File Photo Wheeling Central opens the 2021 high school football season Friday at home against Ambridge.

By CODY NESPOR

Sports Writer

Opening the season at home is always exciting, this year more so than most.

Despite that, Wheeling Central head coach Mike Young is not worried about how his team will act in their home-opener against Amrbidge (Pa.) on Friday.

“They’ll settle in,” Young said. “There might be some early excitement but they’ll settle in and be okay.”

After the COVID map barred the Maroon Knights from going for a fourth state title last season, Central is back for 2021 with a roster that is a little younger and more inexperienced than usual. To that end, Ambridge should provide a nice first test for Central.

Since going 5-5 and making the Pennsylvania playoffs in 2015, the Bridgers have gone just 1-44 in the last five seasons, including an 0-6 record last year. The team has a new coach in Sherman McBride as their seniors will be on the hunt for just the second win in their four-year careers.

“They’re definitely a very athletic team,” Young said of his opponents. “Good size, good speed with aggressiveness on defense. We have a number of kids who are going to be challenged and tested and they’re going to have to be physical. They have a good running back and good receivers. We’ve got to take away the long run and the long pass.”

Ambridge’s quarterback is senior Chris Sakony, who will throw to receivers D’Saun Harmon and twins Trent and Tyler McKnight.

Defensively, Young said one of the focal points of the game will be limiting Ambridge’s big plays.

“There’s nothing like game experience,” Young said. “You can’t simulate speed. You’re going against your younger kids and they’re not as explosive or aggressive as the older kids. Repetition is the best thing you can do to provide confidence and comfort on the field.”

On their own side, the Maroon Knights’ offense will be led by a pair of all-state honorable mentions in senior quarterback Michael Toepfer and junior running back Riley Watkins. Young said a major determining factor in the game offensively will be limiting turnovers.

“The big thing in the early part of the season is turnovers,” Young explained. “We’ve got to secure the ball. Last year, at the start of our season we lost two games and the biggest factor was turnovers.”

Other than winning the game, Young said his goals for the opener are to come away injury-free and to play as many kids as possible.

“Some key factors are to come out injury free and trying to play as many kids as you can to keep your younger kids hungry and healthy, energetic with positive attitudes,” Young said. “You’re going to make mistakes, that’s part of the game, but if you can correct those mistakes, that’s what leads to success.”

The Bridgers will be Central’s first hurdle on its season-long journey to reclaim a state title this year.

“We’ve got a program here at Central that’s got high expectations and that’s what we like,” Young said. “That means we’ve got a program that’s consistent and our goal, like every year, is to be playing in December.”

Kick-off at Bishop Schmitt field is set for Friday at 7 p.m.