Test awaits Fort Frye at Wheeling Central
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BEVERLY -- This Friday night is going to tell the Fort Frye Cadets a lot about themselves.
FFHS is 1-1 through two weeks with a blowout loss and a blowout. The thing about blowouts is there isn't much to take away from them, making it hard to gauge where your team is at.
Fort Frye head coach Eric Huck thinks this week's game at Wheeling Central will show him a lot in terms of where the Cadets stand.
"I think we'll find out more this week with this game," Huck said. "Barnesville is really good, so it was hard to see what we are that week. Then kind of the same thing with Belpre, it's just hard to tell. I know I'm really enjoying coaching these guys. They're working hard and I'm excited to see how things go."
Wheeling Central, which is 1-0 after a 28-6 win over James Monroe in the Mountain State's opening week, presents an interesting challenge for Fort Frye. Both teams run the wing-T offense and have similar philosophies and principles
"They're big up front and athletic," Huck said. "They look a lot like before when we played them. They have athletic skill guys and a couple big running backs that run hard. They run the wing-T, which we're pretty familiar with, but so they're going to be familiar with us as well. It's one of those games that could go either way depending on turnovers and big plays. One or two plays could be the difference."
Isaac Martin, listed at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, is Central's lead back. He rushed for 155 yards in week one. Nico Kusik is another solid option out of the backfield for the Maroon Knights. He carried eight times for 78 yards last week and also had an interception on defense. Seth Cover plays quarterback for Central and threw a 21-yard TD pass to Troy Mortakis against James Monroe, so he's more than capable of keeping defenses honest with the passing game.
"It's always a key, but especially in this game, is who can control the line of scrimmage," Huck said. "They look pretty darn good up front, but I feel our defensive line and linebackers are playing well. Up front is where the game will be decided."
The Cadets are battling some injuries, which is something Huck expressed concern about in the preseason. Fort Frye has 31 players on its roster and only 25 practiced Tuesday.
"We really couldn't have injuries is what we were saying -- well, we've had some injuries," Huck said. "It makes things tough. We've got guys trying to learn multiple positions. It's been a challenge."
Sam Bricker has stepped into the left guard spot for the injured Dayne Miller has done a good job, Huck said. Luke Phillis, who has come on as a big-play receiver in his first two varsity games, is repping at running back in practice while Gavin Rauch, Fort Frye's backup QB, also is learning running back.
"They're working really hard," Huck said. "I'm excited to see what they can do."
Though two games, Tyce Beardsley leads the Cadets in rushing with 122 yards on 10 carries. Clayton Miller has carried eight times for 111 yards, while Kainan Bradford (nine carries, 58 yards) will get touches from the fullback spot.
Grady Hesson is 10 for 16 passing for 262 yards, two touchdowns and two picks. Phillis has been a nightmare for the Barnesville and Belpre secondaries, hauling in eight receptions for 221 yards and two scores.