WHEELING - West Virginia head coach Doug Taylor is quite fond of his stable of backfield candidates for the 67th annual Rudy Mumley Ohio Valley Athletic Conference All-Star Charity Football Classic.
And rightfully so.
Taylor announced his options for the backfield, including a pair of record-setting quarterbacks and a pair of tailbacks who are coming off fine seasons and careers.
Camp for the July 29 game at Wheeling Island Stadium begins in a little more than two weeks.
"We're blessed that we have two established quarterbacks, who have proven themselves over the long haul," Taylor said. "We feel our two quarterbacks bring a lot of leadership qualities and, on top of that, they're quality kids."
Slated to battle for the quarterback role in the week-long camp are Wheeling Park's Lee Peluchette and John Marshall's Aaron Fonner.
The Mountaineers' tailbacks are also impressive, including Wheeling Central's Gino Bianconi, Magnolia's Jayson Keller, Brooke's Tim Faulkner and Morgantown's Sammy Lusk.
"We've got good speed and good athleticism," Taylor said. "The kids we chose are two and three-year starters from good programs. We obviously want to throw the ball some, but we still feel we'll have to establish the run, and I think we can do that."
Here's a capsule look at the players, who had returned their biographical information:
TIM FAULKNER, Brooke - The a four-year letterman, who is headed to West Liberty to play football, ran for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns while catching 21 balls for 376 yards for former coach Tom Bruney. He also spent four years as Brooke's kickoff returner.
Hard work garnered the 5-foot-10, 200-pound running back All-State honors in West Virginia, as well as selection to several all-star teams and being named Two Rivers Athletic Conference player of the year.
Before getting his chance to shine offensively as a senior Faulkner spent two season as a key member of the Bruins' defensive unit at strong safety.
GINO BIANCONI, Wheeling Central - This Maroon Knights' tailback had a season no one will soon forget for head coach Mike Young. The 5-10, 180-pounder led the Maroon Knights to the Class A State Championship last December with a record 355-yard, five touchdown performance in the title game. All told, he ran for 2,139 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Bianconi was named first-team all-state and all-OVAC. He was MVP of the Super Six.
The son of Michael and Polly Bianconi of Bridgeport plans to attend the University of Akron.
AARON FONNER, John Marshall - This veteran was had an impressive career calling the signals for the Monarchs' offense.
The 5-11, 193-pounder finished his career with 5,150 yards passing, 1,230 yards rushing and 65 touchdowns. For his efforts, he was a first-team all-OVAC selection. He was a second-team all-stater. Along with football, Fonner was a three-year letterman in basketball and baseball.
The son of Gary and Denise Fonner plans to attend Waynesburg University.
JAYSON KELLER, Magnolia - This former Blue Eagle mainstay etched his name into the record books for coach Mark Batton's squad.
The 5-11, 190-pounder became the all-time leading rusher in Blue Eagles' history this past season, finishing his career with 2,108 yards. He's also the school's all-time leading scorer with 30 touchdowns. He averaged 10.6 yards per carry in his career.
Last season, Keller was a first-team all-stater in Class AA after earning second-team honors as a junior. He was twice named first-team all-OVAC and was a finalist for the WTOV-9 Big 22 Award.
The son of Robin and Jimmy Keller of New Martinsville plans to attend West Virginia University.
LEE PELUCHETTE, Wheeling Park - This former Patriot made the most of his one season under head coach Chris Daugherty.
Peluchette helped guide the Patriots to the West Virginia Class AAA playoffs by throwing for 1,429 yards and 17 touchdowns. A year earlier, playing at Wheeling Central, Peluchette threw for 2,200 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Peluchette's selection to the West Virginia squad makes him the ninth member of his family to suit up in the conference game.
The son of Nancy and Paul Peluchette of Wheeling plans to atten West Liberty University.
