Wheeling Park Not Worrying About What It Can’t Control
Patriots set to host No. 10 Princeton
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WHEELING -- When it comes to their playoff lives, Wheeling Park coach Chris Daugherty knows there is really only one thing he, his staff and team can do as they wait to see if the Patriots will be able to play in the first round: prepare for any scenario. And that's what the veteran coach told his Patriots squad they are going to do for their upcoming game against Princeton Sunday at Wheeling Island Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.
"We've told the kids we're going to prepare," Wheeling Park coach Chris Daugherty said. "And we actually have a slogan we're living by right now and that's 'Prepare for rain.' We know that we have to be ready no matter what happens and we're going to prepare for every scenario and situation. The one thing that is important is that we are prepared and ready. We just really talked about that and what that looks like and what it means in this type of environment. It's so up and down. We're trying to get our coaches and our kids to not worry about that end of it. It is what it is and we're going to be ready to play. That's how we see it. We're not going to worry about the stuff we can't control. I think the kids have done a great job of that this week and I'm proud to be their coach and to coach with the guys I coach with. I'm really happy with our team right now."
The Patriots, who are the No. 7 seed, were scheduled to play rival John Marshall to end the regular season. Unfortunately, the game was canceled due to the coronavirus. The Patriots, who are on a seven game win streak after falling in their season opener to St. Clairsville, played one game in the final three weeks of the regular season. That was a victory against Parkersburg South.
"Well at some level it's somewhat disappointing because had we finished out the season with John Marshall and Brooke and had wins, we felt we could have gone as high as No. 3 (in the playoff rankings),' Daugherty said. "We felt like we were deserving of that. But that's the way it goes. We lost two games and eventually it hurt us in the ratings. Hopefully we go out and prove we're a little better than the seventh ranked team in the state."
The No. 10 Tigers, though will be no east feat. Princeton boasts a record of 6-2 with both of its losses coming at the hands of Bluefield. Coming into Sunday's matchup with a five-game winning streak, the Tigers can seemingly score at will as they averaged 51.4 points per game during that span.
"I think what's impressive is they run the ball and throw the ball," Daugherty said. "They've got a good tailback, two really nice receivers and they can stretch the field. They can make plays. It doesn't have to be a perfect ball. They have two guys that can go get it. You can have DB in great position and these guys can go and make a play. Our guys know they have their work cut out for them."
Grant Cochran is under center for Princeton. The sophomore has thrown for 2,139 yards with 25 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Ethan Parsons leads the Tigers' receiving corp with 44 catches good for 820 yards and 11 scores. Josiah Hooker will be just as much of a threat as he has 748 yards on 27 receptions and seven TDs.
In the backfield, Amir Powell has garnered 1,060 yards on 130 attempts and 17 touchdowns. He also is a leader on defense with 63 tackles (61 solo).
Eli Padgett has gathered 66 tackles (60 solo) while Parsons leads the way with four interceptions.
"We've looked very similar offensively. We do a lot of thinks alike," Daugherty said. "It wouldn't surprise me to see both of us click, potentially. A lot of times when offenses like ours are supposed to match up, it's funny how the defenses take over those games. I do think that's what's going to win the game for us. I think it's going to be our defense limiting their offense and I think we have a good group of guys on the defensive side that have continually gotten better as the season went on. I think they played some pretty good football. I think because of our offense having the season they've had, our defense has been kind of overlooked. I think it is an interesting matchup. I do think it's two good offenses and two good football staffs going against each other."
Park signalcaller Beau Heller finished the regular season with 1,684 yards, 23 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Shaheed Jackson is the top receiver as he's racked up 597 yards on 38 catches and 10 touchdowns. Sincere Sinclair has 27 receptions for 417 yards and five scores.
Stevie Mitchell has had an impressive season with 1,255 rushing yards and 15 TDs.
On defense, Colton Thomas has collected 77 tackles (53 solo) while Nate Shelek has 72 tackles (58 solo) and five interceptions. Hunter Nixon has 66 tackles with 47 being solo and eight TFL.
Even though, Park has only played one game in the past three weeks, Daugherty thinks they haven't had a setback during that span.
"I think sometimes when you have a layoff, people talk about rust. But I think rust comes from losing focus," Daugherty said. "Because I think we've maintained a certain focus and energy, I think we can reap the benefits to feeling fresh, having fresh legs and being excited. That's what I think we're going to gain from having a week or two off in the last three weeks."