photo by: Nick Henthorn

Bellaire’s Michael Dippel makes a throw on Saturday against St. Clairsville.

BELLAIRE — After a full slate of high school football games on Friday, St. Clairsville and Bellaire had Saturday all to themselves, and the two teams played a tough game worthy of the spotlight, the Red Devils triumphing over the Big Reds 21-14 on Nelson Field.

“A lot of character today,” St. Clairsville head coach Brett McLean said. “I mean, this was a character game. I give tip of the hat to Bellaire. They’re always a tough opponent and we just did what we needed to do to win. We got to keep getting better each week.”

St. Clairsville led wire-to-wire Saturday, but had the Big Reds hot on their heels the whole game- and needed a big fourth-down stop in the fourth quarter to finally put the game away.

Bellaire had taken the ball into St. Clairsville territory, lining up at the Red Devil 40 yard-line and facing a fourth-and-eight with the clock dipping under five minutes of game time. St. Clairsville senior defensive end Colten Florence, an all-conference and all-state honoree last season, came through with a big stop, chasing down Bellaire quarterback Michael Dippel from behind to force a turnover on downs. The Red Devils were able to run the ball for a couple of first downs, and kneel out the remainder of the clock.

“There was a lot of strategy going on in this game from both teams offensively and defensively,” McLean said. “You know, it’s nerve-wracking, but it’s fun to coach in that strategic battle, back-and-forth.

“The offense and the defenses were playing cat and mouse with each other and we were fortunate to get that fourth down sack.

“[Bellaire] converted some big third-and-longs on us today. Both teams played really well. Both teams are good teams, and it’s just a good rivalry game. I’m glad everyone, I think, is going to leave decently healthy.”

For Bellaire, Dippel threw two touchdowns and an interception- his top target was Cole Gonglik, who was a standout Saturday with seven catches for 113 yard and both touchdown catches.

“Gonglik’s a great kid,” Bellaire head coach Mark Bonar said. “He plays with a lot of heart, never gives up on a play, he does a great job all the time.”

Rylin McMahon ran for 73 yards for the Big Reds.

For St. Clairsville, Sam McLean passed for 138 yards and a touchdown- a 44-yard strike to Jaxon Starks in the corner of the end zone which started the game’s scoring in the first quarter.

Starks gave St. C. another explosive reception later in the game with a 40-yard haul. His 84 yards receiving led the team.

Ollie Muhly turned 27 carries into 144 yards and two touchdowns as the senior continued his strong campaign.

McLean liked the balanced approach from his offense on Saturday.

“I think we needed to be [balanced],” McLean said. “You know, we had some big plays. The O-line blocked great. Sam and Jaxon hooked up on that long pass. You know, I think we missed a couple things that we wish we had done better. But you know what? I think we settled down and did what we needed to do at the right time.”

Muhly burst 69 yards to the end zone on a sweep to put St. Clairsville ahead 14-0 with 4:13 to play in the first quarter.

Bellaire answered back right before halftime, Dippel finding Gonglik on an in-breaking route from six yards out to cut the Red Devil lead to seven points, 14-7 at the half.

Bellaire had the chance to double-up with the first drive of the second half, and marched down to the red zone, but Ollie Muhly came up with an interception in the end zone to snuff out a promising drive.

“I thought the kids dug deep,” McLean said. “I mean, the interception by Ollie down here in the end zone was a big play. We responded.

“Real excited for our kids to get back in the win column. It was a crucial thing after taking a loss. They always want to get back those smiles on their faces. You know we got some tough tough games ahead of us here.”

“We have to finish some more drives,” Bonar said. “There’s a couple times we just need to finish drives, not take negative plays. But all in all, we did a nice job. We’ve got nice players.”

St. Clairsville carried their momentum onto offense, getting a 25-yard run by Kale Fisher, who rushed seven times for 61 yards Saturday, and a 40-yard reception from Starks before finishing their drive with a two-yard Muhly touchdown dive to take a 21-7 lead with 6:08 on the third quarter clock.

Again, Bellaire would respond, their passing game moving the ball down the field and eventually leading to another Gonglik touchdown catch, this one from five yards out after Dippel showed off his play-extending skills, rolling out of the pocket and making a throw on the run.

Defenses prevailed in the fourth quarter. In the final frame, both teams had drives extended on third-and-long via penalties, but neither could find the end zone.

“It was a good game,” Bonar said. “It was a good game against a good team. They made plays when they had to, and we had some mistakes. They’re high school kids.”

St. Clairsville (5-2) returns home next week against Bloom-Carroll. Bellaire (3-4) remains at home against Harrison Central.