St. C. Clashes With Harrison For Coal Bucket
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CADIZ -- Not a lot more needs to be said around the Harrison Central and St. Clairsville football teams this week other than ... it's 'Coal Bucket' week.
Friday night at Wagner Field in Cadiz will mark the 22nd straight season the Huskies and Red Devils will meet for more than bragging rights or just another regular-season victory. Since the rivalry resumed, the Red Devils have owned a significant 17 to four edge, including last season's 55-7 pasting at Red Devil Stadium.
"I look at it this way," Harrison Central head coach Anthony Hayes said. "Since Coach (Brett) McLean has been at St. Clairsville, they've played in 34 playoff games, he's won 170 games in 20 years, a state runnerup and several OVAC titles along with sending players to Power 5 (college) programs. We've beaten them just four times, so I am not sure what else needs to be said."
While those are accurate statistics and facts, when the teams get on the silver turf Friday night, none of that will matter. The Huskies (4-1) are coming in off a big win over East Liverpool, while the Red Devils (3-2) are looking to bounce back following a loss to Linsly.
"Seeing how we bounce back again is a great concern," McLean said. "It's another tough opponent and we're to that point where we're playing a bunch of (Buckeye 8) league games against quality teams and coaches. Harrison Central has shown the ability to be quite capable on offense."
The Huskies have done that and they've done it with an impressive passing game that features quarterback Hayden Cassidy and senior wide receiver Tre Rex. The duo has hooked up 18 times for 460 yards and eight touchdowns. All told, Cassidy has thrown for 1,028 yards and 10 touchdowns on 52 of 90 accuracy.
"Harrison has a lot of similarities to things we've faltered against the last few weeks," McLean said. "We need to correct our wrongs and prepare another potent offense. Their quarterback is a veteran and they have the ability to stretch the field, so I have a ton of respect for what I am seeing on film."
Harrison Central isn't one dimensional by any means. It also features sophomore Mykel Quito at tailback, who is having a strong season. He's gained 455 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Parker Hutton is another key cog in the offense. He's caught 14 passes for 274 yards and a score.
The Red Devils' offense, meanwhile, features more of a running attack with quarterback Andrew Vera and senior tailback Jacob Walker doing most of the work.
Walker leads the team in rushing with 76 carries for 460 yards and four touchdowns, while Vera has posted 446 yards and seven touchdowns on 63 carries. Through the air, Vera has landed 36 of 56 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns and a like number of interceptions. The receiving stats have been spread around for the Devils with no one having more than nine receptions.
"When I turn on the film, I see the same old St. Clairsville team that's well coached with extremely good athletes," Hayes said. "They play numerous players throughout the game and they can platoon. We just hope to be able to find a couple of holes to be able to take advantage of and be competitive."