Crusaders must give perfect effort
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STEUBENVILLE -- Steubenville Catholic Central will begin a four-game home stand Friday with one major challenge.
The 5-1 Crusaders are set to host unbeaten Wheeling Central, West Virginia's second-ranked Class A squad and the defending state champion. The kick for the 40th all-time meeting between the schools (CCHS leads the series 20-15-4) is set for 7 p.m.
"We know it's a big challenge, and our kids are fully aware of that," CCHS coach Steve Daley said. "We are not going to sneak up on Wheeling Central this year. Last season, we caught them in the opener (the Crusaders earned a 35-14 Week 1 victory), and we gave them some things they probably didn't see in their scrimmages.
"That's not the case this year. They have seen us in game situations, and I'm sure they remember last year. They have most of their team back, and they probably have getting even on their minds. They are going to be ready, and we have to be ready for the challenge."
In rolling to five victories, Wheeling Central has averaged 40 points a game, while its defense has allowed just 21 points. The Maroon Knights have blanked three opponents (Williamstown, Madonna and Fayetteville) and allowed a touchdown in their win over East Hardy. Last week, Mike Young's team rolled to a huge 31-14 triumph over Linsly.
Junior Curtis McGhee directs the Maroon Knight attack. He is surrounded by plenty of weapons in the form of senior running back Bray Price and senior fullback Vinny Mangino. Senior Anthony Robbins is a threat at wide receiver as is junior Jalen Creighton.
Wheeling Central also has nice size up front, led by center Dom Mills and tackle Luke Duplaga.
"Primarily from what we have seen, they really want the ball in McGhee's hands, both running and throwing," Daley said. "They also want to get the ball to Price and who wouldn't? The kid can fly and is a great athlete. We don't have anyone on the defensive side of the ball who has that kind of speed.
"When they put it in the air, McGhee looks for Price or Robbins. He's well over 6-foot, and we don't have anyone that tall in our secondary. When they want to wear you down a little, they'll pound it in the middle with Mangino. They have guys all over the place. If you lose sight of Price, he'll burn you. At the same time, you have to worry about stopping the other guys, too. So, they present a lot of problems across the board."
Despite his team's fast start, Wheeling Central coach Mike Young said there's definitely still work to do.
"The kids have done a great job so far, and I'm proud of their progression," he said. "But, we definitely have work to do like everyone else. We need to get better in several different areas. Our skilled players have been a huge factor in our success to date. Our line continues to improve. For us, each day is a process of getting better.
"After the Linsly game, we talked to our kids about staying grounded and staying focused on what they have in front of them. You can't go backward, and you can't rest on our laurels. Our goal is to come away with a victory and stay humble. As we move forward, we need to practice every day to get better."
The Crusaders, who are ninth in this week's OHSAA Division VI, Region 21 computer ratings, are coming off a 28-20 victory at Barnesville. Five of Central's first six games were on the road, and Daley's crew boasts a perfect road record.
"We made plays when we had to," Daley said of the Barnesville victory. "We rushed for more than 300 yards and held them to 34. When you have that kind of discrepancy, 90 percent of the time you probably are going to win the game.
"Because we were able to stop their running game, we put them in a situations where they had to throw the ball. Passes are either going to be completed, incomplete or intercepted. We came away with three picks and won the turnover battle. In my opinion, that's what led to that win."
Offensively, the Crusaders are averaging 386 yards per game and 33 points. The defense surrenders an average of 272 yards and 16 points.
Senior quarterback Justin Hartzell has rushed for 711 yards and 10 touchdowns. In addition, he's thrown for 633 and seven more scores. Junior Jayden Keeder has run for 430 (he had 152 against Barnesville) and senior Noah Fayak 220. Junior Jeffrey Dawson has nearly 200 rushing yards after going for 72 against the Shamrocks.
Senior Anthony Fallon has 10 catches to lead Central's receivers.
"Our kids are looking forward to playing this game," Young said. "We started off a little slow last year but were able to rebound. We've had a positive start this year, and we want it to continue. The Crusaders are the next game in front of us, so that's where our focus is.
"They have a nice team. I think they are similar to us in size and speed. Hartzell is a heck of a quarterback. He throws it well and has outstanding speed. He has good support around him in a good line and good bunch of receivers. They are very balanced with the run and the pass.
"Central's only loss is to a good Southern Local team that is still unbeaten. They have beaten some good teams. We have a challenge in front of us. We need to stay healthy, get out of the gates fast and play good offense and defense."
Daley reported his Crusaders should be a full strength for Friday, meaning 23 players will be in uniform.
"We have to try to do things better than them and on each and every play," Daley said. "There will be no breaks this week. We need a perfect effort and have to play to our full capability. I won't say we have to play above ourselves because that just isn't possible.
"We're asking our guys to give us a perfect effort on each and every play and do the things we talk about every week. If we do that, we might stand a chance."