(Late Saturday)

FOOTBALL

Crusaders Finish Regular Season Strong

STEUBENVILLE — Catholic Central entered Saturday’s regular season finale with a clear mission – win and earn a home playoff game.

After some early stumbles, the Crusaders were able to accomplish that mission quite convincingly.

Central scored the first 37 points on the way to rolling to a 37-6 victory over visiting Cleveland East Tech on senior night at Harding Stadium. By virtue of doing so, Central finished sixth in the Division VII, Region 27 standings, locking up a home game in the opening round of the playoffs next week. It also locked up another winning season for the Crusaders, who improve to 6-4.

Quarterback Matthew Sprochi overcame a couple early fumbles to rush for a pair of scores and throw for one more, having one of his best passing nights of the season with 98 yards, completing seven passes to four different targets. He was inches away from having two pass TDs if not for a Crusader fumble just shy of the goal line. He also rushed for a team-high 61 yards.

Defensively for Central, Nate Irvin had a monster game, finishing with two fumble recoveries, two sacks, the forced safety and a tackle for loss. Zach Bryan had an interception and a fumble recovery and Alex Federoff and Johnny Kostecki each had a tackle for loss.

GIRLS SOCCER

Weir Strikes Playoff Victory vs. Rival Golden Bears

WEIRTON — In soccer, sometimes it only takes one. Weir High head coach Jeremy Angelo was pretty happy that his team got two.

After scoring early and clinging to a one-goal lead most of the game, the Red Riders’ Brynn Artman netted a goal with under five minutes to play to seal a 2-0 victory over rival Oak Glen in the Class A/AA Region 1 semifinals.

When freshman Kameryn Mallas scored in the first half, there was a real possibility it would be enough – and it was. Artman, a senior, tallying her late goal allowed Angelo and company to breathe quite a bit easier the last few minutes, though.

Senior Madelyn Cramer assisted on both tallies. Junior keeper Bella Weber made four saves to keep Oak Glen off the board and preserve the victory.

The Red Riders will move on to the Region 1 championship game on Tuesday on the road at top seed Wheeling Central. The Maroon Knights (17-3-1) own an 8-1 victory over Weir, though that game was all the way back in the first week of the season in August.