×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Wheeling Park Travels to University for Key Showdown

Photo by Alex Kozlowski Sincere Sinclair and the rest of the Wheeling Park secondary will have their hands full Friday against University.

MORGANTOWN — Wheeling Park looked impressive in winning its first two games of the season before taking its bye last week, but the Patriots will have to be in top form Friday night as they embark on their biggest task thus far when they hit the bus to take on 2-1 University.

Coach Chris Daugherty’s Patriots dispatched Allderdice two weeks ago by a 34-7 count, but after limiting the Dragons to 77 yards through the air, Park will probably hear air-raid sirens Friday night when taking on the pass-happy Hawks.

“As far as bye weeks go I think you can make the case that no matter if it’s Week 3 or Week 8, it stinks,” Daugherty said. “I’ve had them all over the schedule and when it is said and done, they usually help you heal up a little bit.

“We are still growing, and we definitely took a little time to fix some things, and sometimes you lose a little bit just going right into the next week.”

While Coach John Kelley’s University squad was still active in the passing game in last Friday’s 40-20 thumping of Brooke, the Hawks also broke out the rushing attack with three backs combining for 178 yards and three scores.

“We did get the running game going last week, but I really believe part of that was Brooke having trouble stopping it,” Kelley said. “But our problem has not been offense the first three weeks, its our defense that has struggled.

“Our defense has been a work in progress, but I feel like we are steadily getting better. Wheeling Park will be a big test for us.”

Leading the way for University is senior quarterback Logan Holgorsen, son of West Virginia University coach Dana Holgorsen. After beginning the 2017 season in Maryland, Holgorsen finished the season at Morgantown High School last year before moving to University for his senior campaign.

The Bowling Green University commit has been impressive through three games, hitting 61 of 91 passes for 886 yards and nine touchdowns. Holgorsen has thrown for at least 271 in each of his first three outings.

“So far everything has gone pretty much how we expected on offense,” Kelley said. “Holgorsen is very intelligent and does a good job spreading the ball around. Most teams are dedicating two defenders trying to stop (Amir) Richardson which is freeing up some other receivers.

“The biggest thing for us is using our short passing game the same as long runs and getting big chunks of yardage after the catch.”

Aiding his cause is a receiving corps led by three top-notch receivers, including sophomore Max Parow who has 23 grabs for 270 yards and five touchdowns. Parow has been over 100 yards receiving in all three contests, including a best of 11 catches for 142 yards and two scores in a season-opening loss at John Marshall.

Senior Amir Richardson, a WVU recruit, has 10 catches for 239 yards and three scores, while classmate Hunter Cottrell has snagged 11 balls for 129 yards.

The running game last week was led by seniors Ben Gribble and Derek Richardson along with junior Anthony Williams.

“Holgorsen has the ability to make plays with his feet, extending plays and throwing the ball so well,” Daugherty said. “And Amir Richardson is one of the best players in the entire state and you have to know where he is at all times.

“They have a great program and Coach Kelley does an amazing job there. They really have some things that just jump out at you on film and it’s a series that always seems to provide great games and I expect nothing but the same this week.”

Wheeling Park’s offense has also been impressive, with a defense that has allowed one touchdown and 12 first downs through two outings.

Junior quarterback Alex Dunlevy has done a fine job taking over under center with 19 completions in 25 attempts for 259 yards and four scores. Senior Jack Stakem, the only returning skill position player for the Patriots, has 11 catches for 78 yards and a score while classmate Devaughn McWhorter had three grabs for 70 yards and a score against Allderdice.

The rushing attack has not struggled with two new junior running backs who have been nothing short of awesome. Raphael Bradley has picked up 301 yards on 28 carries with a pair of trips to the end zone while Robinson has added 157 yards on 25 tries with three touchdowns.

“Wheeling Park is huge up front on both sides of the football,” Kelley said. “And that could cause problems for us. They are pretty much running the same things that they always do, but they do it so well.

“They have a real nice running back and they will be the best team we will have seen by far.”

Daugherty, meanwhile, is interested to see how his team reacts to its first big test of the campaign.

“We felt like we were going to be pretty good on both side of the line and so far that has been the case,” Daugherty said. “And we have had some younger, talented sill position players step forward, but this is really going to be our first true test.

“It’s going to be a big week and I am interested to see how the kids handle things and I figure there are going to be times during the game that they are going to face some adversity and will need to figure out how to bounce back from that.”

Both teams will bring two game winning streaks into the contest with the Hawks bouncing back from a 35-28 loss at John Marshall in the season opener. University collected a thrilling 37-34 victory over Wheeling Park last year.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today