CRUISING — Steubenville Catholic Central’s Amin Yondez Butler rushes against Warren JFK on Saturday. (Photo by Joe Catullo)

STEUBENVILLE — Coming off a total “team win,” Steubenville Catholic Central will look to keep things going Saturday when Barnesville invades Harding Stadium.

The kick for Central’s annual homecoming game is set for 7 p.m. This will be the seventh meeting between the schools, Central leading the series 4-2.

“The JFK game was a great win for our players and our program,” Central coach Steve Daley said. “It was definitely a team win. I thought our line on both sides of the ball did an outstanding job.

“That win allowed us to finish the first half of the season with a winning record, which was a goal of ours comings into this year. Now we turn our sights to the second half.”

Central, thanks to the 39-23 victory over JFK, is 3-2 for the first time since 2013. The Shamrocks will bring a 2-3 mark to town. Barnesville owns victories over Newcomerstown and River View, while losses have come to Meadowbrook, Shenandoah and Buckeye Trail.

“Barnesville has a fairly young team,” Daley said. “We definitely have the size advantage this week. However, Barnesville is a very, very capable team. Offensively, their quarterback, Cade Hannahs, makes them go. They’ve shown multiple formations from unbalanced to two-back under center to spread to empty. They definitely want the ball in Hannahs’ hands. He is an effective runner and throws fairly well, especially on their waggle pass.”

In the 21-13 Week 5 win over River View, Hannahs accounted for 188 yards of total offense (68 rushing and 120 passing). He threw for three scores, connecting twice with Caden Lake.

Defensively, the Shamrocks employ a base 4-3 according to Daley.

“They are quick and like to send pressure,” he said.

In the big win over JFK, Central, which stands ninth in the Division VI, Region 23 computer ratings, ran for 398 yards and four touchdowns. The Crusaders also had 122 passing yards.

Speedy junior quarterback Justin Hartzell ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Powerful junior Craig Smith added 126 and a score, while senior Levi Thompson, who recorded a late quarterback sack to seal the victory, added 96 on just seven trips and scored twice.

Hartzell leads Central in rushing with 535 yards, while Smith has 411 and seven touchdowns. Through the air, Hartzell has completed 47-of-92 attempts for 723 yards and nine TDs.

Senior Geno DiBiase leads Central in receptions with 10. The Crusader offense is averaging 431 yards per game and 37 points.

“For us to be successful, we need to continue to do the things we do well,” Daley said. “We need to establish a strong running game and be effective in our passing game. We have to protect the football and score when we have opportunities.

“Defensively, it’s important that we control the line of scrimmage, force turnovers and get some three and outs. On top of that, we have to continue to improve in our tackling.”

Notes

¯ Daley also reported Central’s home game with St. Mary’s from Lancaster, N.Y. now will be played inside Brooke’s Memorial Stadium on Oct. 7. It will start at 7 p.m. The game originally was announced for Harding Stadium but needed to be moved because of a conflict with the annual soccer benefit involving area schools.

“The move actually helps St. Mary’s a little since its team plans on staying in Weirton,” Daley said.

¯ All season tickets purchased can be used at the game, Daley noted. The rest of the seating will be general admission.