WHEELING - West Virginia head coach Doug Taylor expects his Ohio counterparts to put the ball up quite a bit in the 67th-annual Rudy Mumley Ohio Valley Athletic Conference All-Star Charity Football Classic July 29 at Wheeling Island Stadium.
To help combat the Ohio aerial attack, Taylor has named his defensive backs and kicker for the all-star game.
Along with his secondary options, Taylor has also chosen his placekicker for the contest.
Article Photos
"We think we have two of the best corners in the valley and we'll be able to put them on an island by themselves to make plays," Taylor said. "We feel we'll be quick and fast in the secondary and those kids can make plays all over the field for us."
As for choosing Wheeling Park's Matthew Carter, Taylor called it a "no brainer."
"I had saw him on the highlights and I was just hoping he was a senior," Taylor said. "He's definitely a weapon. He's very steady and he doesn't get rattled."
Here's a capsule look at the players who returned their information:
LUCAS McDOWELL, Oak Glen - This former Golden Bear was the quarterback and an outside linebacker for former coach Tony Filberto's team.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder accounted for 24 touchdowns and more than 2,200 yards of total offense. Defensively, he had six interceptions and was in on 88 tackles. McDowell was a first team all-state, all-OVAC and a nominee for the WTOV-9 Big 22 Award.
The son of Steven and Kennishewa McDowell of New Cumberland is undecided of his college plans.
VONDEL BELL, Wheeling Park - This former Patriot was a force on both sides of the ball for coach Chris Daugherty's team.
The 6-4, 185-pounder averaged 4.1 tackles per game from his corner position. As a wide receiver, he averaged 16 yards a catch and scored 12 touchdowns. Along with football, Bell was a standout and OVAC All-Star for the Patriots' hoop team. He also ran track.
The son of Lance Bell and Dawn Hanna of Wheeling plans to attend Fairmont State.
MATTHEW CARTER, Wheeling Park - This former Patriots place kicker was quite the weapon for Daugherty's team.
The 6-1, 165-pounder connected on 36 extra points, five field goals, including a 48-yarder, which is the school record. He also had 23 touchbacks. Carter was special mention all-state and WTOV-9 Special Teams Player of the Year.
Along with his football prowess, Carter was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Freshmen Mentoring Program.
The son of Mark and Mary Carter of Wheeling plans to attend West Virginia University.
KYLE GILLIS, Bishop Donahue - This former Bishop was a lockdown corner for coach John Durdines' squad last season.
The 6-1, 180-pounder finished his prep career with 270 tackles, two forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles, seven interceptions, including one pick six. For his efforts, Gillis was named to the all-Mason Dixon squad, all-OVAC and first-team all-state.
The son of Don and Chris Gillis of Wheeling plans to attend West Virginia University.
RICKY JORDAN, Linsly - This former Cadet was a speedster who made his presence felt on both sides of the ball for coach B.J. Depew's squad.
The 5-11, 175-pounder saw time at running back, but cornerback is where he plans to play at the next level. For his fine season, Jordan was named first-team all-OVAC.
Along with football, Jordan was a standout on the track, winning two OVAC titles in the 100.
The son of Richard Jordan and Kimberly Hairston of Pittsburgh plans to attend St. Francis University.
