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Linsly, Martins Ferry Play in Key Matchup

Photo by Joe Lovell Dasyn Hores and Martins Ferry will look to get in the win column Friday against Linsly.

MARTINS FERRY — Coming off tough outings last Friday night, both Linsly and Martins Ferry struggled for most of their respective contests with the only difference being that the Cadets managed to find a way to pull out a late victory.

This week the Cadets will travel across the Ohio River to battle the Purple Riders in a contest that may not be a do-or-die affair for Coach Chas Yoder’s Ferry squad, but could turn out to be important later down the line.

Coach B.J. Depew’s Linsly team watched Westinghouse score a touchdown two plays into the fourth quarter to take an 18-6 lead last week, but managed to rebound with 20 consecutive points in less than a seven-minute span to escape with a 26-18 victory.

“They were a big, physical team that totally outplayed us for three quarters,” Depew said. “We made some mistakes early on but I am really proud of how the kids came out and played in the fourth quarter.

“No question the kids could have thrown in the towel when they scored early in the fourth, but they fought and got the win. It was a great win for us, but there is still plenty to work on.”

Yoder’s Purple Riders couldn’t get anything going offensively for much of the night at Shadyside, watching the Tigers roar to a 33-7 victory. Ferry was limited to 131 total yards in the contest, including just 26 through the air while allowing 373 on defense.

“It all comes down to execution and we just did not execute last week,” Yoder said. “It seemed like there were one or two little mistakes on each play that hurt us on offense and we blew a couple of coverages on defense. But they are little things that can be fixed.”

Spearheading the Linsly comeback was junior quarterback Hunter Kelley, who ran the ball eight times for 94 yards while competing 18 of 26 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Kelley’s 23-yard scoring strike to Joe Zaccirey turned into the game-winner.

“Hunter Kelley did an awful lot for us last Friday,” Depew said. “The balance of the offensive numbers was from him gathering yardage, but he also had a lot of help. He did a nice job throwing the football and was the spark we needed in the fourth quarter.

“Hunter started for us in Week 9 last year, but it was nice having him as the starter for the full preseason and we were very happy with his first state this season.”

Zaccirey finished the night with three catches for 34 yards while Lee Paull added four grabs for 61 yards and a touchdown and Trevin Tush added five for 40. The Cadets finished with 341 yards of offense and while the defense allowed 431 yards it also created three huge turnovers.

“They have a big line and a lot of talented skill players,” Yoder said. “They will spread the ball out or just come right at you and they get to the ball very quickly on defense.”

Martins Ferry was able to get very little going offensively against the Tigers. Senior quarterback Jacob Probst, a four-year starter for the Riders, struggled trying to figure out the Shadyside defense. Probst completed 5 of 20 pass attempts for 26 yards and an interception that was returned for a score. He also carried the ball five times but was hit with 2 yards in losses.

Caleb Olson managed 75 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries while Daysn Hores caught four passes for 21 yards.

“We’ve seen film of their last scrimmage and their game last week and it was no surprise that they still like to run the counter and the power game,” Depew said. “So, stopping that will be our top priority.

“We didn’t play them last year so this will be our first time going against Coach Yoder, but we know he is from the Dave Bruney era and will continue that tradition.

“They have a veteran quarterback that we are familiar with and we know he is a good leader and you have to be aware of him at all times. I am also very impressed with their offensive line, especially their guards.

“Ferry is always a disciplined team that plays very hard and our kids love going over there and playing in that environment.”

Yoder, meanwhile, knows that there is plenty of season to go, but also realizes a win Friday night could be huge.

“We approach all of our games as big ones,” Yoder said. “But yes, there is a little more of a sense of urgency this week. Last week was not how we wanted to start the season and we need to come out and play like we are capable of playing.”

While the two teams did not meet last year they have split their previous two games with Linsly winning 7-3 in 2017 and Martins Ferry posting a 34-13 victory in 2016.

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