coaching staff to realize just how much learning — and maturing — the Shamrocks enjoyed. “We look like a different team,� Allen said. “We had so many freshmen and sophomores in there playing last year, and now that’s paying off some because guys really were able to hit the ground running. The kids know the system, and the younger guys worked hard in the weight room.

We just look like a much more confident team.�

With more experienced players and improved facilities have come higher expectations. Allen isn’t immune to that belief. Actu-

ally, he welcomes it. “I tell the kids all the time that I won’t get into record predictions, but we do have high hopes,� Allen said. “We feel like we should be improved, but we must continue to take it one week at a time. I think we’re a hungry football team, and these kids know what it takes.�

Avoiding the injury bug is key for basically every team, and the Shamrocks are no different. They were hit hard in that department last season, which led to some shuffling of positions and going much deeper on the depth chart than originally expected.

Graduation losses from last season include Jacob Gallaway, Zane Huntsman, Braydn Strous, Logan Crumbaker, Brayden Reynolds, Cade Stephen, Jacob Clift and Austin Taylor.

Allen’s club might be in a position to deal with injuries this season, with a roster of 43 players set to take the field. “That’s a pretty good number for us,� Allen said. “We had 36 last year, so we’re growing. We had some kids come back out

who hadn’t played. I just think it’s all part of the excitement that’s there.�

Though the expectations are higher, they may even increase in the not-so-distant future since 28 of the 43 players are in the lower two grades. “Almost half of our roster is sophomores,� Allen said. “We have 17 in that class, so even though we’re more experienced, we’re playing with younger guys still.�

Allen realizes that even though several key cogs have gained valuable playing time, there will still be additional maturation to sift through, and it’s been addressed throughout camp. “We have to be ready to play four quarters every week,� Allen said. “During the course of a game or season, things are going to go wrong and go against us, so we have to be able to handle adversity. We want to brush it off quickly and get to the next play. We can’t afford to hang our heads and feel sorry for ourselves.�

The Shamrocks will continue to be an I-formation, pro-style team for the most

See SHAMROCKS Page 123

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123

Shamrocks

From Page 122

part, but Allen is high enough on his team’s speed and skill that he didn’t close the door on emplying some spread formations, too.

“We have some speed, so we can spread guys out some,” Allen said. “We’ve got some kids who are going to move back to their natural positions, which will allow us to be even more dangerous on offense.”

Along with the the solid skill positions personnel, Allen also spoke highly of his lines, on both sides of the ball.

“We feel much better about our size,” Allen said.

“Last year, we averaged between 175 and 180 pounds on the line, but now we’re well over 200 pounds, so our kids’ work in the weight room is recognizable.”

A season ago, the Shamrocks lost their top two quarterbacks early in the campaign and shifted Cade Hannahs to that position.

One of those injured last season, Tate Dowler is back and looking to make up for lost time.

“Tate got hurt in the preseason and missed the entire year,” Allen said. “It really bugged him to not be out there, and he worked hard all offseason and has come

back even stronger. I’ve not noticed him moving any differently now than he did before the season.”

His top backup will be sophomore Ayden Hannahs, while freshman Chase Connerwill supply depth.

Sophomore Gage Hannahs is expected to serve as the primary tailback. Senior Harley Raines is penciled in at fullback.

Junior Owen Oliver and classmate Caden Lake should also see time at fullback. Supplying depth are sophomores Cameron Woods, Jacob Starr, freshmen Griffin Stephenand Owyn Wise.

Cade Hannahs will lead a deep receiving corp, but he will also see time in the backfield. After all, he rushed for 515 yards and five touchowns. He passed for 661 yards and nine touchdowns.

“Cade’s speed and agility make him the ideal slot receiver,” Allen said. “We want to get him the ball in space.”

Senior Brylan Clouse is back on the team after not coming out a year ago. He’ll be in a wide receiver role, too. Junior Uryan Meade is a returning starter and has, according to his head coach,

the best hands on the team.

Others working their way into playing time if the Shamrocks go to a multiplereceiver set are sophomores Isaac Thompson, A.J. Detling, senior Brandon Bunfill and senior Remmy Boyd. Additional wide receiver depth is provided by sophomores A.J. Francis, Cole McCammon and freshman Spencer Bliss.

Tight end is a position of legitimate depth for the Shamrocks. There are no fewer than eight players listed at that spot on the roster. However, the job is firmly sewed up by junior Alex Meade.

“We’re excited about what Alex can do at tight end,” Allen said. “He’s the ideal tight end with his size, and he moves and blocks well.”

Junior Ryan Lucas is the top backup, while additional depth is supplied by sophomores Logan Eddy, Jacob Boulet, Connor Johnson, freshmen Austin Mayhugh, Orion Smith and Ethan Spangenburg.

Up font, not only are the Shamrocks bigger, but they’re also relatively experienced with three starters back.

“We think with our line,

we should be able to establish the run and then kind of look at how the defense adjusts,” Allen said. “We like the guys and where they are, but we have to get the guys into the right spots.”

Senior Zack Meade leads the unit and will line up at guard. Either junior Trey Warner or sophomore Justin Jackson will serve as the center. The other will man the other guard spot.

The left tackle job is in good hands. Senior Isaiah White transferred to western Belmont County from Harrison Central.

“We’re excited to have Isaiah,” Allen said. “He’s an excellent player who has really fit in well.”

The other spot up front has been a battle between junior Justis Weiss, senior Drake Porco, sophomore Luke Schultz and Lucas is also getting a look there.

“We like our line, and we like the depth we have there,” Allen said. “We want the best five on the field at all times. We probably have between seven and eight guys who could play without much drop off, so we’ll be able to give some guys a break if needed.”

Additional linemen vying for action are sophomores

See SHAMROCKS Page 124

have one of the better linebackers in the state of West Virginia in Jermaine Snodgrass,” Daugherty said.

“That kid, as the year went on, started to solidify the middle of the field for us.”

Brandon Brown will be inside with Snodgrass and, according to Daugherty, has bulked up and improved greatly from last season.

Daugherty believes the linebackers will be the strength of the defense. Aldridge and Robinson will vye for time alongside Snodgrass and Brown.

Dylan Wood, Rouse, Calvin McGaha and Mundy

will make up the defensive line.

Both corners return in Devaughn McWhorter (who will also play offensively) and Justin Levelle.

However, the safeties are brand new. Seth Woods, who was a linebacker but now Daugherty says he will be an aggressive safety, will be joined by sophomore Sincere Sinclair, a “suprise and a kid with just a special skill set.” Andrew Shelek could also see time at safety.

An injury to last season’s kicker made way for thenfreshman Andrew Glass to

get some work. The soccer player rejoins the team for his sophomore season.

“We should be alright there,” Daugherty said.

“Last year, we had to do some pooch kicks with him being a freshman. But, he shot up and has been doing really well in the weight room. He is kicking off pretty well, and that will help the defense a little bit.”

Dunlevy will likely handle the punting duties.

“I thought the whole offseason we were going to have good leadership, and that is what we have,” Daugherty said. “We have

some pretty good kids here.

Everything has been a great work ethic and a great attitude. That senior group is a good group of guys, and they aren’t selfish. This group bought in right off the get go.”

The Wheeling Park schedule remains the same, with the exception of Bridgeport coming off the schedule and being replaced

by Musselman, a playoff participant for the past three seasons.

“Last year was the seventh time in the playoffs in school history, and we are absolutely thinking about

No. 8 and doing something in the playoffs,” Daugherty said. “There is no reason where we are a clear underdog in any game. I don’t think that means we will be the favorite, either. We have to go out here and prove it.

The middle of our schedule is going to be very tough.”

Daugherty is joined by assistants Drew Beihl, Boogie Johnson, Tim Ickes, Shane Glass, Keith Phillips, Rick Marsh, Andy Seals, Dave Stahnke, Jack Doyle, Doug Boyd, JR Pyle and Nick Nardone. Sarge Cordery is the equipment manager.

Patriots

Lucas Clark, Tal Johnson, Ethan Pack, freshmen Gavin Carpenter, Bobby-Ray Wilson, Avery Clouse and Jadyn Lucas.

On the defensive side, Allen knows his team must improve in seemingly every capacity, but it’s in the tackling department where the Shamrocks really lacked.

“We were undersized, and we had some kids who were like deer in headlights,” Allen said. “We made improvements, and we must continue to get better. We’ve shown some signs but still have work to do.”

The defensive front is expected to serve as the anchor on that side of that ball. The defensive end spots will be maintained by a combination of either Raines, Lucas, Jackson and Weiss.

White and Uryan Meade have the inside track on the defensive tackle spots, while Porco and Schultz are able to spell either spot.

Clouse, despite being slowed by an injury during camp, is expected to be the middle linebacker, while Lake and Boulet are the backups.

Alex Meade and Oliver are both returning starters at

From Page 105

124

Aug. 22, 2018

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From Page 8

Of course, it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easy. There are many logistics that must be factored in, like where the money would come from and how long it would take to install the turf.

Well, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not here to figure all of that out. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m only here to write why turf is better than grass. (Start a donation or something. Take it out of the taxpayersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; money. Hey, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for a good cause.)

OK, the first benefit involves rainy or snowy conditions. With artificial turf, mud is no longer a worry. Slipping and sliding would be reduced (thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still be some sliding, especially when kids are getting used to it, but it would go down.)

Minus high or low temperatures, every game would be on an even playing surface.

There would be no more advantages or disadvantages of playing on grass one week then turf the following. This would definitely help out soccer teams more than football.

If a football squad is that darn good, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make that much of a difference, but a difference nonetheless.

Now, back to the white yard lines and hash marks.

Have you ever been to a football game and you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see where somebody was on the field? Yeah, it stinks. Are they at the 36-yard line or the 37? How can you see if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a touchdown with no goal line?

This also goes back to mud, which overpowers chalk. Not much one can do with snow, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the way the cookie crumbles.

For those skeptical about the whole turf concept, this

isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the AstroTurf days. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much safer and better than the old days. If anybody has seen the turf, one may think it is grass at first glance until he or she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t smell grass or see the black rubber buried throughout.

Another big positive comes during playoff season. When it comes time to play at a neutral site, it will always be where artificial turf exists.

Sometimes a grassy surface could be an option, but only if it looks like a college team plays there. Imagine if, for example, Big Red and Indian Creek are playing in the second round. Would you rather drive an hour away from home or 10 minutes down the road?

Statistics would be more accurate. As mentioned a few paragraphs ago, somebody can run eight yards, but we think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only six or seven because we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see hash marks and are just guessing. One yard doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sound like a lot, but it adds up. If I have a runner down for 57 rushing yards and the school says 75, something doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t add up. Despite the old rumor, some journalists can do math, namely sports writers because we deal with box scores all the time.

There are many aspects to a football game that should be improved. Old bleachers need remodeling, lights bulbs must be replaced, parking lots need more space, fewer people need to be on the sidelines.

Yet, consistently, good fields tops the list.

This is all hypothetical, of course, but imagine the possibilites.

outside linebacker.

The defensive backfield will be heavy in Hannahses.

Ayden and Gage are ticketed for corner, while Cade is the free safety and quarterback of the defense, according to Allen.

The strong safety spot is maintained by Woods, who Allen said is one of the best

tacklers on the team.

Dowler could slip into some secondary work if the situation warrants, but Allen would prefer to avoid using his quarterback on that side of the ball.

Ayden Hannahs has assumed the role of placekicker, while Raines will handle the punting duties.

Shamrocks

From Page 123

Week 1

Thursday, Aug. 23

Bridgeport at Madonna Wheeling Park at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Martins Ferry at Buckeye Local

Friday, Aug. 24

Penn Hills at Steubenville Oak Glen at Weir High Catholic Central at Toronto Cambridge at Indian Creek Edison at Southern Local Harrison Central at Garaway

Week 2

Friday, Aug. 31

Morgantown at Steubenville Anacostia at Weir High Catholic Central at Oak Glen Madonna at Wheeling Central East Liverpool at Indian Creek Wellsville at Edison Toronto at Bridgeport Bell at Harrison Central Buckeye Local at Union Local

Week 3

Friday, Sept. 7

St. Josephs Catholic at Steubenville James Monroe at Weir High Indian Creek at Alliance Brooke at University Edison at Toronto Oak Glen at Buckeye Local

Saturday, Sept. 8

Southern Local at Catholic Central Vincentian Academy at Madonna Harrison Central at Bellaire

Weekly Prep Schedule Week 4

Friday, Sept. 14

Keyser at Weir High Catholic Central at Edison Indian Creek at Buckeye Local Morgantown at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Grafton at Oak Glen Toronto at Southern Local Harrison Central at Union Local

Saturday, Sept. 15 The Hun at Steubenville, 11 a.m.

Beallsville at Madonna

Week 5

Friday, Sept. 21

Pittsburgh Obama at Steubenville Madonna at Cameron St. Clairsville at Indian Creek Brooke at Ripley Beaver Local at Edison Leetonia at Toronto Martins Ferry at Harrison Central East Liverpool at Oak Glen

Saturday, Sept. 22

Saturday, Sept. 29

Notre Dame at Madonna, 1 p.m.

Week 7

Friday, Oct. 5

Steubenville at New Philadelphia Weir High at Fairmont Senior Wheeling Central at Catholic Central Indian Creek at Martins Ferry Brooke at Parkersburg South East Liverpool at Edison Oak Glen at Warren Toronto at Lisbon Harrison Central at Lucas Buckeye Local at Beaver Local

Weir High at Petersburg, 4 p.m.

Catholic Central at Warren JFK Buckeye Local at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Week 6

Friday, Sept. 28

Dover at Steubenville Union Local at Weir High Catholic Central at Barnesville Indian Creek at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Oak Glen at Edison Toronto at Columbiana St. Clairsville at Harrison Central John Marshall at Buckeye Local

Week 8

Friday, Oct. 12

Justin Hartzell CCHS

Erie at Steubenville Edison at Weir High Indian Creek at Beaver Local John Marshall at Brooke Harrison Central at Oak Glen East Palestine at Toronto

From the sports staff of the Steubenville Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times, good luck to all area teams this season.

Buckeye Local at East Liverpool

Saturday, Oct. 13

Huron Heights at Catholic Central, noon Van at Madonna, 1 p.m.

Week 9

Friday, Oct. 19

Cardinal Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara at Steubenville Weir High at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

Crestview at Indian Creek Brooke at Buckhannon-Upshur Edison at Buckeye Local Oak Glen at East Fairmont Toronto at United Harrison Central at Lutheran East

Saturday, Oct. 20

Madonna at Catholic Central

Week 10

Thursday, Oct. 25 Edison at Indian Creek

Friday, Oct. 26

University at Steubenville Weir High at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Madonna at Conotton Valley Beaver Local at Oak Glen Wellsville at Toronto Buckeye Local at Harrison Central

Saturday, Oct. 27 Fort Frye at Catholic Central

Week 11

Friday, Nov. 2

Clay-Battelle at Madonna Brooke at Princeton Ohio playoffs begin

(Games at 7 p.m. unless noted)

WEEK 1

2018 OVAC Season

Thursday, Aug. 23

Bridgeport at Madonna Wheeling Central at Williamstown Martins Ferry at Buckeye Local Beaver Local at Wellsville Wheeling Park at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 24

West Greene at Cameron Hundred at Clay-Battelle University at John Marshall Sherman at Magnolia Penn Hills at Steubenville Oak Glen at Weir Pksbg. Catholic at Paden City Ripley at Pksbg. South Ritchie Co. at Tyler Consolidated Tygarts Valley at Valley Monroe Central at Union Local Rosecrans at Beallsville Harrison Central at Garaway Newcomerstown at Barnesville Steubenville Central at Toronto Frontier at Shenandoah Meadowbrook at John Glenn Cambridge at Indian Creek Edison at Southern Local Caldwell at Buckeye Trail Shadyside at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

Parkersburg at Morgantown, 7:30 p.m.

Carrollton at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 25 River at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Beaver Eastern at Linsly, 1:30 p.m.

WEEK 2

Friday, Aug. 30 Eastern at Caldwell

Friday, Aug. 31

Cameron at Hundred Clay-Battelle at Meadow Bridge Mountain Ridge at John Marshall Madonna at Wheeling Central Williamstown at Magnolia Steub. Central at Oak Glen Paden City at Wirt County Tyler Consolidated at Doddridge

Waterloo at Conotton Valley Brooke at University, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 8

Harrison Central at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Mogadore at Linsly, 1:30 p.m.

James Monroe at Weir, 4 p.m.

Vincentian Academy at Madonna Southern Local at Steub. Central Clarksburg ND at Bridgeport (at Martins Ferry)

Anacostia, D.C. at Weir Allderdice at Wheeling Park Morgantown at Steubenville University at Pksbg. South Beallsville at Frontier Buckeye Local at Union Local Monroe Central at Shadyside Bell Multicultural at Harrison Central Southern Local at River Meadowbrook at Barnesville Martins Ferry at Nelsonville-York Toronto at Bridgeport (at St.Clairsville) Bellaire at Shenandoah Wellsville at Edison Malvern at Conotton Valley Buckeye Trail at Newcomerstown East Liverpool at Indian Creek

Saturday, Sept. 15

Hu. N.J. Raiders at Steubenville, 11 a.m.

John Marshall at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Hundred at Hannan, 2 p.m.

Beallsville at Madonna Paden City at Bridgeport (at Martins Ferry)

WEEK 5

Friday, Sept. 21

Saturday, Sept. 1

Westinghouse at Linsly, 1:30 p.m.

Meigs at St. Clairsville, 6 p.m.

WEEK 3

Thursday, Sept. 6 W.Va. Wesleyan at West Liberty

Friday, Sept. 7

Valley at Cameron Preston at John Marshall Magnolia at Shadyside Oak Glen at Buckeye Local Van at Paden City East Hardy at Wheeling Central Pksbg. South at Athens Beallsville at Hundred Morgantown at Fort Hill, Md. St. Clairsville at Meadowbrook River at Monroe Central Union Local at Martins Ferry Buckeye Trail at Barnesville Edison at Toronto East Liverpool at Salem Shenandoah at Beaver Local Tusc. CC at Caldwell Indian Creek at Alliance St. Josephรกs at Steubenville

Clay-Battelle at Valley Grafton at Oak Glen Tyler Consolidated at Calhoun Keyser at Weir Princeton at Pksbg. South Harrison Central at Union Local Linsly at Carrick Claymont at Buckeye Trail Indian Creek at Buckeye Local Barnesville at Shenandoah Toronto at Southern Local Meadowbrook at Shadyside Steubenville Central at Edison Caldwell at Monroe Central Warren at Cambridge Beaver Local at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

Martins Ferry at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

Wheeling Park at University, 7:30 p.m.

Morgantown at Brooke, 7:30 p.m

Reed Reitter Weir High

WEEK 4

Thursday, Sept. 13 West Liberty at Charleston

Friday, Sept. 14 Cameron at Frontier Magnolia at River

Brooke at Ripley Madonna at Cameron Tygarts Valley at Clay-Battelle Hundred at Paden City Pksbg. South at John Marshall East Liverpool at Oak Glen Hundred at Paden City Fayetteville at Wheeling Central Wirt County at Tyler Consolidated Beallsville at Valley Linsly at Morgantown Martins Ferry at Harrison Central St. Clairsville at Indian Creek Obama Acad. at Steubenville River at Caldwell Steub. Central at Warren JFK Buckeye Trail at Indian Valley Monroe Central at Fort Frye Union Local at Warren Barnesville at River View Beaver Local at Edison Leetonia at Toronto Wheeling Park at Cambridge Shadyside at Shenandoah Mogadore at Meadowbrook East Liverpool at Oak Glen Bridgeport at Conotton Valley University at Fairmont, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22

Buckeye Local at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Weir at Petersburg, 4 p.m.

WEEK 6

Friday, Sept. 28

Cameron at Paden City Clay-Battelle at Calhoun Co. Gilmer County at Hundred John Marshall at Buckeye Local Magnolia at Monroe Central Oak Glen at Edison Webster County at Tyler Consolidated Valley at Pksbg. Catholic Union Local at Weir Dover at Steubenville Wheeling Park at Parkersburg Musselman at Morgantown Strasburg at Buckeye Trail Bridgeport at Beallsville Linsly at Wheeling Central Shadyside at River Steubenville Central at Barnesville Toronto at Columbiana Shenandoah at Marietta Bellaire at Beaver Local Frontier at Fort Frye St. Clairsville at Harrison Centrall Coshocton at Meadowbrook Caldwell at Conotton Valley Martins Ferry at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

St. Albans at University, 7:30 p.m.

Indian Creek at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Monroe Central at Shenandoah Toronto at Lisbon Caldwell at Frontier East Liverpool at Edison Bellaire at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

Morgantown at Pksbg. South Conotton Valley at Beallsville St. Clairsville at Union Local Barnesville at Monroe Central East Palestine at Toronto Erie Royals at Steubenville Morgan at Shenandoah Bellaire at Shadyside River View at Meadowbrook Indian Creek at Beaver Local Fort Frye at Caldwell Buckeye Local at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

John Marshall at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Tyler Consolidated at Tolsia, 7:30 p.m.

Buck-Upshur at University, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 13

Huron Heights at Steubenville Central, noon Van at Madonna, 1 p.m.

River at Crestline, 7:30 p.m.

WEEK 9

Friday, Oct. 19

Brooke at Buckhannon-Upshur Cameron at Beallsville Conotton Valley at Clay-Battelle John Marshall at Morgantown Tyler Consolidated at Magnolia Oak Glen at East Fairmont Doddridge at Valley Weir at East Liverpool Cardinal OรกHara at Steubenville Buckeye Trail at Sandy Valley Princeton at Wheeling Park Linsly at Meadowbrook St. Clairsville at South Range Edison at Buckeye Local Beaver Local at Martins Ferry

Saturday, Sept. 29

Linsly at Wheeling Central, 1:30 p.m.

Notre Dame at Madonna

WEEK 7

Friday, Oct. 5

Brooke at Pksbg. South Cameron at Conotton Valley Paden City at Clay-Battelle Valley at Hundred Magnolia at Crestview Steubenville at New Philaldelphia Harrison Central at Oak Glen Tyler Consolidated at Williamstown Weir at Fairmont Wheeling Central at Steub. Central Morgantown at Wheeling Park University at Mountain Ridge Malvern at Buckeye Trail Shadyside at Beallsville Harrison Central at Lucas Indian Creek at Martins Ferry Meadowbrook at Union Local Bridgeport at River Barnesville at Fort Frye Buckeye Local at Beaver Local

Nate Karaffa Toronto

WEEK 8

Friday, Oct. 12

Valley at Frontier Cameron at Clay-Battelle Hundred at Hancock, Md. St. Marys at Magnolia Hannan at Paden City Edison at Weir Buckeye Trail at Tusky CC Martins Ferry at Wheeling Central Musselman at Wheeling Park

Barnesville at Caldwell Monroe Central at Frontier Toronto at United Local Shenandoah at Fort Frye Crestview at Indian Creek Shadyside at Bridgeport (at St. Clairsville) Lutheran East at Harrison Central, 7:30 p.m.

Pksbg. South at Greenbrier East, 7:30 p.m.

Preston at University, 7:30 p.m.

Hundred at Tygarts Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 20

Union Local at Bellaire, 12:30 p.m.

Wheeling Central vs. Portsmouth West, 1:30 p.m. (at Hebron Lakewood) Madonna at Steub. Central River at Lucas, 1 p.m.

WEEK 10

Friday, Oct. 26

Bridgeport at Cameron Clay-Battelle at Notre Dame Warren at John Marshall Madonna at Conotton Valley Beaver Local at Oak Glen Beallsville at Paden City West Muskingum at Monroe Central Valley at Tyler Consolidated Wheeling Central at Shadyside University at Morgantown East Canton at Buckeye Trail Buckeye Local at Harrison Central Linsly at Crestview Frontier at River University School at Steubenville Union Local at Barnesville Bellaire at Martins Ferry Wellsville at Toronto Caldwell at Shenandoah Meadowbrook at Cambridge Edison at Indian Creek Wheeling Park at Pksbg. South, 7:30 p.m.

Weir at Brooke, 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland JFK at St. Clairsville, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 27

Fort Frye at Steubenville Central

WEEK 11

Friday, Nov. 2

Brooke at Princeton, 7:30 p.m.

Clay-Battelle at Madonna John Marshall at Wheeling Park Wheeling Central at Magnolia Paden City at Valley St. Marys at Tyler Consolidated Montcalm at Hundred, 7:30 p.m.

Pksbg. South at Parkersburg, 7:30 p.m.

Ohio playoffs begin

WEEK 12

Friday, Nov. 9

West Virginia playoffs begin Ohio playoffs Week 2

(All games begin at 7 p.m. unless noted)

RENO SACCOCCIA STEUBENVILLE

TONY FILBERTO WEIR HIGH

STEVE DALEY CATHOLIC CENTRAL

DARRIN HICKS WEIRTON MADONNA

Saccoccia’s squad defends its Division IV championship after a 15-0 year.

Big Red has 30 total playoff appearances and 17 postseason trips. Big Red will host nine games and travel once.

Filberto’s team seeks a fifthstraight trip to the Class AA playoffs.

The Red Riders were 7-3 last year and 29-13 during the past four years, ending in first-round eliminations from the playoffs.

Daley’s squad went 7-3 last season and reached the Ohio Division VI playoffs. Entering his eighth year, the Crusaders are 3924 during that span. They finished .500 or better six times.

Hicks’ Blue Dons finished 8-2 a year ago during his third year at the helm.

They were the eighth seed in the Class A playoffs.

Last year was an improvement from 2016’s team that finished 2-8.

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Connor enters his 16th season as head coach of the Redskins and owns a 90-64 career record. Creek failed to reach playoff action last year after six straight appearances as a Division III school.

McLean begins his fifth season as head coach of his alma mater. A 1994 graduate, he led the Bruins to a 3-7 record last season.

Two of those wins came in the final three weeks of the season.

O’Brien, a 2012 graduate of Edison, begins his first season as head coach.

Edison finished 2-8 last year under Nate Moses, who was head coach for one season. Edison is 515 the last two years combined.

Arneault begins his third season as the Golden Bears’ head coach. He is 4-16 during that span (2-8 both years).

Oak Glen won two of its first four games last year before ending with six straight losses.

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