photo by: Kristin Mazgaj

Wheeling Centrals Kade Koroneos wards off a defender Friday during the Maroon Knights’ game against Pittsburgh Perry

WHEELING – It is Hall of Fame weekend at Wheeling Central.

Coach Mike Young’s Maroon Knights kicked off festivities in rousing fashion Friday night by routing Pittsburgh Perry Traditional Academy, 41-8, at Bishop Schmitt Field on the campus of Wheeling University.

The impressive triumph lifted the Maroon Knights to a sharp 4-1 on the campaign, the lone blemish coming at the powerful hands of Fort Frye. Young’s charges entered last night’s contest ranked third in the WVSSAC Class A playoff rankings.

Central returns to action Thursday, hosting Barnesville. The Shamrocks will enter the contest reeling from their first loss after 42 straight regular-season wins. The ‘Rocks fell to West Virginia big-school undefeated power George Washington, 17-14.

The Maroon Knights wasted no time in taking command against the Commodores from the Steel City.

Central took the opening kickoff and put together a quick five-play scoring drive, capped by a two-yard TD burst by senior dynamo Kade Koroneos. Clay Petry booted the PAT.

The scoring drive was set up by a 38-yard aerial connection from Nico Kusic to senior standout Max Olejasz.

The Maroon Knights made it 14-0 in the waning seconds of the opening quarter on a 25-yard Kusic pass to Joey Hall on a perfectly executed slant pattern. Petry again converted.

Central tacked on three more touchdowns in the second quarter to push its lead to 34-0 at halftime.

Koroneos scored from seven and 12 yards out, respectively, before Kusic teamed with senior ace Troy Mortakis on a 43-yard aerial score.

The teams agreed to shorten the second half to eight-minute quarters. Young, a National Hall of Fame coaching enshrinee, gave his reserves the majority of playing time after intermission.

After Perry scored on a 35-yard TD pass, Central closed out the game’s scoring on the strength of a Kusic to Maddox Stillion nine-yard toss.

“We turned the ball over early but we maintained our poise,” Young said. “I am proud of how we played and our effort. We got good playing time for a lot of our kids.

“Kade is a workhorse. He fights hards for the extra yard,” he added. “We also got out of this game injury free. That is always a plus.”

Koroneos enjoyed a superb night. In addition to his three TDs, the 185-pound dandy collected 109 yards rushing on just 11 carries, all coming in the first half. He also had a 60-yard punt return for a score nullified by a penalty.

Kusic also had a sparkling night. He completed eight-of-13 passes for 157 yards. Hall hauled in four of those tosses for 53 yards.

Perry, which boasted nice athleticism but lacking in discipline, gained just 37 yards on the ground and 117 yards in the air. The Commodores were flagged 14 times for 105 yards.

“We got a short week this week and it is a big test,” Young said. “Barnesville is an excellent team. But we relish the challenge.”

The Maroon Knights were penalized five times for 60 stripes.

Central’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony is on tap this morning at the high school, commencing at 10 o’clock.