×

Final step in the journey

THE MEN OF BIG RED — The Steubenville High School football players sat with their families, friends and fans in the stands at Harding Stadium Friday night during a final pep rally prior to today’s state championship game in Canton against Clinton-Massie. - Dave Gossett

STEUBENVILLE — Dave McAdams had just dropped off his grandson and was enjoying a private tailgate party at his car in the Harding Stadium parking lot Friday evening.

“A Naples meat sauce heel and Big Red football always go together,” the 1972 Steubenville High School graduate announced.

“Yes, I will be at the game in Canton. I would like to see Big Red win this final game of the season. They have paid their dues and deserve this one. My wife and I haven’t missed a game this year because my grandson, Damien Mills, is in the Big Red band. We will probably leave about noon or 12:30 p.m.,” said McAdams.

He will be one of several thousand fans expected to travel to the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium today for the Ohio Division IV championship that is set for a 3 p.m. kickoff.

“I hope everyone in the city is in Canton for this game. This is the last step to climbing the mountain this year for a state championship. It will be a quiet day in Steubenville because so many people will be going to the game. And those who stay here will be listening to the game on their radio or on the Internet. It is all on the line and will be decided between two very good teams,” said City Manager Jim Mavromatis.

“I wish I could be on the field with you but age catches up with you. Give 48 minutes of your life and you will be victorious. You are 14 and 0. Coach Sac this is your year and your team. Bring it home,” Mavromatis urged the Big Red players sitting in the stands Friday night at Harding Stadium.

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla will continue his three decade tradition of leading the Big Red convoy to the state championship game today and, “whatever happens today I am bringing champions home.”

“I know it will take all of our will and effort. We are going to accept the challenge and bring this championship back to the Ville,” Big Red senior Gino Pierro declared.

“We will be put to the test. My brothers will have work to do in Canton. But this game is not about yesterday or tomorrow. It is about now. We have an opportunity to bring home the state championship. Let’s get it done,” added Jamal Petteway.

The Friday night hour-long pep rally started with a five-minute video put together by the high school multi-media class and then comments from Steubenville High School Principal Ted Gorman who played on the 1984 state championship team.

“You are truly the pride of the valley. Our seniors have a chance to end their high school career as champions. You are 40 and 3 during the last three years,” stated Gorman.

“People were excited to be able to come here tonight to cheer for their school and their team. We have played in Canton many times in the past and it is a beautiful facility. This will be a great game with the top two teams battling for the state championship. The weather will be perfect and I believe everyone is looking forward to the game,” commented Gorman.

“We have Big Red graduates coming in from different places in the country for this game. That is what makes the Big Red tradition so strong. The adrenaline will start flowing as we board our buses and start the 90-minute drive to Canton. And we will remember, ‘We are Big Red’,” said Gorman.

“During his 34 years as head coach Reno Saccoccia has won 370 games and three state championships. He has been a driving force for who I am today,” Gorman said during his introduction of Saccoccia.

And in his true style Saccoccia kept his remarks brief and to the point.

“Play like this is the last day of your life,” Saccoccia said before calling his team onto the field as the Big Red band played the school alma mater.

(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com)

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today