Football Xtra

Here comes the Hun

STEUBENVILLE -- Big Red, according to veteran coach Reno Saccoccia, will need "a monumental effort for 48 minutes" when it entertains the Hun School from Princeton, N.J., on Saturday.

"I think we have played three physical football games to date," Saccoccia said. "In fact, we've had the most physical start we've had since I have been here in regard to the four teams, their size and physicality. The Hun might be the best of the four in terms of experience.

"They have three or four post-graduate students on the roster, and that will be really hard for us to handle. They are very well-coached, well-disciplined and have a record of 33-2 during the past four years. It's going to take a monumental effort for 48 minutes in order for us to make this a great game."

The first meeting between the schools is set for 11 a.m. inside Harding Stadium. Big Red, which was ranked fifth in the first Ohio AP Division IV poll, is 2-1, while the Raiders opened their season with a 16-14 victory over Cheshire Academy from Connecticut.

Located between Philadelphia and New York City, the Hun is an independent, co-educational, private day and boarding college preparatory school. Students in grades six through a post-graduate year comprise a student body of 635. The Hun is home to 160 resident students from across the country and the world. Its football team has players from four states and South Africa. Tuition for upper school day students if $41,100, while the boarding students pay $60,800.

Todd Smith is in his fourth season as head coach for the Raiders, who won the New Jersey Prep A championship in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Hun went 8-1 in 2017.

"We weren't able to have a scrimmage this year, so we've only played one game so far," Smith said when discussing his squad. "We still have a lot of work to do and room for improvement. Our goal is to be balanced on offense and have a defense that flies around. So, the verdict is still out on that."

Saccoccia called the Hun an all-around sound football team.

"It's going to take every ounce of effort we have as coaches and players," he said. "Hopefully, we have a group of fans that come not to just watch the game, but also to come ready to help us win this football game.

"The Hun is located with talent. Their tailback is a North Carolina commit, one wideout is going to Colgate and the other to Fordham. The tight end has committed to Rutgers, and their one offensive tackle is going to Penn State. One linebacker is going to Colgate, and their middle linebacker hasn't committed yet, but he really flies around to the football."

Josh Henderson mans the tailback spot for the Hun. He ran for a 25-yard touchdown and caught a 53-yard scoring pass from junior quarterback Logan Clouse in the opener. He rushed for 1,395 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2017.

Henderson has the luxury of running behind tackle Caedan Wallace, the Penn State recruit. They are two of the top 24 high school football players in the state of New Jersey.

The tight end Saccoccia mentioned is Dylan Deveney. Jackson Barletta and Brendan Ekwughalu man the wide receiver spots. Malcom Brunson sees time at fullback and also is a standout linebacker. Smith also listed freshman running back/defensive back Ahmad Dixon as a key player.

"This is just an all-around sound football team," Saccoccia said. "They are well-balanced both offensively and defensively.

"Offensively, they can run inside, outside and throw the ball. Defensively, they are balanced in terms of even fronts, odd fronts and getting to the quarterback. They don't need to blitz. They get to the quarterback with their front four or front three, depending on what defense they are using."

Through three games, Big Red is averaging 319 yards of offense and 25 points. Its defense is allowing 214 yards a contest and 19 points.

Since taking over for the injured Randy Mitchell at quarterback, senior Clayton Criss has passed for 475 yards and three touchdowns. Ethan Duggan has eight catches to pace Big Red, while Ryan Rauch has five. Tayveon Crawford has 199 rushing yards.

"We look forward to playing a team that is athletic, tough and well-coached in one of the most exciting venues in the country," Smith said. "The opportunity to compete against a program with so much history and excellence will be a great experience for our guys.

"Also, this game should prepare us for the rest of our season because I doubt we will see a team as good as Steubenville the rest of the way."

Big Red will enter the game with a bunch of players slowed by injuries.

"When people go to a football game, they really don't think about who is playing or who is hurt," he said. "They know there will be guys out there representing Big Red with every ounce of energy they have. They worry about how those out there are going to play in that game.

"We expect our guys to play like a Big Red football player, whether they are a sophomore or a senior."