BIG RED FOOTBALL 2K12

Steubenville Big Red 7

West Holmes Knights 35

November 10th, 2012

Woody Hays Quaker Stadium

New Philadelphia, Ohio

Layne Perone is the real deal and the rest of the West Holmes football team isn't bad either-just ask Big Red.

Perone, the junior fullback, ran for 134 yards and a pair of touchdowns as West Holmes dominated the mistake-plagued Big Red 35-7 before an overflow crowd Saturday at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium.

With the victory, the 11-1 Knights, who scored 29 straight points to seal the deal, advance to play Dover in the Region 11 finals this week.

Big Red, which fell in the quarterfinals for the second straight year, closes at 9-3.

Coming into the match (the second ever between the schools), Perone had more than 1,700 yards and 29 touchdowns, both school records. He did most of his damage Saturday in the first half when the Knights grabbed a lead they would never relinquish.

As a team, West Holmes rolled to 327 in total offense (273 on the ground and 54 via the air). The Knight defense held the potent Big Red ground game (which went in averaging 221 an outing) to less than 100 yards.

"Congratulations to West Holmes, they're a real good football team," Big Red's Reno Saccoccia said.

"They have tough kids and they are well coached. Tonight, they played a great game.

"The key to being a good team and having a good game is to take advantage of opportunities. The key to a bad game is give opportunities. We gave them opportunities and they took advantage of them."

Gabe Snyder, West Holmes' 6-5 senior quarterback, complimented Perone's effort with a big night of his own. He ran for 45 yards and passed for 54 and a score. His 36-yard scamper on a third quarter bootleg led to the fourth Knight touchdown.

"Perone is good but their quarterback made some big plays," Saccoccia added. "He had a couple of big completions and a couple of big runs. And, he played great on defense (Snyder doubles as a defensive end).

"That junior (Perone) is the glue to the team, he makes it go. But the quarterback did some good things tonight. They didn't throw the ball that well all year but they made key plays. That is why they are in the regional finals. They made key plays and we didn't."

West Holmes struck first, taking the opening kickoff and moving 65 yards in eight plays. Perone accounted for 44 of the total and scored from nine yards out.

Big Red answered with a five-play 53-yard march set up by Michael Jett's 33 yard kickoff return. The touchdown came on a 45-yard swing pass from Corey Stinson to Kai McClurg. McClurg sprinted down the sidelines after making the catch, getting a key block from Matt Petrella. Luke Smith knocked through the extra point.

On possession No. 2, Big Red moved from its own 14 (a personal foul penalty created the poor field position) to the West Holmes 42. Stinson was 4 for 4 on the march for 36 yards. Faced with a fourth and two, Saccoccia decided to gamble but Dashon Redman was stopped just short following a very questionable spot.

The Knights made Big Red pay for taking that risk, quickly going 60 yards in nine plays to grab the lead. Perone scored again, this time from 14 yards away. The scored went to 14-7 when 6-foot-6 Brock Macaulay rose up and grabbed a pass from Brady Arnold for the two-point conversion.

Big Red had a chance just before the half when Stinson found Tajuan Lawson for a 39-yard completion to the West Holmes 25. Instead of trying a long field goal, Saccoccia opted to go for the touchdown but Stinson's pass to the end zone fell incomplete. The opportunity was set up by a Charlie Keenan sack of Snyder.

Disaster struck the third-seeded Big Red on the second half kick. The receiver lost the handle, West Holmes' Alex Wengerd falling on the loose pigskin at the 28. Snyder hit Arnold for a quick six and Logan Gallion added the extra point.

Saccoccia's crew did show some signs of life following that crucial miscue, moving from its own 35 to the West Holmes 27. The drive stalled thanks to a holding call and an incomplete pass.

"Even after that fumble, we had a good return and there was life down 21-7," Saccoccia noted. "I felt pretty confident until we didn't make it on fourth down. I felt confident in our kids at the time. They fought through adversity all year. It was just not our night. Of course, West Holmes was part of the reason it was not our night."

After that, the rout was on. West Holmes would score two more times while stuffing the Big Red offense.

When asked about the high-powered West Holmes running game, Saccoccia pointed out "that is their M.O."

"We gave them too many opportunities and they took advantage. At half I thought we were still in the game. We had a bad start to the second half and they did what they were supposed to do."

Going into the bout, Saccoccia knew his Big Red needed to eliminate the penalties and protect the ball. Instead, his gridders drew seven flags and lost the big fumble.

Stinson finished the night by throwing for 164 yards and a touchdown. Lawson, McClurg and Petrella all had three catches.

"At the end of the game, I love those kids," Saccoccia noted. "That's a lonely place to be, out there down 35-7 during their last game. They kept fighting all the way to the end. Tonight, West Holmes was the better team and they were better coached then we were.

"We didn't do the little things you need to do to be a champion. I really wasn't disappointed in our offense or defense. I was disappointed that we didn't do the little things. That's why they're moving on, they did the little things and took advantage of opportunities."

 

 

 

	Big Red	West Holmes
Rushing	31/97 yards	47/273 yard
Passing	12/21 164 yards	3/5 54 yards
First Downs	10	19
Penalties	7/55 yards	2/10 yards
Punts	3/36	3/33
Fumbles	1-1	2-1
Interceptions	0	0

 

Steubenville Big Red 28

Maysville Panthers 0

November 3rd, 2012

Death Valley

Steubenville Big Red entered its 25th Ohio High School Athletic Association football tournament by hosting the Maysville Panthers out of the Zanesville area. Maysville, a member of the Muskingum Valley Conference, came into the contest with a record of 9-1. The gametime temperature was in the 30's as a swath of Canadian air invaded the Ohio Valley.

Big Red won the toss and defered to the second half, setting the stage for senior kicker/punter Luke Smith to put his foot into the pigskin. His kick sailed into the endzone giving the Panthers the ball at the 20 yard line.

Maysville had one of it's most successful drives of the night, as they picked up a first down after a nine yard pass. After that however it was 3 and out and punting time.

Big Red's initial possession started at their own 27. After a few runs by senior TB Dashon Redman, and a couple of short passes from senior QB Corey Stinson, which moved the ball to the Maysville 45, Redman busted loose down the right sideline to hit paydirt. A penalty moved the ball back 15 yards on the point after attempt though, and then the kick was blocked, giving Big Red a 6-0 early advantage.

The following kickoff went to the 2, and was returned 26 yards by the Panthers. The GATA Defense made quick work once again forcing the Panthers to punt after 3 plays. Big Red's drive started promising, but after a 20 yard burst by sophomore TB Donte Brown, the Red ran into penalty problems, which forced a quick kick decision. Maysville took over on their own 7 yard line.

Maysville broke away for an 11 yard run and a first down before being faced with a 4th and 5 from their own 27. Inexplicably the Maysville coaching staff called for a fake...which was snuffed out for a one yard loss, and setting Steubenville up in prime territory.

The Red wasted litte time making the Panthers pay, as Stinson would hit senior TE Eric Robinson on a 24 yard scoring pass. Robinson then would do the honors on the try for two, and it was a 14-0 ballgame.

Smith's next kickoff would only reach the 10, and was returned 19 yards, giving the Panthers decent field position. Wilson then would haul in a 16 yard pass, which moved the sticks out to midfield. The D once again clamped down and the punter was on again. The punt was a nice one, as it rolled to the 10 with no return.

Big Red got a little breathing room out to the 23 before having to give the oval back to the Panthers. Maysville took over but lost huge yards on a sack before punting back to the Big Red, who assumed control at the 1 yard line.

Big Red went to the hurry up offense and got a pass interference call on a ball to senior WR Matt Petrella. Big Red advanced to the 38 before disaster struck as Stinson was stripped of the ball on a rollout. The fumble was picked up by Maysville and returned to the Big Red 9 yard line with seconds left in the half. The Panthers went to the endzone, but a pass interference call on Big Red, which was a smart move on the CB's part, moved the ball half the distance with 3 ticks left. Maysville decided to go for it, but was stopped on a double reverse as time expired.

After a thrilling performance by The Best Band In Buckeye Land, both teams retook the field for their mandatory 3 minute warmup period.

Senior WR/DB Tajuan Lawson returned the ball out to the 18 and the Red went to work right away. Stinson found Petrella alone down the sideline, on a double move, for a gain of 51 yards. Redman carried 3 straight times before Petrella struck again on an 18 yard scoring pass play. Smith added the PAT and it was a 21-0 contest.

The Panthers first drive of the 2nd half began at the 33 yard line, and looked promising after a 13 yard pass and first down. But from there the Big Red D dug it's cleats into the turf forcing a 4th and 22 situation. The punt sailed to the Steubenville 24.

This Big Red drive was highlighted by a run of 35 yards from the workhorse Redman, which moved the ball into scoring position. Once again however, the flags came flying and bogged the drive down. Smith came in on 4th down to attempt what would be a Big Red record of 45 yards, but the kick sailed left.

The teams traded punts on the next 3 possessions. Big Red's next serious thread came at the end of the 3rd quarter. After a big run from Redman, he was stripped going in for a touchdown, which resulted in a touchback for the Panthers.

GATA would have one last 3 and out before the offense put the nail in the coffin. Donte Brown did all the work on this drive, rushing for 5, 8, 23, and 3 to bust in to the endzone. Smith added the final tally of the game to make it 28-0.

After the 2012 Seniors closed up Death Valley for the final time this year, the team will now hit the road to New Philiadelphia to take on West Holmes in Region 11 semi final action.

Big Red and West Holmes have met in the playoffs one other time, a 28-10 Big Red win at Canton Central Catholic back in 1999.

	Big Red	Maysville
Rushing	45/284 yards	31/-1 yard
Passing	10/17 137 yards	7/15 71 yards
First Downs	21	6
Penalties	10/100 yards	7/75 yards
Punts	3/39	9/38
Fumbles	2-2	2-0
Interceptions	0	0

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 21

Akron Buchtel Griffins 18

October 26th, 2012

Death Valley

Big Red entered Friday Night's game with the always dangerous Akron Buchtel Griffins with one goal in mind: To win the contest, which in doing so would guarantee the Red a first round home game in the OHSAA playoffs. The mission was accomplished, but it wasn't easy.

The Griffs won the toss and deferred, setting up the Red with good field position after junior Mike Jett's return to the 33. Big Red began the game with a heavy dose of senior TB Dashon Redman, who bashed and bulled his way on 8 carries of the 12 play drive. The drive stalled however at the 26 as Redman was stopped short on 4th and 4. Buchtel's first drive would see them produce a couple of first downs via the run, but then were forced to punt from their own 48. The 27 yard punt pinned Big Red back at its own 25. On the next play the Griffs got the first break of the game as Redman fumbled and Rucker picked up the pigskin and advanced it for 7 yards. This gave the Akron 11 the ball at the S.H.S. 20. After a couple of runs by QB Marnayre Drummond, the Griffs hit paydirt with a 9 yard TD pass from Drummond to Bell. The PAT failed and it was 6-0 bad guys.

Junior Bryan Pierro returned the following kickoff out to the 34, where the Redman and junior FB Kai McClurg took turns advancing the oval down the field. Once again however, the drive stalled at the 22 as McClurg's reception fell just short of the sticks.

Buchtel then converted 2 3 and long's to keep their drive alive, and was looking to put up another score, but senior Safety Matt Petrella had something to say about that as he stepped in front of a Drummond pass and raced 70 yards for a TD. Senior Kicker Luke Smith nailed the PAT and it was suddenly 7-6 Big Red.

Smith then struck again as he executed a perfect onsides kick, which was recovered by the Red at the Buchtel 43. Big Red advanced the ball to the BHS 9, before setting up for a FG with a few seconds left in the half. Smith was true on a 26 yarder, and it was 10-6 Red heading down to Cartledge Fieldhouse.

Halftime featured the Best Band In Buckeye Land paired up with the Harding Middle School Marching Band that pleased the Senior Night crowd.

The second half commenced with Smith booming the ball deep and Deric Rucker returning it out to the 32. The Griffs would go nowhere however, and were forced to punt after 3 plays.

Big Red took over at the 48 and was looking for a drive to put a cushion to the lead, but McClurg was stripped on a run in which he was picking up a first down and Buchtel's Steven Mosley took it down the left sideline to the house. The try for 2 failed and it was 12-10 Griffs.

Big Red then has its worst drive of the night, only amassing 8 yards on 4 plays, which gave the ball back to Buchtel at their 40. The Big Red defense once again gave up a big play on 3rd and long as Drummond found Rucker down the right sideline for a 63 yard scoring play. Once again the 2 point conversion was denied.

Big Red then relied on their senior workhorse to even up the game, as Redman would tote the rock on almost every play in a drive that began at the 23 and ended in the endzone. Redman would then add the 2 point conversion also.

Big Red's GATA D would then rise up and force a 3 and out, which gave the Defenders of the Crimson & the Black the ball back at their own 45. Big Red went back to the bread and butter as Redman carried the pill for 7 straight times down to the 17. Penalties then hampered the drive, which brought on Smith for his second FG attempt of the night. "Janakowski" drilled the 33 yarder with plenty to spare giving Big Red the lead back 21-18 with a few minutes left in the game.

It was then up to the defense to preserve the victory. But Buchtel didn't make it easy, as they took over at their own 40. Drummond ran the option beautifully a couple of times to put the ball down to the Big Red 26 with under a minute to go, but on 3rd and 8 he was thrown for a huge loss after some confusion with the Buchtel offense. The 4th down Hail Mary was knocked down and Big Red then ran out the clock.

Now Big Red will turn its attention to the playoffs for the 12th season in a row. First up is the Maysville Panthers, who will be making their first ever trip to the post season.

	Big Red	Buchtel
Rushing	50/230 yards	26/60 yards
Passing	7/9 47 yards	8/14 120 yards
First Downs	15	8
Penalties	8/47 yards	8/50 yards
Punts	0/0	0/0
Fumbles	3-2	1-0
Interceptions	1	0

 

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 68

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Blue Devils 13

October 19th, 2012

Death Valley

Our neighbors to the North visited Steubenville for a rare international matchup with Big Red hosting Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute from Toronto Ontario. The Blue Devils checked in at 3-1 having outscored their competition by the count of 78-44. It was reported to RRR that 3 of their best players were unable to make the trip due to Passport issues.

The Best Band In Buckeye Land paid tribute to our Canadian visitors with a fine rendition of Oh Canada, followed by the National Anthem.

Once the game was underway it was over rather quickly. The Blue Devils received the opening kickoff, which went into the endzone, setting them up at the 20. The Big Red GATA D forced a 3 and out, and then returned the punt to the 43. Senior TB Dashon Redman ripped off 40 yards, allowing fellow senior FB Marnard Reed to crash in from the 3. Senior kicker/punter Luke Smith added the PAT and it was a 7-0 ballgame.

Smith's kickoff once again reached the endzone. The Blue Devils first play of the drive resulted in a fumble, which was recovered by the Red. Redman dashed in from the 18 for another score. Smith added the PAT, and it was a two TD affair.

Laurier returned the next kickoff out to the 32, and received extra yardage via a 15 yarder on Big Red, which placed the ball at the 49. The Blue Devils went to the air, but senior OLB TeShawn Luke read the play and picked the ball off in stride for another touchdown. Smith added the point after touchdown, and it was 21-0 with 8 minuted to go in the 1st quarter.

Sir Wilfrid's next possession also resulted in a turnover, a fumble recovery at the 20. Big Red used two plays to hit paydirt. A 16 yard pass to junior WR Cody Saltsman, from senior QB Corey Stinson, and a 3 yard TD run from junior TB Mike Jett. Smitty added another PAT and it was 28-0.

From that point on Big Red would begin mass substitutions, as everyone on the roster, including freshman, would see significant action.

 

 

	Big Red	Laurier
Rushing	41/555 yards	31/104 yards
Passing	3/9 31 yards	7/18 94 yards
First Downs	25	11
Penalties	6/70 yards	1/5 yards
Punts	0/0	4/30
Fumbles	3-2	4-3
Interceptions	3	0

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 20

Morgantown Mohigans 14

October 12th, 2012

Pony Lewis Field

A battered and undermanned Steubenville Big Red football team took to the road this Friday and headed down 70/79 to make its first ever appearance in Morgantown. A lot was on the line for the Red as Big Red was on the outside looking in on the Region 11 playoff picture.

The contest started with Morgantown winning the coin toss and deferring, which set up Big Red senior kicker/punter Luke Smith to tee it up from the 40. A surprise onside kick caught the Mohigans off guard however, as Big Red pounced on the ball at the Motown 46. Steubenville came out with the mindset of going straight at the Mohigans with a steady dose of senior TB/FB Dashon Redman. Redman pounded ahead 3 straight times for a first down before senior QB Corey Stinson found senior WR Matt Petrella for a gain of 13 yards. That took the pigskin down to the 10 yard line. On third down Stinson hooked up with Petrella again for a 9 yard touchdown pass. Smith's PAT failed, and the Red held a 6-0 advantage.

 

The Mohigans started their first drive on the 35, due to an illegal procedure penality on SHS. They went to their man man right away, in senior TB Chazzy Thomas. The fleet footed speedster broke away for 7 and then 25 yards. QB Mark Johnson then hit Blain Stewart for a gain of 11 and the Mohigans were in business at the Big Red 22. The Big Red defense stiffened and forced a 3rd down from the 26, but Johnson found Shan Commodore down the left side of the endzone for a 26 yard touchdown pass. Megan DeBastiani added the PAT, which is the first ever points by a female vs the Big Red football program.

The next Big Red drive began at the 26, and was highlighted by a Petrella reception for 11 yards, and some hard running by Redman. The drive stalled however by a facemask penalty, and Big Red was forced to punt.

The Mohigans took advantage of the situation as Thomas and FB Alex Weidman took turns gashing the Big Red defense for huge chunks of yardage. Thomas took it the last 16 yards for the TD, and DeBastiani added the PAT again....Motown was suddenly up 14-6.

Big Red tried to answer using one of its time consuming patented drives, which was started at the 35 after the return of junior Mike Jett. Redman did most of the damage on this drive as the Red reached the Mohigans' 14 yard line. Once again though the penalties and miscues reared its head helping to stall the drive. On 4th down and 23 Stinson's pass to Petrella fell incomplete. The half ended with an upbeat Morgantown heading to the locker room with a 14-6 lead.

Both bands put on outstanding perfomances with the Big Red Band dancing for the home crowd, while the Motown Band of 250 impressed with their percision and size.

Big Red came out of the locker room breathing fire. The drive began at the 35 and stayed primarily on the ground. Junior Kia McClurg and sophomore Donte Brown pitched in to help Redman and Stinson as the offense chewed up yardage as they marched down field. Redman finished off the drie with a 4 yard TD run, and then he took it in for the 2 point conversion which knotted the game at 14.

The GATA Defense finally got itself together as they forced a turnover on downs at midfield on a 4th and 4 called fake punt. Big Red took possession at midfield and immediately went for the big play, but the pass to Petrella was incomplete due to pass interference. Redman then carried three straight times for a first down. Stinson then toted the rock for another 10 and a first down. The Mohigan Defense stiffined though, which brought on Smith for a 36 yard FG attempt. The kick had plenty of distance, but sailed wide left.

Motown took over at the 20 and was quickly held to a 3 and out. Big Red took over at the 50 and needed just 3 plays to take the lead. The drive was highlighted by Mike Jett's 45 yard run. Redman dashed in from the 1 for the TD. Smith's PAT failed once again and Steubenville held a precarious 20-14 lead with about 8 minutes to go in the game.

The Mohigans then made their march to try and stun the Big Red. Their drive began at the 25 and started with a first down pass to Stewart. Then passes to Stewart and Thomas netted another first down. Passes to Stewart and Stone Wolfley took the ball to the Big Red 35. Johnson then rushed for 9 yards with a penalty tacked on which put the oval at the 11 with a couple of minutes to play. Johnson then looked to Weidman in the endzone but the Motown player pushed off and was called for offensive pass interference. Johnson went back to Weidman to pick up 10 to the 15, which brought up 4th and 14. Johnson rolled left and was looking for an open receiver, then decided to run..he was pulled down for a 9 yard gain, but 5 short of the first down.

Big Red took over at the 6 and ran out the clock behind the rushing of Redman. Redman finished the game with a season high 177 yards on 29 carries.

Big Red now looks to get healthy to close out the season with a couple of W's, which will allow the Red to enter the post season for the 12 straight time.

 

	Big Red	Morgantown
Rushing	58/283 yards	28/142 yards
Passing	8/14 51 yards	9/9 83 yards
First Downs	20	17
Penalties	8/65 yards	4/35 yards
Punts	1/39	1/39
Fumbles	1-0	1-0
Interceptions	0	0

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 7

Youngstown Ursuline Irish 31

October 5th, 2012

Death Valley

Big Red entered friday night's matchup with Youngstown Ursuline needing to play a clean game vs a good opponent, but unfortunately for the home standing Steubenville, things went bad quickly.

After deferring on the coin toss, Ursuline began the game kicking off defending the East Goal. The kick sailed down inside the 10 where the Big Red returner bobbled the ball and could only advance out to the 9 yard line. The offense struggled against Ursuline's front 7 and ended up going 3 and out after a net 3 yards of losses. Ursuline, taking advantage of the great field position, wasted no time in putting points on the board. After the Big Red defense made a stand, Ursuline's Vince Yurcho booted a 27 yard field goal to put the Irish up 3-0.

Disaster struck again on the next kickoff as Big Red mishandled the oval and started at their own 9 once again. After one first down, the Red brought on senior kicker/punter Luke Smith again. This Ursuline drive started near midfield and concluded with a 10 yard touchdown run by Jermaine Williams...the pat was true and it was 10-0 Irish at the start of the 2nd quarter.

Big Red could not get much offense generated with bad field positon combined with the Irish's aggressive defense. A huge play came with a few minutes left in the half as Big Red had the Irish pinned back for a 3rd and goal from the 38. Ursuline QB Chris Durkin rolled right and found Sean Allen at the goal line for a touchdown. That pushed the Ursuline lead to 17-0.

Big Red tried to answer before the half, but was picked off deep in its own territory. Williams did the honors once again, and the Irish went into the locker room with a commanding 24-0 lead.

 

Steubenville kicked off to start the 2nd half, and looked to receive the break it needed as the high pooch kick was fumbled by the Irish return man and pounced on by junior wr/cb Bryan Pierro. Dashon Redman finished the drive 6 plays later with a TD plunge. Smith added the PAT and Big Red breathed a little life.

The following kickoff was fair caught by the Irish, and a penalty was tacked on, which gave the Ytowners the ball at midfield. The Irish then went to their bag of tricks and caught Big Red napping as Williams executed the halfback pass to perfection finding a wide open Tannor Berry for a TD that effectively put the nail in Big Red's coffin.

Big Red will now travel to Morgantown in a game which will determine the 2012 season.

	Big Red	Ursuline
Rushing	31/98 yards	30/97 yards
Passing	11/28 77 yards	6/18 178 yards
First Downs	13	13
Penalties	12/101 yards	14/115 yards
Punts	3/39	2/33
Fumbles	0-0	1-1
Interceptions	0	2

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 33

Westinghouse Bulldogs 6

September 28th, 2012

Death Valley

The Big Red of Steubenville High School celebrated Homecoming 2012 with a dominating victory over the Pittsburgh Westinghouse Bulldogs on a crisp, clear late September evening. Mr. Lester Hicks, Big Red class of 1969, was in attendance and served as the honorary captain. Hicks was a standout defensive end for the Red back in the All American Conference days, and later took his talents to Marshall University.

Senior kicker/punter Luke Smith got the Red off on the right foot with a touchback on the opening kickoff. Westinghouse would struggle from there...netting zero yards on 3 attempts before punting the ball away.

Big Red wasted little time in taking the lead, as senior tailback TeShawn Luke sprinted down the right sideline for a 42 yard touchdown dash. Smith added the PAT and it was 7-0. Westinghouse then would lose 4 yards on it's next possession before punting the ball away again. After senior QB Corey Stinson hit senior WR Matt Petrella for a 10 yard gain, he then found senior WR Evan Westlake for a 47 yard TD. Smith was true again, and it was 14-0.

Heavy substitutions began for Steubenville, but it made little difference as the Bulldogs would be forced to punt again after losing 16 yards on their 3rd possession. Big Red went on the march again, before the 1st of two Red Zone fumbles thwarted the drive. Westinghouse would pick up a first down before punting the pigskin away again. Big Red would drive down to the 7, before the second fumble took place.

Westinghouse went 3 and out again, giving the S.H.S. Gridders the ball at the midfield stripe. Big Red primarly stayed on the ground before senior fullback Dashon Redman bullied it in from the 2 yard line. The PAT was blocked however, and it stood at 20-0.

Big Red would get one more crack at it was the half winded down. Luke Smith came in to attempt a 24 yard FG as the time was ticking down, but it was blocked and returned 86 yards for a touchdown as the half came to a close.

The Homecoming Court took center stage for the halftime festivites as Mackenzie Reinacher, Devon Campbell, Anna Vasich, Christina Archer, and Toshchel Demus made the walk down the 50 yard line to pick the odd colored rose. It was chosen by Devon Campbell, as she was crowned 2012 Homecoming Queen.

Big Red came out of the Punque Cartledge Fieldhouse looking sharp, as Stinson hooked up with Petrella for a 50 yard scoring pass on 3rd down. PAT was good, and it was a 27-0 ballgame.

Sophomore and freshmen rotated heavily into the game from here on out, as the final Big Red score came on Kai McClurgs one yard TD run. Conversion was kneeled on.

Big Red now gets set to lock horns with the Youngstown Ursuline Irish, a game which will go a long way in determining the fate of the 2012 season.

 

	Big Red	Westinghouse
Rushing	41/209 yards	22/-6 yards
Passing	11/21 206 yards	7/21 75 yards
First Downs	19	4
Penalties	4/40 yards	2/10 yards
Punts	1/26	7/28
Fumbles	2-2	1-0
Interceptions	2	0

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 7

Massillon Washington Tigers 24

September 21st, 2012

Paul Brown Tiger Stadium

Steubenville Big Red made the trek to Tigertown looking for the first win in Paul Brown's house since 1962, but the Tigers struck early and often to douse any plans for that. The Tigers broke out the big gun, in the form of Michigan recruit Gareon Conley, as he returned the opening kickoff for 22 yards, then took a slant from Cincinnati recruit Kyle Kempt for 30 yards to put Massillon in business at the Big Red 40. Another quick strike to Volzer gathered 10. Conley then did the honors on 3rd and five with a 21 yard TD fade to the left corner of the endzone. PAT by McCarthy was true and it was 7-0 Tigers before fans got settled into their seats.

Big Red then looked to answer, as Westlake made a big catch for 20 yards on 3rd down. The drive stalled however and senior punter Luke Smith made the first of his 8 punts. The punt was bobbled and it looked as if the Red would catch a huge break, but Marcus Whitfield regathered the pigskin, juked a few coverage people, and then darted 78 yards for another touchdown. As the fireworks exploded over PBTS, McCarthy added another PAT...14-0 hosts.

Stunned Steubenville then received another kickoff and advanced it out to the 30. The Tiger defense, now able to tee off, recorded a 3 and out which brought out Smith again. The Big Red defense appeared to regroup and apparently stopped the Tigers on 3rd down, which brought in punter/wr/backup QB Brody Tonn to punt. It was a fake though, and Tonn lofted a perfect pass to Ryan Rambo which garnered 30 yards. Tonn then was on the receiving end of a 25 yard TD pass and after the PAT it was a 21-0 ballgame with plenty of time left in the first quarter.

Big Red then tried to claw its way back into the game. The next drive only resulted in one first down and another punt, but the defense made a stand, forcing the Tigers to punt. Big Red finally caught a break though, as the snap sailed over Tonn's head, which he retreated to the endzone, tried to pass the ball, and was picked off by senior safety Tajuan Lawson. Big Red only needed one play as Dashon Redman took a counter play 10 yards to the house. Smith added the conversion and it was 21-7.

The Red then went to the pooch kick, which worked perfectly as Big Red pounced on the ball at the Massillon 37. After a run of 4 yards, Big Red went to the bag of tricks, as the wide receiver reverse pass was called...it was set up beautifully, and would have been an easy TD, except that the Tiger DE pressured senior WR Matt Petrella before he could get off the pass and was sacked for a 12 yard loss. The drive ended with a Stinson punt.

The GATA defense held the Tigers on their next possession and Big Red embarked on its best drive of the game. Starting at the Big Red 35, the ground game was in full effect marching down to the Tiger 19. On 4th and 2 though Redman was stopped after a yard gain, and Big Red failed in the chance to cut the lead to 7 before the half.

Both bands put on entertaining performances, as The Best Band In Buckeye Land did one of their patented dancing routines, and the Tiger Swing Band gave an ode to the armed services, and their first band director.

Big Red received the second half kickoff, and could only return the oval out to the 10. Junior RB Mike Jett received a 19 yard reception to get the Red out of the hole. That was followed by senior WR Evan Westlake with a 9 yard snag. The drive bogged down again near midfield, as Smith punted yet again.

The teams traded punts before Massillon put together its final scoring drive of the game. Starting at their 29 they advanced the ball via mixing up the run and pass which got them down to the Big Red 25, where on 4th down McCarthy kicked a 42 yard FG which barely crossed the goal post, accounting for the final margin.

 

	Big Red	Massillon
Rushing	39/50 yards	28/97 yards
Passing	11/19 93 yards	13/19 191 yards
First Downs	9	13
Penalties	5/44 yards	4/30 yards
Punts	8/41	3/15
Fumbles	1-0	1-1
Interceptions	0	0

 

Steubenville Big Red 34

Brooke Bruins 13

September 14th, 2012

Death Valley

The 7th installment of the Battle of the Bride (not sure what bridge) went pretty much as expected as 3-0 Big Red jumped out on 0-3 Brooke and cruised home for the victory. Despite the mismatched records there was a decent crowd on hand as The Red looked to fine tune itself before its trip to Paul Brown Tiger Stadium next week in Massillon.

The Bruins elected to receive and got the pigskin at their 23 after the return. The GATA Defense made quick work of the situation, forcing a Brooke punt after 3 tries from scrimmage; the punt was a dandy as it pinned Big Red back at its 24. After an imcompletion by senior QB Corey Stinson, senior runningback Dashon Redman bulled ahead for 3, which led to a Stinson to senior WR Matt Petrella connection of 17 yards and a first down. Stinson then looked another senior's way, as he found a streaking Evan Westlake for 47 yards. From there it was the ground game as junior RB Robert Hayden leaped over from the one. Senior PK Luke Smith added the PAT and it was 7-0 out of the gate.

For the Bruins it was de ja vue as they started at their 24, and after 3 plays netted only 6 yards. Another punt put the Red in business at the 32. Redman dashed for 12 for a first down, followed by a nice 28 yard reception by senior WR Tajuan Lawson. Lawson struck again for 11 more and a first down before Stinson found junior WR Cody Saltsman for a 20 yard TD strike. Smith's point after gave The Defenders a 14-0 lead.

The next possession would have the Bruins starting at the 22, but the same result as the first two...a 3 and out. The defense, led by senior NT Manard Reed, senior DT Charlie Keenan, junior DE Aaron Goldsmith, and junior DE Cameron King, wrecked havoc on the Bruins all night. After the Bruin punt, Big Red began this march at midfield. Stinson right away found Petrella, who made some shifty moves that moved the chains for 26 yards. Saltsman snagged another for 12 yards and then Petrella finished what he started by pulling in an 18 yard TD pass. Smith split the uprights and it was 21-0 good guys.

On Brooke's next drive, began at their 39, the Bruins would finally pick up their initial first down of the game, via a Buchmelter to Wallace 14 yard gain. That combo would strike again for 12 more yards and a first down. Brooke would reach the S.H.S. 32 before the drive stalled on downs.

Big Red wasted little time as on first down from the 22, Hayden would bust up the middle and outrace the secondary for an electrifying 78 yard run to the house. Smitty would again add the PAT and the count stood at 28-0.

Brooke would have one final chance in the first half, but after one first down the drive was snuffed again.

Both bands put on fine shows entertaining the crowd.

The second half saw widespread substitutions on the part of Big Red (but none for Brooke). Big Red's first drive of the second half started at the 14, and after numerous rushes brought the ball to the Brooke 32, where on 4th down Smith lined up for a 49 yard FG attempt. The would be record setting kick was just wide however, and the Bruins took over at the 20. From there they put their best drive of the game together, traveling 71 yards before being turned away at the doorstep.

Big Red could not move the ball out of the hole though, and punted back to the Bruins at the BR 36. This time Brooke would take advantage of the situation and punch it in for the score. Schwertfeger added the PAT and it was a 28-7 ballgame. Brooke would add one more TD to close the gap to 28-13 (the PAT was blocked), before Big Red would close the scoring on a 75 yard kickoff return by Lawson which pleased the crowd. The conversion attempt was a kneel down and the final stood at 34-13.

Big Red now must prepare for its first road trip of the season, and a hostile one it will be.

	Big Red	Brooke
Rushing	32/170 yards	21/20 yards
Passing	14/20 209 yards	18/30 198 yards
First Downs	15	13
Penalties	8/65 yards	4/20 yards
Punts	2/39	4/33
Fumbles	1-0	0-0
Interceptions	0	0

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 21

Bishop Timon Tigers 7

September 7th, 2012

Death Valley

The Steubenville Big Red came into the Bishop Timon game looking for a breather after two physical games to start the season, but the Tigers had other thoughts. After winning the coin toss, the Red uncharacteristically elected to receive. The drive started at the 33 and looked good at the onset with runs by junior tailback Robert Hayden, but the drive stalled on 4th down at the Tiger 33. Timon however couldn't do anything with the pigskin on their first possession and punted back to S.H.S. which was fielded by senior wide receiver Evan Westlake at the BR 46.

This time the Tigers got a little dose of Slash, Dash and Bash, with TeShawn Luke, Hayden and Dashon Redman taking turns ripping off runs which moved the 'Villers down to the doorstep of the Tiger goal, where "Slash" Luke took it in from there. Senior booter Luke Smith added the point after attempt and the contest stood at 7 to zip.

The ensuing kickoff reached the one, where Vaccaro brought it out to the 19. Timon picked up one first down before being forced to punt again, as Giola bombed the punt for 41 yards. The Red could get nothing started on this drive however as 3 plays netted 1 yard. Smith came out for his punting role and sent the oval to the Timon 48.

Now it was GATA's turn to repay the favor as they forced a 3 and out from the green and white Tigers. Another Giola punt Big Red was pinned deep in it's own territory. That was until Bash Redman went up the gut for 32 yards to get his team out of the hole. Steubenville then tried to stretch the field a bit and go deep, but senior QB Corey Stinson's pass was picked off. Big Red's Bryan Pierro returned the favor 3 plays later however, to give the pill back to the Red.

This time Big Red was determined to get into the endzone. Stinson had a couple of runs before finding senior WR Matt Petrella for a gain of 13 yards. A pass to junior WR Cody Saltsman was wrapped around a pair of first down jaunts by Hayden and Redman, which placed the ball at the Tiger 18. After a short run and two incompletes, Coach Saccoccia called on the FG unit. It was a fake however as holder Westlake found Matt Petrella streaking toward the right pylon for the TD. Smith was true again and it was a 14-0 affair with a few ticks left in the half.

The Big Red Band dazzled the crowd as the played to both the home and visitor stands, and then went up into the home stands to finish their routine...which brought the loudest ovation of the night.

The second half resumed with Timon taking possession of the ball. It didn't start well for the Tigers as they were bottled up for a 3 and out. The Big Red offense could not do anything with the ball either though, and had to punt the rock back to the Buffalonians. The Tigers decided to give up on trying to run on the Red and went to the air. This decision was a bad one however as senior Safety Tajuan Lawson made them pay with a pick 6 to the house from 62 yards away. After the crowd showed their approval Smith added another PAT for the 21-0 Big Red lead.

Timon responded with one of their best drives of the evening as they advanced down the field with a fine kickoff return by Recor which set the Tigers up at the Big Red 30. From there it was a series of short runs which had the Tigers knocking, but on 4th down Recor was stopped short.

Steubenville then found themselves in the shadow of their goal post, and after only gaining one first down was forced to punt back to Timon. The Tigers this time would not be denied as Recor and Brown had some nice runs before Harris hauled in the 13 yard TD pass. Do it all Recor added the PAT and suddenly it was a 2 score game at 21-7.

Petrella field the onside kick at midfield and after some short gains Smith came in for a 48 yard Field Goal attempt, but it was just short. Timon then went to the air before junior Corner Mike Jett ended any hopes of a comeback with an interception right before the clock ran out.

Big Red will now set its sights on defending the Bridge from an invasion of Bruins from West Virginia.

	Big Red	Timon
Rushing	44/173 yards	27/39 yards
Passing	12/21 94 yards	7/16 103 yards
First Downs	15	9
Penalties	11/83 yards	8/53 yards
Punts	2/34	4/39
Fumbles	0-0	2-0
Interceptions	3	1

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 32

Cleveland Benedictine Bengals 28

August 31st, 2012

Death Valley

The Big Red and Bennies hooked up for the 4th time in history on this hot fall friday night. Benedictine is led by Ben Malbasa, who has ties to the Big Red community, and was looking to come in and knock off the Red on their home turf. Big Red won the toss and deferred, which gave the Bengals the ball first. Luke Smith's kickoff boomed deep for a touchback, which set Benedictine up at the 20. The Bengals, field generaled by Daniel Piascik, wasted no time in marching down the field from their spread attack. His first pass was good for 17 yards to Willis Woodson, and then hooked up with Matthew Merimee for 18 yards into Big Red territory. Demetrius Scott then hauled one in for another 11 yards and a first down. On 4th and 16 Piascik then went deep down the sidelines to D1 recruit Marshall Howell for 39 yards. From there Howell took it in from 3 yards out to give Benedicine the early lead. This was the first TD that the Big Red defense has allowed this season. Nick Judy added the PAT and it was 7-0 invaders.

Benedictine using the "pooch" kick, gave S.H.S. the ball in great field position at the 43. Senior QB Corey Stinson came out firing hitting fellow senior tailback TeShawn Luke for 12 quick stripes. TeShawn then went to the ground gaining 4 and 14 yards respectively. Senior tb/fb Dashon Redman then bulleted his way for 11 yards. A few more runs by Luke advanced the pigskin deep into Bengal territory before Redman dashed in from the 2 for a Big Red touchdown. Smith tacked on the PAT and the game was knotted at 7 with 3:45 on the 1st quarter clock.

Cleveland Benedictine appeared undaunted though, as they started their next drive at the 24. This drive the Bennies decided to throw off the Red with a drive featuring the running game. Jerome Baker picked up 20 on two carries to move the ball near midfield. After a few short runs and a completion to the Steubenville 32, Piascik looked deep again and found Merimee for 32 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown. Judy again connected for the 14-7 Bennie lead.

Big Red got it's second possession as the 2nd quarter clock began. The drive stalled after one first down however and Stinson punted the ball right into a sprinting Merimee. The Bengals set up shop at their 24. The GATA D finally made a stand though and forced a 3 and out. The Defenders of the Crimson & Black then started their drive at the Benedictine 32. It only took 4 plays to hit pay dirt as Stinson found senior tightend Eric Robinson for a 17 yard TD strike. The XP was blocked however and Benedictine clung to a 14-13 lead with 6:13 to go till the half.

Smith's kickoff went deep, driving Howell back to his goalline, but he was only able to get back to the 8 yard line. The defense again stepped up, as the Bengals were held to -5 yards on 2 plays. On 3rd down Piascik looked across the middle, but senior safety Tajuan Lawson was up to the task and made a spectacular interception halting the drive at the 18. Big Red only needed 5 plays to crash over on Luke's 5 yard trot to paydirt and the lead. The 2 point conversion failed, but Big Red took the lead for the first time of the evening 19-14.

The remainder of the half featured a punt by Bennie, and the two teams trading interceptions.

Both bands put on fine entertaining halftime shows to the delight of the Death Valley crowd.

Big Red looked to increase its lead with the receiving of the second half kickoff, but disaster struck as Benedictine's pooch kick paid dividends as the Big Red returner was unable to field the ball and the Bengals pounced on it at the 24. Riding the wave of momentum, Piascik hit Merimee again for 23 yards down to the 4, where Baker took it in for the TD. The 2 point conversion attempt failed as Howell was stuffed at the 2.

The pooch kick struck again, as Big Red was unable to field the kick for the second consectutive time. This time Benedictine would set up at the 33. The Bengals tried to take control by staying on the ground, but after advancing to the 11, the Big Red defense made a stand and stopped the Bengals on 4th down at the 4 yard line.

Big Red then, in the shadow of its own goalpost, looked to get some breathing room. Stinson picked up the first big play as he rushed for a first down, followed by Redman's burst of 18 yards up the middle. The drive stalled from there however as Smith came into punt. His punt pinned the Bennies back at their own 22, which changed the field position battle. The defense then rose up and held the Bengals to -5 yards on 3 plays, which forced a punt.

Stinson then went to work through the air as he found senior wideout Matt Petrella for 12 yards and junior Cody Saltsman for 24 yards. That placed the oval at the 4, but after a penalty Luke took it into the red and black painted endzone for a 25-20 lead. The 2 point conversion failed again.

On the touchdown run Piascik was injured, which brought in freshman QB Brian Schoeffler for the next Bengal drive which began at the 29. Schoeffler didn't look like a freshman as he guided the Bengals on a great drive running and passing. Big plays in the drive were Schoeffler hitting Jovon Dawson for 27 yards, and Howell for 14 yards. Terrell Clark crashed over from the 5 to give Benedictine back the lead. The two point conversion was good as Howell haulded it in for a 28-25 lead.

It was then gut check time for the Red. Senior receiver Evan Westlake fair caught the pooch kick to give Big Red the ball at the 25. Junior Robert Hayden, who sat out most of the game with a bad shoulder, came in with fresh legs and ripped off a 30 yard run. That was followed by Luke with runs of 5 and 20 yards, which put the ball inside the Red Zone. Hayden then finished off the drive with an 8 yard run and a 3 yard run to the house. Smith added the PAT and it was 32-28 with 6:13 to go.

The defense then did their part as Smith's kickoff into the endzone pinned BHS back at the 20. The freshman Schoeffler then began to show his age as the Big Red defense figured him out. After one first down the D pushed the Bengals back to the 29. That forced a punt with 3:35 to play. The offense then ground out a couple of first downs to run out the clock.

Big Red advanced to 2-0 and hosts newcomer Bishop Timon out of Buffalo New York in next Fridays contest.

	Big Red	Benedictine
Rushing	37/227 yards	29/5 yards
Passing	9/13 90 yards	16/30 234 yards
First Downs	17	18
Penalties	5/25 yards	7/39 yards
Punts	2/29	4/30
Fumbles	2-2	0-0
Interceptions	2	1

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 28

Wash. DC Wilson Tigers 8

August 23rd, 2012

Death Valley

 

The 2012 season kicked off by welcoming guests from our nation's capitol, the Tigers of Woodrow Wilson. The 6 pm kickoff under sunny skies meant that the heat was intense on the field as well as for the throng of Big Red fans in the stands of Death Valley. The Red came in after wrapping up Coach Reno Saccoccia's 30th preseason camp, and look to kickoff another great year.

The season was started by the foot of senior standout placekicker/punter Luke Smith, who proceeded to blast the pigskin down to the 3, where Wilson's Parker returned it out to the 28 to set up shop for the Tigers. Big Red's GATA Defense got the party off on the proper note as they forced a quick 3 and out. Big Red went right to work through the air as senior QB Corey Stinson fired a pass to junior Bryan Pierro in the flat, and the shifty receiver made a nice move, sprinted up the home sideline and was hit on his way out of bounds...the oval coming loose as the Visitors pounced upon it. The D once again rose to the occassion and forced a 3 and out...this time taking over the punt around the midfield mark.

The offense seemed to start a decent drive with a few passes and a nice run by junior Tailback Robert Hayden, but then disaster struck as Stinson was chased from the pocket and threw a pass up for grabs, which was deflected by a Tiger into the arms of teammate Walker, who dashed 85 yards to paydirt to silence the Death Valley crowd. The 2 point conversion was good and Wilson took a surprising 8-0 lead on Steubenville.

The Red tried to answer after taking over at the 39. After picking up two first downs with a series of short yardage runs, the turnover bug struck again...this time Hayden coughing up the ball at the Tiger 32. The Tigers again were throttled up by the Big Red D..this time a jarring hit resulted in a fumble recovery at the 39. Big Red didn't waste this opportunity as the ground game got going with Hayden and senior Dashon Redman making bursts down to the 9, where Stinson then hit senior tight end Eric Robinson in the back of the endzone. Robinson made a spectactular catch as he went up for the ball and pulled it down while getting one foot in the endzone. The PAT was a fake as holder, senior Evan Westlake, found junior tight end Cameron King in a pack of players for the 2 pointer.

Big Red once again stuffed the Tigers in 3 plays which forced another punt. The Red retained the ball back at the 46 and looked to take the lead, but after picking up a first down the drive was stopped on a 4th down rushing attempt. Wilson still could do nothing as another 3 and out was ordered up by the Death Valley Dwellers. Big Red took over on the 38 and got into FG range where Luke Smith punched the ball through the uprights, giving S.H.S. an 11-8 halftime lead.

The Best Band In Buckeye Land then took the field and wowed the crowd with an 80's themed rendition. The 2012 Majoretts were also introduced to the patrons.

Big Red fielded the second half kickoff and senior Mark Cole burst out to the 40. Big Red again marched into the Red Zone, highlighted by a pass to Cody Saltsman of 31 yards. Luke Smith came on and added another field goal, and Big Red held a 14-8 lead. Wilson then put together their biggest threat of the game as they picked up their initial first down and a few more. Their drive was stopped however as Dixon fumbled at the 7 and King jumped on it. Big Red's drive stalled at the 20 on 4th down though. The team's then traded possesions. The Tigers looked to open things up in the air, but senior Safety Matt Petrella picked off the Tigers at the 46. The 4th quarter saw each team with the ball and neither could move the ball. That was until Big Red took over at their 30 yard line. On first down Stinson lofted a bomb to a streaking Petrella who outraced the secondary for a 70 yard TD. Smith's PAT gave the Red a commanding 21-8 lead with time winding down. GATA got the ball back again for the O on a fumble recovery by Mark Cole. Three plays later Stinson was in the endzone for another TD. Smith again added the conversion and suddenly it was 28-8. The D put the final touches on the game and the Red had victory #1 of the 2012 season.

Week two features a matchup of the Bengals of Benedictine. The last meeting was in the state semifinals of 2003. A game that left a bad taste in the mouths of Big Red fans as the Bengals routed the Red in the house of Paul Brown 47-7.

	Big Red	Wilson
Rushing	40/146 yards	19/57 yards
Passing	11/23 189 yards	8/18 61 yards
First Downs	15	4
Penalties	3/15 yards	13/76 yards
Punts	7/33	4/34
Fumbles	2-2	3-3
Interceptions	1	1
-	-	-