High School Football Roundup: Fort Frye Edges Out Wheeling Central; Purple Riders Maul Brashear

WHEELING - Fort Frye continued its mastery over Wheeling Central Friday night.

The Cadets (3-0) rallied from a 21-13 halftime deficit to record a 29-27 victory over the Maroon Knights (1-1) on the artificial surface at Wheeling University's Bishop Schmitt Field.

It was the fifth triumph in six meetings for Fort Frye, which also posted a 40-0 nod last season in Beverly when Wheeling Central went on to win the W.Va. Class A state title. The Maroon Knights lone win in the series came way back in 1980.

Wheeling Central ran 34 times for 320 yards as quarterback Nico Kusic and tailback Dustin Saner both eclipsed the 100-yard barrier.

Kusic gained 185 on 21 totes, scoring three times on runs of 3, 74 and 8. However, the two-point pass following the last touchdown that would have tied the contest was no good with 95 seconds left to play. Saner finished with 10 carries for 145 yards, including a 67-yard scoring jaunt.

Fort Frye's Grady Hesson was a thorn in Wheeling Central's side. The senior quarterback ran for two scores and passed for two more. He ended up with 36 yards rushing and 163 passing. He also kicked a 22-yard field goal in the third quarter and added two extra points.

Wheeling Central will remain at home next Friday when West Lafayette Ridgewood visits on Hall of Fame Night.

Martins Ferry 53, Brashear 15

MARTINS FERRY - Colby Krokpa completed 6 of 8 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns as the Purple Riders (3-0) blew past the visiting Bulls (0-2) at the Dave Bruney Football Complex at Purple Rider Stadium.

Kropka had scoring strikes of 15 and 60 yards to Jakori Cox. He also teamed with Jacob Theaker on a 65-yard TD. Backup quarterback Derek Lucas also tossed a 25-yard six-pointer.

Walkquem Cox ran for 121 yards on 10 carries, scoring on runs of 35 and 30. Javis Johnson had an 80-yard kickoff return and Kropka ran in from two yards.

Cameron 48, Valley 6

PINE GROVE - The Dragons (2-0) received 179 yards of total offense from quarterback Soier Reed in their rout of the Lumberjacks at Thomas C. West Memorial Field. Reed ran for 125 yards and two scores while completing his only pass for 54 yards to younger brother, Sterling, for a touchdown.

Marshall Holland carried the rock 13 times for 86 yards and two touchdowns, while Talen Brown added 63 yards and a TD on just three totes.

Cameron rushed for 306 yards on 31 carries, an average of 9.9 per carry.

Brown also logged 12 tackles, with eight being solo stops. Three were for negative yards. He also had an interception and recovered a fumble.

In addition, Brown booted five extra-points.

Beaver Local 35, St. Clairsville 21

ST. CLAIRSVILLE - The visiting Beavers (3-0) broke a 21-all halftime deadlock with a touchdown in each of the third and fourth quarters at Red Devil Stadium.

The Red Devils (0-3) led 142-0 on the strength of an 85-yard return of the opening kickoff and a 1-yard run by Kale Fisher, with James Parsons connecting on both PATs.

Brody Clifford, who had a 7-yard scoring run, completed 13 of 22 passes for 140 yards and an interception. Hunter Orum caught five passes for 54 yards.

St. Clairsville will travel to West Liberty's West Family Stadium next Friday to meet Linsly.

In games not reported, Union Local (3-0) shellacked visiting Indian Creek (1-2) by a 48-7 count at Jets Stadium in Morristown; River (3-0) ran roughshod over visiting Oak Glen (1-1) at Martin Flannery Field in Hannibal; Bridgeport (1-2) picked up Chris Smelley's first career win with a 36-34 shootout at Southern Local; Weirton Madonna (1-1) defeated visiting Van, 41-0, at Jimmy Carey Stadium; Strasburg (3-0) throttled host Harrison Central (1-2) 54-7 at Wagner Field in Cadiz and visiting Wirt County handed Magnolia a 34-12 loss on Alumni Field at Bill Stewart Memorial Stadium in New Martinsville.