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WV’s Receivers Will do More Than Just Catch the Ball

In the offense that West Virginia head coach John Kelley likes to run, the wide receivers are asked to do more than just catch the ball.

Kelley, who is the head coach at University High School and is embarking on his first time in the OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Game, believes he’s found a solid collection of players who fit that mold ideally for the annual battle with Ohio, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 23 at Wheeling Island Stadium.

“We have a good group of receivers that we feel really good about,” Kelley said. “We have a nice blend of speed and guys who can be in the slot as well as guys who we can run a bunch formation and run behind. We’re going to need these guys to do a lot of things for us.”

Here’s a capsule look at the players:

ELIJA JACKSON, University — This former Hawk standout was a key cog in the success for Kelley’s team on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, Jackson caught 39 passes for 726 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. On the defensive side, he posted 19 tackles, four interceptions, broke up seven passes and scored two touchdowns.

Jackson was named honorable mention All-State and was also a standout at basketball, earning All-OVAC.

Elija, who plans to attend Fairmont State, is the son of Wes and Misty Jackson.

TRENT PARSONS, Parkersburg South — This former Patriot was effective on both sides of the ball for Coach Nathan Tanner’s team.

The 5-11, 165-pounder was very impressive defensively where he logged 82 tackles, picked off five passes, forced three fumbles and recovered one.

Parsons was named First Team All-TRAC for his efforts.

Along with football, Parsons was a First-Team All-State baseball selection.

Trent, who is undecided about his future plans, is the son of John and Andrea Parsons.

EVAN QUERING, Madonna — This former Blue Don was one of the top targets for Coach Ron Rovira’s team last season.

Quering caught 81 passes for 1,301 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.

The 6-foot, 180-pounder was named All-OVAC and Second Team All-State.

Along with football, Quering is a standout in the classroom. He’s a member of the National Honor Society, was named All-OVAC Academic, carried a 4.6 grade point average and was part of the Madonna Honor’s program.

Evan, who plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh, is the son of Barie and Allison Quering.

CALEB RATCLIFFE, Wheeling Central — This Maroon Knight product was one of the steadiest targets in offensive attack for Coach Mike Young’s team.

The 6-4, 210-pounder caught 35 passes for 562 yards last season. He also scored eight touchdowns.

Ratcliffe was recognized by the Watchdog Team and Coalfields and Co.

Along with athletics, Ratcliffe was a member of the Drug Free Club as a junior and a senior.

Caleb, who plans to attend West Virginia, is the son of Mike and Michelle Ratcliffe.

LUKE SECRIST, Brooke — This former Bruin standout shined on both sides of the ball for Coach Mac McLean’s squad.

The 5-11, 210-pounder saw time at tight end and linebacker. Defensively, he posted 165 tackles, 10 sacks and picked off two passes.

Secrist’s fine season was recognized by his placement on the All-Valley Team.

Secrist, who plans to play football at Glenville State, is the son of Bill Secrist and Michelle Gossett.

CARSON YOBBAGY, Weir — This former Red Rider was a steady target for Coach Frank Sisinni’s team.

Yobbagy posted more than 900 all-purpose yards and scored seven touchdowns as a senior.

Those numbers resulted in a plethora of post-season accolades, including First Team All-OVAC, All-Valley and All-Watch Dog. He was named Second Team All-Area.

Along with football, Yobbagy was member of the Red Rider track team.

Carson, who plans to attend Washington & Jefferson, is the son of Jay Yobbagy and Amy Durkin.

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