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Linsley’s Malte Fiel runs in with the ball against St Clairsville at Red Devils Stadium earlier this season. Photo by Lauren Florence
Steubenville will look to sweep its Wheeling-based opponents when Linsley’s talented Cadets enter Harding Stadium on Friday.
The undefeated Big Red, which leads the Division 4, Region 15 computer ratings and remains third in the Ohio AP poll, turned in a memorable offensive performance last week to eliminate Wheeling Park 69-28.
Reno Saccocchia’s team finished with 679 yards of offense against Park, converting all 10 of its possessions into touchdowns and four scoring plays of 60 yards or more.
“Offensively, they played like we thought Wheeling Park would play,” Saccoccia said. “They put 28 points on the board.
“I expected us to have more long drives. I never expected to have the number of big plays that we completed. And those gave Park more opportunities on offense. Big plays sometimes help and change the game.
Linsley stands at 4-1 with a 41-38 road win over previously unbeaten Fort Fran. In the year It was Fort Frye’s first home loss since 2017. Washington County-based Cadet hasn’t fallen to an OVAC opponent since 2014. Linsley came from behind twice and sealed the victory when quarterback Santiago Graneros nailed a 40-yard field goal. More than a minute to play.
“It was a big win for us in a tough place to win,” Linsley coach BJ Depew said. “It was a tough game to lose – it was just a battle for four quarters.
“We were down 14 and 15 points respectively and hung in there. We were really lucky to win that.
The Cadets, who are riding a three-game winning streak, have defeated Imani Christian Academy, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney and St. Clairsville. They fell to Fairmont Senior, the defending West Virginia Section AA champion, 27-24.
“If you would have told me at the start of the season that we would have been 4-1 going into Week 6 against Steubenville, there’s no doubt we took the deal,” Depew said. “The kids have gotten better every week. They’re believing in themselves and they’re starting to do things that some people doubt they can do.
“It’s confidence and the glue that holds us together when things aren’t going well.”
Friday’s meeting will be the 10th between the schools, with the Big Red holding an 8-0-1 series lead. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.
“Linsley is a very balanced team,” Saccoccia said. “They’ve moved some players around and that’s made them stronger. They are more dangerous by attacking. They are not as big as last year but they are very fast.
“They’re always physical. They do a good job the way they play–they play a physical game of football. Linsley has good running backs, solid quarterbacking and real good speed. The line is faster and lasts longer on the blocks.
Junior Atley Cowan leads the Linsley attack. He completed 14 passes for 303 yards and five touchdowns in the win at Fort Frye.
Leading the way is veteran Luca DiLorenzo, who saw quarterback play as a junior. He went for 161 receiving yards against Fort Frye and four touchdowns. He scored on receptions of 12, 66, 21 and 52 yards. His final score tied the game at 38 late in the third quarter.
Jaylek Johnson, Nathan Coleman and Malte Feil are other tools in Linsley’s passing game.
Alex Taylor is the featured running back. Fort Fran finished the game with 116 yards on 17 attempts.
In addition to the game-winner, Graneros nailed a 33-yard field goal.
Asked for his thoughts on the Big Red, Depew was quick to say, “They’re great.”
“They are strong and they are explosive,” he continued. “This is the fourth year in a row that we’ve played them. I see them getting better every year. Every year we got a little better and played better every year in Steubenville.
“I believe this is as strong as you’ve seen on film. They look like a complete team that can run and throw. They play great defense. I honestly don’t see any weaknesses.”
Putting together a 6-0 start, the Big Red are averaging 34.7 points per game while allowing 11.5. Offensively, Steubenville is averaging 242 yards and 157 passing.
Senior Gavin Bozicka rushed for 622 yards and nine touchdowns on 98 carries. Junior Savier Faulks has contributed 365 yards on 36 carries, averaging 10.1 yards per touchdown. It has four points.
Senior quarterback Fatton Hill has thrown for 940 yards and nine touchdowns. He is completing 66 percent of his trials.
Junior Isaac Hill has 25 receptions for 398 yards and five touchdowns. Seniors Hakeem Edwards and Bozicka each had seven catches.
“We need two breaks,” said Depew. That’s true anytime you’re in a big game and that’s what happened last week – the ball went our way twice.
“Our guys have to block and tackle. Anytime you face Steubenville, it ultimately comes down to blocking and tackling. The program is great and gives you a chance to have a plan, but the kids have to get up and play like adults. They block and kick the ball your way, maybe you can take advantage of it.
“Steubenville is a solid football program. They’ve run it well and they’ve had great success throwing when they need to. Fundamentals will be key.
As always, Saccocchia stressed that strong preparation will be the key to his big red.
“I told them after the game in the park that we can’t be human because human beings shake after something so good happens to them,” he said. “It’s just human nature.
“All day long we can be human but when we are on the field we have to be champions and we have to practice like champions. We have to practice to get better. If we practice like that, we’ll play like that.”
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