STEUBENVILLE — A quick look at the Big Red’s preseason schedule shows the challenges ahead, especially the first three weeks.
Lino Sacocha’s group has been addressing these challenges.
The Big Red trailed at one point in all three games but came back to win all three to improve to 3-0. The Hall of Fame coach’s team’s most convincing win so far came last week against Cardinal Mooney.
The Big Red trailed 14-3 early on, but scored 28 straight points thanks to four touchdowns from Aiden Davis to beat YSU 31-21.
“I’m really happy with the effort we’re putting in.” “We have to fix some little things offensively, defensively and special teams, but it’s nothing we can’t fix and we’re working hard to do that,” Sakocia said.
“But I look forward to working with the players as long as the efforts continue as they have, which have actually exceeded my expectations.
“They showed a desire to compete, a love of competition and a never give up attitude. It’s really good to see that from our team.”
After a tough two-week road trip, Steubenville returns to the friendly atmosphere of Harding Stadium on Friday night for its next matchup against University of Pittsburgh Prep/SciTech/Obama Academy (USO) at 7 p.m.
“I’m sure the players are ready to go home. It’s always a good week for us coming home, especially with Homecoming.” Saccoccia said.
USO is a familiar opponent for the Big Red, as Friday’s game will mark the ninth meeting between the two schools overall, with Steubenville winning each of the previous eight meetings, including a 43-20 win over the Big Red last season.
Coming into the game, they were 0-2, having lost their opening game in a close 22-18 loss at Allison Park Hampton (Pennsylvania) and a 40-14 loss to unbeaten Hickory of Hermatidge, Pennsylvania.
Despite early setbacks, USO finished with a 7-4 record last season. The trip to the Big Red marks the third of four straight away games to open the season. MaxPreps rates USO’s schedule as one of the toughest in Pennsylvania Class AAAA. USO is the equivalent of a Division II school in Ohio.
“Last year was probably one of the best teams they’ve brought here and they have a lot of skill position players returning this year.” Saccoccia said. “They’re 0-2, but they’re playing a pretty tough schedule. They have a strong offense that woke us up last year. Hopefully we can remember what we learned last year and prepare for them.”
Meanwhile, after trips to New Philadelphia and Youngstown the past two weeks, the Big Red will only be away from Harding Stadium for one remaining game – a trip to Wheeling Park in Week 6 – and will play six of their final seven regular season games at home.
Steubenville was ranked No. 5 in Ohio Division III in the first Ohio Associated Press high school football poll released Tuesday. Joe Eitel has the Big Red No. 3 in Region 11, which still has seven unbeaten teams remaining, including next week’s opponent, Dover.
So far with the Big Red, Davis has contributed to nine of the 10 touchdowns, five of which have come via the run and four via the pass, completing over 72 percent of his passes for 511 yards and adding another 148 with his legs.
Jalen Minnifield led the ground attack with 219 yards and one trip to the end zone, while Trevon Wiggins averaged more than 34 yards per catch with 129 yards receiving. He is one of four receivers to catch a touchdown so far.
Cole Bowers was 2 of 2 from the field and 4 of 4 on extra points. Kijuan Hopkins led the defense with 24 tackles through three games and forced seven turnovers overall.
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