The Insider Magazine vol 21 #1 August 2018

INSIDER

the

August 2018

HerdInsider.com

FOOTBALL IS BACK! WV-OH-KY HIGH SCHOOL, MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD, AND MORE!

UP FRONT

08.18

VOLUME 21 NO. 1

compiled by Bill Cornwell THE INSIDER Editor

Welcome to our 2018 Insider Football Preview, our look at the upcoming for the Marshall Thundering Herd and local high school teams.

Much is expected of Coach Doc Holliday’s ninth Marshall team, as it comes off an 8-4 season in 2017 capped off with a New Mexico Bowl win over Colorado State. The excitement comes with several questions such as how the Herd will perform under two new coordinators (Tim Cramsey on offense and Adam Fuller on defense) and a new quarterback (likely Wagner transfer Alex Thomson). Can the veteran maintain the standards established over the past five years by former coordinator Chuck Heater?

Who will fill the large kicking shoes of last year’s kicker/punter Kaare Vedvik? Can the Herd find a way to pass FAU in the Conference USA East standings this year while holding off challenges from improved Middle Tennessee, FIU and Old Dominion? Can the Herd get a “signature” win on the road at South Carolina or at home against North Carolina State?

On the high school front, there is much anticipation at several schools, including Huntington High, home of one of the nation’s top offensive line recruits in Darnell Wright, and Spring Valley, runners-up in W.Va. Class AAA the past two seasons and home to two Division One offensive line commitments (Doug Nestor to Ohio State and Zach Williamson to Louisville). Cabell Midland and talented senior running back Ivan Vaughn are hoping for improvement this year, but the Knights face a tough schedule, with a mid-season matchup with perennial Kentucky power Belfry. Fairland, Chesapeake, South Point face challenging years, while Coal Grove could be the surprise of the Ohio Valley Conference. Ironton has a new, young coach in charge in former Michigan State letterman Trevon Pendleton who must meet the high expectations of Fighting Tigers fans. Ashland is expected to be strong this season, but the Tomcats must battle rival Russell in Class AAA district play. Raceland is hoping to make a repeat trip to the Ky. Class A title game and a chance to avenge last year’s loss to Beechwood.

------------------------We may be talking football in this issue, but Marshall basketball has been a hot topic of discussion in the Tri-State this summer following the Herd’s dramatic run to a Conference USA Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament first-round upset of Wichita State, Marshall’s first-ever win in the “big dance”.

Off-season workouts in the Henderson Center have been the “best show in town” over the past few months and have drawn morning crowds of 60 to 80 fans, all welcome to the action by Herd Head Coach Dan D’Antoni. High-flying freshmen Taveion Kinsey Cam Brooks-Harris have been fun to watch with his athletic dunks and

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hustle. Junior College transfer Ante Sustic has also been a pleasant surprise with his combination of size and ability to hit outside shots.

WHAT WE’VE GOT 08.18

It will be interesting to see how Marshall handles being “the hunted” this year as most expect the Herd to be favored to win another Conference USA title. Can Marshall handle the view from top?

VOLUME 21 No. 1

Herd fans will be enjoying some new amenities in the Henderson Center in the upcoming season, specifically a million-dollar, state-of-the-art video board hanging over mid-court. Thanks to Marshall’s media right holder IMG, the new board became a reality and should really brighten the fan’s game-watching experience along with the excitement brought by the “6th Man Band” and veteran Public Address Announcer Mike Kirtner.

UP FRONT

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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HIGH SCHOOL

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Get your tickets now, because lower bowl seats may be hard to come by when the season arrives in November.

------------------As always happens in the off-season, there have been a few changes in the Marshall Athletic Department.

The main change came in the softball with the sudden departure in June of Head Coach Jen Steele after one season, who left after leading the Herd to a 25-29-1 record. Steele eventually got another job as head coach at Delaware.

Steele’s replacement is impressive. It’s Jen Smith, who led the Kansas Jayhawks of the Big 12 Conference for nine seasons.

Smith’s 2014 and 2015 KU teams reached the NCAA Tournament.

The North Carolina graduate also started the softball program at Western Carolina, an old Marshall rival in the Southern Conference. Smith brings an overall coach record of 393-265 to Marshall.

FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

-------------------Marshall fans were “busting their buttons” with pride on August 4th as former Herd football great Randy Moss entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Moss is only the 2nd former MU player to be in the pro hall, as he enters 1940s Marshall lineman Frank “Gunner” Gatski, the only Marshall football player to have his number retired (#72). Gatski played professionally with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.

Moss was elected to the Marshall Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

Although he only played two seasons at Marshall before entering the NFL, Moss will hopefully make it to the College Football Hall of Fame one day, as his numbers at Marshall in 1996 and 1997 were record-breaking as he became a “human highlight reel” whenever the Herd took the gridiron.

555 Fifth Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 (304) 523-8401

General Manager Mike Kirtner Editor Bill Cornwell

MARSHALL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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REGIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

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Creative Director Haley Donaldson Contributor James E. Casto

Associate GM Reeves Kirtner First Subscriber Geoff Sheils

Writer Dave Walsh Printing The Printing Press Ltd.

Web Operations Alex Hackney All contents ©2018 Kindred Communications

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/ August 2018

HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL PREVIEW compiled by Dave Walsh THE INSIDER writer

High school football for 2018 has its share of storylines.

Two of the biggest are two schools in the same league located not that far apart have three of the most sought-after linemen in the country and one coaching change is sure to attract great scrutiny.

Huntington High’s Darnell Wright happens to be the No. 1-ranked offensive tackle and overall No. 2 prospect nationally for the Class of 2019. Spring Valley two behemoths up front are offensive tackles Doug Nester and Zach Williamson.

The coach under the microscope is Trevon Pendleton, who takes over at Ironton and a program that has experienced some lean years following the departure of Bob Lutz, the winningest coach in Ohio high school football history.

Huntington High Wright, who is 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, has narrowed his list of schools down to 10. Those heavyweights are Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, North Carolina, Ohio State, Penn State, USC and Tennessee.

Despite all the attention, Wright’s focus is on team success. “He understands that he still plays for Huntington High School,” Highlanders coach Billy Seals told Tim Stephens of The Herald-Dispatch. “That’s his sole focus and he’s been very humble about the whole process.”

Huntington High went unbeaten in the regular season in 2017 and entered the Class AAA playoffs ranked No. 1. The season ended with a 10-7 loss to Spring Valley at home in the semifinals. Two key losses from that team are all-purpose back Jason Hayes (more than 2,800 total yards) and quarterback Luke Zban (walk-on at Marshall). A positive finds all-state lineman Max Howell back for his senior year.

Bryce Damous, a 6-3 senior, is back at wide receiver.

Seals is in his 10th season with the Highlanders. In 2013, Martinsburg edged Huntington, 9-7, in the state title game in Wheeling. “Our goal is to win a state championship,” he said. “We’ve knocked on the door twice since 2013, but we gotta learn to kick that door in.”

Spring Valley Division I recruits for the Timberwolves are Nester and Williamson. Nester is headed to Ohio State and Williamson to Louisville. Williamson returns after breaking his tibia and fibula against Cabell Midland last season.

Spring Valley must develop a new signal caller. Nathan Ellis and Will Adkins are the frontrunners and Graeson Malashevich could get into the mix. “Both of them are good, and then you throw Malashevich in there and we could run some option stuff, too,” Dingess said. As the veteran coach sees it for all positions, “Whoever gives us the best fit is who we’ll go with,” Dingess said.

Cabell Midland Knights coach Luke Salmons had a roster of nearly 90 take the field for the first practice held on grass. The new artificial turf is now down in the school’s stadium.

Salmons, like other area coaches, got to work with his Knights in June. The official start of practice proved to be different. “This time of year it means more and you do things a little differently. There’s more of a sense of urgency and the kids are excited. The coaches are excited,” Salmons told Tim Stephens of The Herald-Dispatch.

One of Cabell Midland’s top returnees is back Ivan Vaughn. He rushed for 1,850 yards last season and made first-team Class AAA All-State. Two top defensive backs return in Griffin Adkins and J.J. Roberts.

Wayne After going a combined 9-11 in 2015 and 2016, the Pioneers made quite a turnaround in 2017. Coach Tom Harmon’s Pioneers posted a 10-2 mark and reached the quarterfinals in the Class AA playoffs where they lost to Fairmont Senior. In mid-October, Wayne won at Sissonville for Harmon’s 200th career win.

This fall Wayne has to find a new quarterback. All-Cardinal Conference first-team picks back are Johnny Adkins, Tanner Owens, Devon Matzdorff, Nicholas Perry and Jonah Mathis. The younger Pioneers who made an impact last season are out to continue that surge. Wayne traveled to Class AAA Spring Valley for its 2018 opener, the first meeting between the two schools since 1999.

August 2018 / THE INSIDER /

Tolsia Ed Crum is back for his second season as the Rebels coach. He had a young team last season and struggled at times in 2017, but things look more promising for this season.

Lincoln County Panthers coach Randy Adkins got quite a gift on the first day of practice as a pair of newcomers showed up to anchor the offensive and defensive tackle positions.

Kevin Dolin, a 6-foot-6, 303-pound senior, came out for the first time in three years. Jerrad Price, a 6-3, 285-pound senior, transferred from Scott High School. Both players add size and strength to a team in need of both.

Adkins said the team needs to avoid injuries. He said the Panthers had 13 starters out in late-season losses to Valley-Fayette and Buffalo. “If we can stay healthy, we can be a good football team,” Adkins said.

Point Pleasant The Big Blacks have two big weapons back in quarterback Cason Payne and receiver Josh Wamsley. Payne, a southpaw, threw for a school-record 1,653 yards last season and 18 TDs. He rushed for 925 yards and 16 scores.

Wamley had 49 catches for 732 yards and 7 scores.

Point Pleasant is coming off an 8-2 regular season and 10th straight playoff appearance. Bluefield beat the Big Blacks in the quarterfinals in Class AA. Wahama James Toth takes over as head coach for the White Falcons. He returns to Wahama where he previously coached the boys basketball team for eight seasons. He took the job in late July and needed some time to assemble a staff.

The White Falcons went 5-5 in 2017, getting the fifth win in dramatic fashion the season finale at Buffalo. The Bison failed on a two-point conversion in overtime, allowing Wahama to prevail 20-19. It was the first time the White Falcons won their finale since 2012 and first OT win since 2012.

Hannan The Wildcats made history before taking the field in 2018.

Kellie Thomas is the new head coach, making Hannan the first high school in the Mountain State with a female head coach. Thomas has been head coach of girls basketball and volleyball, as well as an assistant coach with track and field. A graduate of Point Pleasant High School and Marshall University, Thomas is well versed in championship football, having been an athletic trainer with Marshall’s 1992 NCAA Division I-AA national title-winning team.

Hannan, a Class A school of 196 students, went 2-8 last season and hasn’t won more than three games in a season since the early 1990s. The Wildcats are one of the 10 smallest football schools in West Virginia.

Ironton The Fighting Tigers have turned to Trevon Pendleton as their new head coach. Pendleton, 25, played at Portsmouth West, had a solid career at Michigan State and had brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. Pendleton knows Ironton football has trended south-

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ward in recent seasons. Over the past five years, the Fighting Tigers have had two losing seasons (2013 and 2017), which has led to a uncharacteristic gloom-anddoom mindset among the Ironton faithful in regards to its football program. He and his staff will have to bridge gaps while implementing their visions for how the program will look going forward.

Chesapeake Coach Andy Clark and the Panthers hope to rebound from a tough OVC run in 2017 when they won just once.

Austin Browning (quarterback/defensive back) and Isaiah Pinkerman (300-plus as a two-way lineman) are among top returnees. Non-league games for the Panthers are against Oak Hill, Alexander and Lawrence County rival Symmes Valley.

Fairland Coach Melvin Cunningham’s Dragons came within one win of an OVC championship in 2017. They started 5-0, then lost the showdown at eventual league champion Coal Grove, but rebounded to beat Chesapeake in the season finale to close 6-4. Joel Lambiotte returns at quarterback to direct Fairland’s open style of play. Reilly Sowards is one receiver back. Riley Kazee returns at running back/linebacker. Non-league foes are Tolsia, Athens and Waverly.

Coal Grove In his debut, coach Evan Ferguson directed the Hornets to an OVC championship, runner-up spot in Region 23 in Division VI and an overall record of 11-2. Coal Grove lost to Nelsonville-York in the regional title game. He was voted OVC coach of the year. Ferguson, 25, came to the Hornets after working five years as an assistant at Wayne High and one at South Point. He was Coal Grove’s third head coach in four years.

The Hornets lose 13 seniors. The main returning players are Nate Harmon, Kyle Sites, Aaron Music, Evan Holmes, Austin Stormes, Reece York and Ben Compliment. “We have some kids who can play,” said Ferguson. “I hope it just shows them the excitement of playing football on Friday night, especially at Coal Grove.”

Rock Hill Mark Lutz, former standout at Ironton High and assistant for the Fighting Tigers, returns for year two as head coach. He welcomes back running backs Zak Adkins and Logan Hankins, each who have surpassed, 1,000 yards rushing for a season. Brayden Friend, a sophomore, returns at quarterback. J.J. Hackworth, Gabe Skaggs and Jake Bevins are competing for time at fullback.

Cameron Donahue is the top returning lineman. Soccer player Brady Floyd is back to handle extra points and field goals. Other lineman back include T.J. McGinnis, Tristen Delong, Ethan McClasky and Tucker Carpenter.

Other seniors back are Zach Dempsey, Quinn Depriest, David Grant, Tyler Keeton and Jake Bevins. The Redmen finished 4-6 in 2017.

South Point At the first day of practice, the Pointers fielded a complete offense and defense. South Point didn’t have that pleasure for much of last season, finishing the season

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with 17 players on the roster. That fact made new coach James Gifford smile a bit. He comes over from Sciotoville East after going 25-9 the last three seasons.

South Point, at times through the years a powerful program in the Ohio Valley Conference, went 2-8 last season after going 0-10 in 2016. South Point’s last winning season was in 2013, when they went 7-3 and finished third in the OVC behind champion Fairland and runner-up Coal Grove. The Pointers are 27-82 since 2007.

The past few seasons, the Pointers were victimized by injuries, defections and suspensions.

Portsmouth The Trojans enter 2018 with a new head coach. Matt Kestler, former Middletown High School assistant, takes over for Ryan Moniz. He had been the team’s head coach the past eight years. Moniz coach for the past eight seasons.

Moniz was not reappointed by the School Committee on a 6-0 vote after an investigation into a student’s death.

Kestler realizes his new team has known mostly success in recent seasons, so the trick will be how to mix in his notions with a recipe that’s been proven. “We’ll play it by ear and see what direction we’re going to go. We want to make sure we’re on the same page,” Kestler said.

Gallia Academy The Blue Devils have plenty to build on after routing South Point (47-0) in the 2017 finale to complete a 5-5 season, 4-3 in the OVC. Running back/linebacker Jacob Campbell returns as does quarterback Justin McClelland.

He had 4 TD passes against South Point. This was their first league road win since 2014 (SEOAL over Warren).

They had lost eight straight league games overall.

Symmes Valley Center Chad Morris, quarterback/corner Keifer Wilson, fullback/corner James Newcomb and running back/ defensive back Trent Turner are the four seniors on the roster of 31 players for the Vikings. Morris is the only senior starter on the offensive line. “Chad is not a natural athlete,” Vikings coach Rusty Webb told Tim Stephens of The Herald-Dispatch. “He has worked himself into becoming an athlete. He shows great senior leadership.”

The Vikings went 6-4 a year ago and just missed the playoffs.

Green Coach Ted Newsome continues to work to increase roster size and win total. More players took part in off-season workouts and that’s a plus.

Ashland Quarterback Braxton Ratliff is true dual threat as he had 1,745 yards passing and 762 rushing and accounted for 37 touchdowns last season. Blake Hester is the top returning rusher (773 yards). Junior Jones is back to anchor the defensive line. The Tomcats must develop middle and outside linebackers. If Ryan Bryant gets healthy, he can add a lot up front. Center John Stone is back. Coach Tony Love’s team started 2017 with a 1-2 mark, then reeled off nine straight wins. That included 21-18 win over Johnson Central to clinch the district crown. The Eagles prevailed in the rematch in the third round of the Class AAAA playoffs.

Russell The Red Devils and coach T.J. Maynard have the usual tough opening four-game stretch. They travel to Greenup County and Ashland and are home to Ironton (Ohio) and Boyd County. Russell went 5-5 in regular season and lost a firstround Class AAA playoff game.

Boyd County The Lions have one of the Bluegrass State’s longest losing streaks at 12 games. That includes a winless 2017. Boyd County must develop some offense to take pressure off the defense. In their final seven games, the Lions got blanked three times and score just one TD in the other four.

Greenup County The Musketeers have a quarterback to watch in junior Eli Sammons.

Raceland Quarterback battle between Dalton Adkins Jacob Heighton and Boyd County transfer Ethan Cox. Judd Adkins and Hunter Lacks leading backs. One issue is defensive line.

Fairview Jack Roy takes over running Fairview’s explosive attack.

The top ball carrier should be Noah King.

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HIGH SCHOOL

SCHEDULES Kentucky Ashland Aug. 18 Harlan County Aug. 24 Raceland Aug. 31 at George Washington (WV) Sept. 7 Russell Sept. 14 at Ironton Sept. 21 Rowan County Sept. 28 Boyd County Oct. 5 East Carter Oct. 12 at Greenup County Oct. 19 at Johnson Central Boyd County Aug. 24 at Fairview Aug. 31 South Point (Ohio) Sept. 7 Estill County Sept. 14 at Russell Sept. 21 Johnson Central Sept. 28 at Ashland Oct. 5 at Rowan County Oct. 12 East Carter Oct. 19 Greenup County Oct. 26 at Shelby Valley Russell Aug. 25 at Greenup County Aug. 31 Ironton Sept. 7 at Ashland Sept. 14 Boyd County Sept. 21 West Carter Sept. 28 at Fleming County Oct. 5 Pendleton County Oct. 12 Lewis County Oct. 19 at Bath County Oct. 26 at Raceland Greenup County Aug. 17 at Lewis County Aug. 25 Russell Aug. 31 Fleming County

Sept. 7 Raceland Sept. 14 at Lawrence County Sept. 21 at East Carter Sept. 28 Rowan County Oct. 5 at Johnson Central Oct. 12 Ashland Oct. 19 at Boyd County Raceland Aug. 17 at Lawrence County Aug. 24 at Ashland Aug. 31 West Carter Sept. 7 at Greenup County Sept. 15 Lucasville Valley (Ohio) Sept. 21 at Portsmouth West (Ohio) Sept. 28 at Somerset Oct. 12 at Fairview Oct. 19 Paintsville Oct. 26 Russell Fairview Aug. 24 Boyd County Aug. 31 Nicholas County Sept. 7 Owen County Sept. 14 at Lewis County Sept. 21 at Lucasville Valley (Ohio) Sept. 28 at Phelps

Oct. 5 at Paintsville Oct. 12 Raceland Oct. 19 Lincoln County (WV) Oct. 26 at West Carter Lawrence County Aug. 17 Raceland Aug. 24 at Magoffin County Aug. 31 Prestonsburg Sept. 7 at Powell County Sept. 14 Greenup County Sept. 21 at Paintsville Sept. 28 at Sheldon Clark Oct. 5 Pike County Central Oct. 12 Belfry Oct. 19 at Floyd Central

Ohio Ironton Aug. 24 at Wheelersburg Aug. 31 at Russell Sept. 7 at Fairland Sept. 14 Ashland Sept. 21 South Point Sept. 28 Chesapeake

August 2018 / THE INSIDER /

Oct. 5 at Rock Hill Oct. 12 Coal Grove Oct. 19 Gallia Academy Oct. 26 at Portsmouth Rock Hill Aug. 24 Minford Aug. 31 at McDermott Northwest Sept. 7 Oak Hill Sept. 14 at Portsmouth Sept. 21 Fairland Sept. 28 at South Point Oct. 5 Ironton Oct. 12 at Gallia Academy Oct. 19 Chesapeake Oct. 26 at Coal Grove Coal Grove Aug. 24 at River Valley Aug. 31 at Lucasville Valley Sept. 7 at Portsmouth West Sept. 14 South Point Sept. 21 at Chesapeake Sept. 28 Portsmouth Oct. 5 Gallia Academy Oct. 12 at Ironton Oct. 19 at Fairland Oct. 26 Rock Hill South Point Aug. 24 Portsmouth West Aug. 31 at Boyd County (Ky.) Sept. 7 Albany Alexander Sept. 14 at Coal Grove Sept. 21 at Ironton Sept. 28 Rock Hill Oct. 5 at Fairland Oct. 12 Chesapeake Oct. 19 Portsmouth Oct. 26 at Gallia Academy Chesapeake Aug. 24 at Oak Hill Aug. 31 at Albany Alexander Sept. 7 Symmes Valley Sept. 14 Gallia Academy Sept. 21 Coal Grove Sept. 28 at Ironton Oct. 5 Portsmouth Oct. 12 at South Point Oct. 19 at Rock Hill Oct. 26 Fairland Fairland

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Aug. 24 at Tolsia (WV) Aug. 31 Athens Sept. 7 Ironton Sept. 14 at Waverly Sept. 21 at Rock Hill Sept. 28 at Gallia Academy Oct. 5 South Point Oct. 12 at Portsmouth Oct. 19 Coal Grove Oct. 26 at Chesapeake

Sept. 1 at Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy Sept. 7 at Chesapeake Sept. 14 Oak Hill Sept. 21 at Green Sept. 28 Eastern Pike Oct. 5 at Portsmouth Notre Dame Oct. 12 Manchester Oct. 19 at Sciotoville Oct. 26 McDermott Northwest

Portsmouth Aug. 23 at Lucasville Valley Aug. 31 Portsmouth West Sept. 7 at River Valley Sept. 14 Rock Hill Sept. 21 Gallia Academy Sept. 28 at Coal Grove Oct. 5 at Chesapeake Oct. 12 Fairland Oct. 19 at South Point Oct. 26 Ironton

Wheelersburg Aug. 24 Ironton Aug. 31 at Columbus Bishop Hartley Sept. 7 Heath Sept. 14 at Columbus Bishop Watterson Sept. 21 Jackson Sept. 28 at Oak Hill Oct. 5 at Waverly Oct. 12 Minford Oct. 19 Lucasville Valley Oct. 26 Portsmouth West

Gallia Academy Aug. 24 Meigs Sept. 1 River Valley Sept. 7 at Jackson Sept. 14 at Chesapeake Sept. 21 at Portsmouth Sept. 28 Fairland Oct. 5 at Coal Grove Oct. 12 Rock Hill Oct. 19 at Ironton Oct. 26 South Point Symmes Valley Aug. 24 South Gallia

West Virginia Cabell Midland Aug. 24 St. Albans Aug. 31 at Parkersburg Sept. 7 Spring Valley Sept. 14 at Hurricane Sept. 21 at Capital Sept. 28 at Riverside Oct. 5 at Belfry Oct. 12 Woodrow Wilson Oct. 19 Huntington Nov. 2 South Charleston

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Huntington Aug. 24 at Belfry Aug. 31 at Riverside Sept. 7 George Washington Sept. 14 Woodrow Wilson Sept. 28 at South Charleston Oct. 5 Hurricane Oct. 12 at Capital Oct. 19 at Cabell Midland Oct. 26 Parkersburg Nov. 2 at Spring Valley Spring Valley Aug. 24 Wayne Aug. 31 Hurricane Sept. 7 at Cabell Midland Sept. 14 at South Charleston Sept. 21 at George Washington Sept. 28 at Capital Oct. 5 Riverside Oct. 12 St. Albans Oct. 26 at Pt. Pleasant Nov. 2 Huntington Wayne Aug. 24 at Spring Valley Aug. 31 Mingo Central Sept. 14 Winfield Sept. 21 at Nitro Sept. 28 Scott Oct. 5 at Herbert Hoover Oct. 12 Chapmanville Oct. 19 Sissonville Oct. 26 at Logan Nov. 2 at Poca Tolsia Aug. 24 Fairland

Aug.. 31 at Buffalo Sept. 7 Lincoln County Sept. 14 at Westside Sept. 21 at Tug Valley Sept. 28 South Harrison Oct. 5 at Mount View Oct. 12 Tyler Consolidated Oct. 26 at Pikeville (Ky.) Nov. 2 Hannan Hurricane Aug. 24 at Winfield Aug. 31 at Spring Valley Sept. 7 at Capital Sept. 14 Cabell Midland Sept. 21 Woodrow Wilson Sept. 28 George Washington Oct. 5 at Huntington Oct. 12 Parkersburg Oct. 19 South Charleston Oct. 26 at St. Albans Winfield Aug. 24 Hurricane Aug. 31 at Herbert Hoover Sept. 7 Chapmanville Sept. 14 at Wayne Sept. 21 Logan Oct. 5 Poca Oct. 12 at Sissonville Oct. 19 at Nitro Oct. 26 Scott Nov. 2 at Mingo Central Poca Aug. 24 Nitro Aug. 31 at Chapmanville Sept. 7 Buffalo

Sept. 14 at Logan Sept. 21 Mingo Central Sept. 28 at Sissonville Oct. 5 at Winfield Oct. 19 at Scott Oct. 26 Herbert Hoover Nov. 2 Wayne Buffalo Aug. 24 at Greenbrier West Aug. 31 Tolsia Sept. 7 at Poca Sept. 14 Sherman Sept. 21 Willliamstown Sept. 28 Tug Valley Oct. 12 Valley (Fayette) Oct. 19 at Hannan Oct. 26 at Lincoln County Nov. 2 at Wahama Lincoln County Aug. 24 Shady Spring Aug. 31 Roane County Sept. 7 at Tolsia Sept. 14 at Van Sept. 28 Man Oct. 5 Valley (Fayette) Oct. 12 at Clay County Oct. 19 at Fairview, Ky Oct. 26 Buffalo Nov. 2 Tug Valley Point Pleasant Aug. 24 at Mingo Central Aug. 31 at South Harrison Sept. 7 Warren Local (Ohio) Sept. 14 Herbert Hoover Sept. 21 Pikeville (Ky.) Oct. 12 at Meigs (Ohio) Oct. 19 at Man Oct. 26 Spring Valley Nov. 2 James Monroe Hannan Aug. 24 at Tug Valley Aug. 31 Green (Ohio) Sept. 7 at Manchester (Ohio) Sept. 15 Hundred Sept. 21 Van Oct. 12 at Montcalm Oct. 19 Buffalo Oct. 26 Parkersburg Catholic Nov. 2 at Tolsia

Darnell Wright Huntington High School photo courtesy of 247sports.com Veteran ESPN college basketball analyst used to refer to top recruits as “America’s guest”, meaning they’d travelled from coast to coast on recruiting visits.

The same could be said for Huntington High Senior Offensive Tackle Darnell Wright, considered by many to be the top tackle recruit nationally in the class of 2019.

The 6-7, 315-pound Wright has spent the summer attending numerous camps and showcases where he’s been exposed to other All-American talent as well as to recruiters from universities throughout the nation.

Wright decided in late July which schools had made his Top 10 list and it’s an impressive group. The schools are: Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, North Carolina, Ohio State, Penn State, USC and Tennessee. He hasn’t indicated if he might cut that list a bit further or when he plans to make a final decision.

Of more immediate concern for Wright and his Highlanders teammates will be to maintain the winning tradition established in recent years at Huntington High. The program has been a consistent winner since Billy Seals took over as head coach, making it to one state championship game, a 2013 9-7 loss to Martinsburg.

Wright has the talent, along with his teammates, to take the Huntington program over the top this year, but big challenges are ahead, none bigger than the Highlanders biggest rivals, Spring Valley and Cabell Midland.

The Timberwolves are state runners-up the past two seasons and have their own All-State linemen in Doug Nester (Ohio State commit) and Zach Williamson (Louisville commit). Midland faces a tough schedule but will feature a bruising offense led by running back Ivan Vaughn.

Huntington Coach Billy Seals knows he has a once-in-a-lifetime talent in Wright.

“He understands that he still plays for Huntington High School,” Highlanders coach Billy Seals told Tim Stephens of The Herald-Dispatch. “That’s his sole focus and he’s been very humble about the whole process.”

The national experience Wright has picked up in his travels could be the key to solid performances this fall as long as he keeps his focus on the immediate task of HHS wins and not where he’ll play in 2019.

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THUNDERING

TO A TITLE? Marshall’s 2018 Football team has what it takes to win a title. compiled by Bill Cornwell THE INSIDER Editor

When Marshall’s football team left the field in Albuquerque, New Mexico last December 16th following a 31-28 New Mexico Bowl win over Colorado State, one could tell the MU program had regained some “swagger”, a confidence that no obstacle can’t be overcome.

There are plenty obstacles to hurdle in the 2018 season, but it certainly doesn’t hurt when you return 18 starters.

This is Doc Holliday’s 9th season leading the Herd and he says his enthusiasm in leading the Green and White hasn’t lessened.

“I’m more excited now than I’ve ever been,” Holliday says. “I like where we are at this point with a challenging schedule and we have to work as quickly as we can.”

The Herd returned to normal form last fall with an 8-5 record which included wins over the Cincinnati Bearcats and a Conference USA irritant from past seasons, Western Kentucky.

The season wrapped up with the New Mexico Bowl win, as Doc Holliday improved to 5-0 as a Marshall bowl game coach.

The offseason brought changes to the Herd’s coaching staff as long-time offensive coordinator Bill Legg stepped down and defensive coordinator Chuck

Heater left for a coaching job at Maryland. Holliday turned to Texas and Sam Houston State when hiring new offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, whose Bearkats offense was the best on the FCS level. Defensively, the Herd is led by Adam Fuller, who coached Marshall’s linebackers in recent years.

Holliday doesn’t believe there will be any problems with the players getting used to new coordinators.

“There is lots of continuity on defense since Adam has been here, plus we have so many starters back,” Holliday said. “Tim did a good job of adapting his offense to our terminology, plus it helps having line, receivers and backs returning.”

Another new coach is a familiar face to Marshall fans, MU Alum Greg Adkins, who joined the staff just prior to the start of spring practice following the departure of Alex Mirabal to Oregon. Adkins coached against the Herd last season at Charlotte.

The biggest question coming into fall practice was with the quarterback position. Chase Litton decided to leave Marshall with a year of eligibility and he’s battling for a back-up job in the Kansas City Chiefs training camp.

The job will be decided among three candidates---redshirt sophomore Garet Morrell, redshirt freshman

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Isaiah Green and a junior transfer from Wagner, Alex Thomson, who chose to come to Marshall despite offers from schools such as Tennessee and Baylor.

Green showed great growth as he ended spring drills as the top signal caller, while Morrell was working his way back into playing shape after redshirting last year. Thomson sat out most of last year at Wagner after suffering an early-season shoulder injury, but shoulder has healed and the highly-touted 6-5 Thomson is considered the strongest candidate as starter if he can stay healthy.

With nine starters back on offense, whoever starts at quarterback will have plenty of weapons.

In the backfield, senior Keion Davis and sophomore speedster Tyler King are back, but there is more talented battling for playing times such as a trimmer Anthony Anderson and Brenden Knox, one of the star’s of the spring Green-White scrimmage.

King and Davis are also major threats as kick returners.

Marshall may have one of the most talented receiving corps in the nation, let along Conference USA. The group is led by senior speedster Tyre Brady, the homerun hitter on the outside who impressed with long TD catches last fall at North Carolina State and against Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl. Joining Brady are quick and solid receivers Marcel Williams, Obi Obialo and Willie Johnson. Veteran Nick Matthews and Gator Green are also battling for playing time.

Replacing all-conference tight end Ryan Yurachek is reliable sophomore Cody Mitchell, but he could receive some help from another veteran at the position, Armani Levias.

Experience is the key word for Marshall’s offensive line, as Levi Brown returns at center along with Alex Mollette and Jordan Dowrey at the guard spots and Will Ulmer and Tarik Adams at tackle. Brown is considered C-USA’s top center and is a pre-season all-league pick. Further depth is provided on the line by occasional starter Nete Devers and a still-developing Alex Locklear.

Ten starters return to a Marshall defense that allowed a conference-low 121.2 rushing yards per game and

was second in the league in points allowed.

The top returner on the Herd “D” is linebacker Chase Hancock, a former walk-on from Beckley, WV who has developed into a major talent. The senior will be flanked by Miami transfer Juwon Young and either Artis Johnson, Omari Cobb, Frankie Hernandez or Jaquan Yulee. Don’t be surprised if all six don’t see considerable.

Massillon, Ohio Senior Ryan Bee is healthy again after off-season shoulder surgery and he leads a strong defense line which also boasts the fast, hard-hitting Ty Tyler, Channing Hames and Marquis Couch. Aaron Dopson and Malik Thompson will also get some onfield time.

Defensive Backfield was a bit of a concern coming into the season, but there are some veterans there in cornerbacks Chris Jackson and Jaylon McClain-Sapp and safeties Malik Gant and Brandon Drayton. Gant may be the best of the group after recording 100 tackles last year and showing a love of being a run-stopper.

Jestin Morrow and Chad Clay are other candidates for playing time.

There will be new faces in the kicking and they’ll have the tough job of replacing Kaare Vedvik, who handled both punting and placeking duties last season. Juniori College transfer Justin Rohrwasser is expected to be the Herd’s placekicker, while Shane McDonough and Robert LeFevre are battling for the punting job.

August 2018 / THE INSIDER /

17

Marshall’s schedule is challenging this year. The Herd opens the season September 1st with a game at old rival Miami (Ohio). The next week, Marshall opens the home portion of the schedule by hosting the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. Week three brings a big challenge, as MU heads to SEC country to challenge the South Carolina Gamecocks. In week four, a big-time opponent comes to Joan C. Edwards Stadium, the North Carolina State Wolfpack, a game which could draw one of the largest crowds in stadium history. Marshall begins Conference USA play in week five with a game at rival Western Kentucky. Middle Tennessee comes to Huntington in week six for a nationally-televised Friday night contest. The Herd will be Norfolk, Va. in week seven to battle Old Dominion, then one of the biggest games of the season in Conference USA takes place in Huntington in week eight as defending league champion FAU pays a visit. Marshall’s open week is observed on October 27th, then it’s a challenging last month of the season with a trip to Southern Miss, consecutive home games with Charlotte and UTSA and a road trip to Miami, Fla. to wrap up the regular season at FIU. Holliday is high on the quality of Conference USA in 2018.

“Top to bottom, our league is the best its been since I’ve been here,” Holliday said. “We had ten bowl-eligible teams last year and nine teams played in bowls and we’ve all got big non-conference challenges this year and we need to take advantage of them.”

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REGIONAL COLLEGE

SCHEDULES Marshall Sept. 1 at Miami Univ. 3:30 pm Sept. 8 Eastern Kentucky 6:30 pm Sept. 15 at South Carolina 7:30 pm Sept. 22 NC State 7 pm Sept. 29 at WKU 7:30 pm Oct. 6 Middle Tennessee 7:30 pm Oct. 13 at Old Dominion 3:30 pm Oct. 20 Florida Atlantic 2:30 pm Oct. 27 OPEN DATE Nov. 3 at Southern Miss 3 pm Nov. 10 Charlotte 2:30 pm Nov. 17 UTSA 2:30 pm Nov. 24 at FIU Noon

West Virginia Sept. 1 Tennessee (in Charlotte) 3:30 pm Sept. 8 Youngstown State 6 pm Sept. 15 at NC State 3:30 pm Sept. 22 Kansas State TBA Sept. 29 at Texas Tech TBA Oct. 6 Kansas TBA Oct. 13 at Iowa State TBA Oct. 20 OPEN DATE Oct. 25 Baylor 7 pm Nov. 3 at Texas TBA Nov. 10 TCU TBA Nov. 17 at Oklahoma State TBA Nov. 23 Oklahoma 8 pm

Kentucky Sept. 1 Central Michigan 3:30 pm Sept. 8 at Florida 7:30 pm Sept. 15 Murray State Noon Sept. 22 Mississippi State TBA Sept. 29 South Carolina TBA Oct. 6 at Texas A&M TBA Oct. 13 OPEN DATE Oct. 20 Vanderbilt TBA Oct. 27 at Missouri TBA Nov. 3 Georgia TBA Nov. 10 at Tennessee TBA Nov. 17 Middle Tennessee TBA Nov. 24 at Louisville TBA

Ohio State Sept. 1 Oregon State Noon Sept. 8 Rutgers 3:30 pm Sept. 15 at TCU 8 pm Sept. 22 Tulane TBA Sept. 29 at Penn State TBA Oct. 6 Indiana TBA Oct. 13 Minnesota TBA Oct. 20 at Purdue TBA Oct. 27 OPEN DATE Nov. 3 Nebraska TBA Nov. 10 at Michigan State TBA Nov. 17 at Maryland TBA Nov. 24 Michigan Noon

Ohio Sept. 1 Howard 2 pm Sept. 8 OPEN DATE Sept. 15 at Virginia 3 pm Sept. 22 at Cincinnati TBA Sept. 29 UMass TBA Oct. 6 at Kent State 3:30 pm Oct. 13 at NIU 3:30 pm Oct. 20 Bowling Green 2 pm Oct. 25 Ball State 7 pm Nov. 1 at Western Michigan 7 pm Nov. 7 at Miami Univ. TBA Nov. 14 Buffalo TBA Nov. 23 Akron TBA

Morehead State Aug. 30 at Eastern Kentucky 7 pm Sept. 8 Mount St. Joseph 6 pm Sept. 15 Austin Peay 6 pm Sept. 29 at Butler 1 pm Oct. 6 San Diego Noon Oct. 13 at Davidson 1 pm Oct. 20 Valparaiso 2 pm Oct. 27 Marist 1 pm Nov. 3 at Stetson TBA Nov. 10 at Dayton 1 pm Nov. 17 Drake 1 pm