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Wheeling Central Wins Hall of Fame Game

Maroon Knights Finish Strong in 48-7 Triumph

Wheeling Central’s Josh Custer, right, delivers a big hit on the quarterback during Saturday’s Hall of Fame game at Bishop Schmitt Field. The Maroon Knights won the game 48-7. Photo by Kristin Mazgaj

WHEELING — Often times, it is not how you start but rather how you finish.

Wheeling Central, eight days removed from an emotional last-minute win over Shadyside, began Saturday afternoon’s game against Western Reserve Academy somewhat sluggishly. The Maroon Knights, however, closed impressively in rolling to a 48-7 triumph at Wheeling University.

Central’s fourth win in five starts was also part of the school’s fourth annual Hall of Fame ceremonies. The Pioneers, meanwhile, dropped to 3-2.

Coach Mike Young’s well-drilled gridders find themselves prepping for another acid test this week. The Maroon Knights travel to Beverly on Friday, facing unbeaten Fort Frye. The Cadets advanced to the state semifinals a year ago.

Central came out of the gates slowly.

The hosts were leading 6-0 after one quarter. Things started to click in the second quarter, one in which the Maroon Knights put three touchdowns on the board, building a 26-7 halftime advantage.

“We were sluggish early on and made some mental mistakes. I believe we were still getting our heads out of the clouds from our great Homecoming win against Shadyside,” Young said. “Our kids, however, made the needed adjustments and played tough the rest of the game. We also were able to get out healthy.”

Young made full use of his roster. Nine different Knights carried the ball while eight players landed pass receptions.

Curtis McGhee III was again the engine.

The Brown University recruit connected on his first 12 pass attempts. He finished his truncated day, completing 12 of 14 tosses for 168 yards and two TDs. The senior dandy also rushed seven times for 77 yards and the game’s initial touchdown.

“Curtis made big plays but so did Jordan (Waterhouse) and Payton (Marling). We had a lot of people step up and make big plays,” Young said. “Having so many players touch the ball is really nice. It keeps the opposition guessing.”

Waterhouse, a junior running back, made the most of his seven carries. He gained 101 yards while finding the end zone twice.

Jalen Creighton turned in another sparkling effort. The talented senior wideout snared seven McGhee tosses for two touchdowns and 100 yards.

Reserve Academy packed a potent ground attack but was lacking in the passing game, as well as self-discipline. The Pioneers passed for 97 yards, most coming at mop-up time. Moreover, the Hudson, Ohio-based squad was flagged for 107 yards, 60 coming on four personal fouls with one player being ejected.

McGhee tallied the game’s only first-quarter score on a 34-yard quarterback draw. The PAT try failed.

Reserve Academy took a short-lived lead at the 11:16 mark of the second quarter. Darius McKenzie bulled in from the three to cap an impressive 11-play, 75-yard drive. Sam Bingaman booted the PAT for a 7-6 Pioneers’ advantage.

Central responded immediately.

Two McGhee-to-Creighton aerial connections covered 32 yards, moving the hosts to the Reserve Academy 42. Marling took care of the remaining real estate on the next snap, outracing the Pioneers’ secondary to paydirt. Jacob Rine’s PAT gave the Maroon Knights a 13-7 lead, one which they would not relinquish.

Reserve Academy was unable to move on its ensuing possession. The Pioneers, however, used an excellent punt to pin the hosts back at their four.

Central needed just five plays to cover the 96 yards in stretching their lead. McGhee speared Creighton with a 41-scoring strike. The key play of the march was a 21-yard hookup from McGhee to Rine.

The Knights carried much momentum into intermission after McGhee and Creighton teamed for a 7-yard scoring connection with nine seconds left in the half. Rine’s boot gave the Knights a 26-6 halftime cushion, setting the table for a post-intermission onslaught.

Central kept rolling on its initial possession of the second half. The Knights drove 50 yards in five plays, capped by Waterhouse’s first touchdown, this one covering 4 yards. Rine made it a 33-7 issue.

Later in the quarter, Waterhouse struck again, sprinting in from 20 yards out. Rine converted for a 40-7 lighting. The touchdown was made possible by a fumble recovery by Knight senior C.J. Rose.

Central’s final score came with 3:05 remaining in the game on a 9-yard burst from quick-footed freshman Riley Watkins. Rine passed to Caleb Ratcliffe for the two-point conversion.

The Maroon Knights totaled more than 400 yards in offense, 269 coming on the ground.

Reserve Academy garnered 135 yards on the ground. Senior Ogden Andrew Jr. collected 82 yards on 19 attempts.

“Everything played out perfectly in the second half. We came out with more focus,” Young said. “We shut them down right away and then we went down and scored. They are physical team.

“Fort Frye is definitely very good. But I am pleased with how are kids get ready, and they will get ready for Fort Frye. Our coaches will come up with a game plan and we will come up with a scheme. We look forward to the challenge.”

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