Week 2 Previews: Pirates face familiar challenge in McNicholas

WHEELERSBURG — Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? Oh, that’s right. Last season in Cincinnati. I was hoping to never see you again.

Last season, the Cincinnati McNicholas Rockets beat the Wheelesburg Pirates 34-3 and return a lot of players from that team.

Wheelersburg has a lot of new faces and hope that fresh faces playing on their home field will help erase all those familiar faces of the Rockets when the two teams meet Friday at 7 p.m.

“I feel they compare a lot to last year’s team. They have a lot of juniors on defense. Not many seniors. Their offense is a bit of a mix of the two,” said Pirates head coach Rob Woodward.

“They have a lot of kids who play both ways like us in that regard, and those same kids are playing on special teams. Coach (Mike) Orlando does a good job. He has offensive and defensive coordinators who do a good job of making adjustments. Their kids respond well to the coaching, So, that makes for a tough opponent.”

McNicholas opened the season with a 34-28 win over the Cincinnati Turpin Spartans.

McNicholas sophomore quarterback Bo Schneider (5-11, 152) was 13-of-26 for 160 yards and a touchdown against Turpin.

Woodward said Schneider will be a different style player compared to Braden Bobo who was the quarterback the past three seasons, but he does a good job with the Rockets’ offense.

But the main weapon is senior running back Caleb Naumann (5-11, 208) who ran for two touchdowns last week against Turpin and had a big game against the Pirates last season.

“(Bobo) was just savvy and did.a really nice job last year with their running back. They’re a very balanced team and as long as they aren’t making mistakes, they’re really good at moving the football,” said Woodward.

“They run a multi-faceted offense. They get in some unbalanced formation and try to outman you on different sides. They give you a good mix of that. And their offensive line is a lot of stout kids who stay hip-to-hip and really try to work some double teams and create an opportunity for the running back to just hit it up in there.”

Schneider’s top targets last week were sophomore Matthew Powderly (5-9, 205) with 4 receptions for 105 yards and junior Brody Reinhart (6-0, 198) with 3 catches for 38 yards.

However, two key receivers are senior brothers Zarius Harvey (5-8, 170) and Zayden Harvey (5-9, 170).

“They’re a lot like last year’s team. The quarterback they have does a good job spreading the ball, sees the field well, makes good decisions,” said Woodward. “They have a couple of receivers who are brothers who are explosive. Their running back is really good. We faced him last year. He runs downhill really hard.”

Moving the ball last year was a problem, but the Pirates appear to have their offense ahead of where it was at this point last season. Still, Woodward knows it won’t be easy.

“Defensively, they’re just kind of rangy. They’re good, athletic kids who are quick to get to the ball. They really fly around. They like to bring a linebacker and be aggressive with those guys,” said Woodard.

Last week, Wheelersburg routed Columbus KIPP 43-8 in its opening game that saw senior placekicker Cooper Heimbach not only kick a 51-yard field goal as time elapsed in the first half but also a 53-yarder four minutes into the second half.

Quarterback Braylon Rucker was 9-of-14 for 105 yards and a touchdown with five different players making receptions. Rucker also ran 8 times for 48 yards and Owen Wilburn had 61 yards on two attempts with a score.

Kenyon Evans had 3 catches for 34 yards and Brady Doss had 2 grabs for 32 yards and an 11-yard touchdown reception.

The Pirates had 315 total yards — 210 coming on the ground on 31 attempts — and held KIPP to just 168 total yards with just 17 rushing yards.

“I really thought we did well out of the gate,” said Woodward. “Defensively, we were able to get an interception. Offensively, we moved the ball well the first couple of possessions that we had.

“Then we ran into the game management that didn’t allow for a flow to happen. We ran into a stopage of the game. It was just a lot of little things that just happened.”

Minford Falcons (0-1) @ Chesapeake Panthers (0-1)

Time: Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM

Where: Panther Stadium/Phil Davis Field, Chesapeake, OH

After setbacks in week one, this game turns out to be big for both teams. The first offense to find their rhythm first, could have the upper hand in this one.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Minford defensive front seven vs. Chesapeake run game

The Panthers had a hard time getting their run game on track last week.

Impact Players to Watch:

Peyton Muncy, Chesapeake 

While the Panthers didn't run many offensive plays last week, Muncy had the most touches out of the skill players. He's got some playmaking ability, so if he can get into space this week, that could help the offense.

Curtis Glenn, Minford

The senior QB was responsible for most of the production last week for the Falcons offense. He could do good damage through the air if he gets the time to throw this Friday.

Symmes Valley Vikings (1-0) @ Meigs Marauders (0-1)

Time: Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM

Where: Farmers Bank Stadium, Pomeroy, OH

The Vikings make the trip to Meigs county in just the second meeting between these two teams. Expect to see the Vikings try to display their fast play on the turf. Meanwhile the Marauders are trying to regroup after a disappointing loss last week.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Symmes Valley offensive line vs. Meigs defensive front seven

This will be a major challenge for the Vikings line. Meigs will have plenty of size and numbers to throw at the Symmes Valley line. If they give their QB time to throw, that could pose a problem for Meigs.

Impact Players to Watch:

Gunner Cleland, Meigs

As expected, anytime there's a Cleland playing for Meigs, you have to keep an eye on him. The junior QB will be a htreat with both his arm and feet.

Asher Maynard, Symmes Valley

Maynard scored 3 times and recorded an interception last week. He'll need to do much of the same this week. Whether it's getting tough yards in the rushing game or making some plays at linebacker.

Point Pleasant Big Blacks (0-0) @ Fairland Dragons (0-1)

Time: Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM

Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH

Despite their loss, the Dragons were a major surprise last weekend. There will still be some growing pains with all the youth and inexperience, but they might be a little further along than expected at this point. This will be the opener for Point Pleasant.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Point Pleasant pass rush vs. Fairland offensive line

The Dragons will need to give QB Owen Burcham some time to get the ball out to his wide outs. If that don't work, they can just open up some lanes and let Burcham use his feet to gain yards.

Impact Players to Watch:

Caden Hill, Point Pleasant

The senior QB had a tough time against the Dragons last season. But Hill is a year older and should be looked at as a threat this time around.

Owen Burcham, Fairland 

Burcham had a huge breakout game in his debut at QB. His ability to tuck it and run was a major factor and should be again this Friday.

Boyd County Lions (1-0) @ Rock Hill Redmen (1-0)

Time: Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM

Where: Redmen Stadium, Pedro, OH

This will be the just the 2nd time these programs have met, but both coaches have familiarity with each other. While coach Tony Love was at Ashland, his teams faced the Lions a lot as district rivals. Meanwhile, coach Evan Ferguson has much familiarity with the Redmen, playing and coaching at Coal Grove.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Rock Hill's pass defense vs. Boyd County's aerial attack

The Lions will try to stretch the field with QB Thomas Crawford. This means the Redmen will need a lot of help from their pass rush to limit his time in the pocket. The defensive backs will have to limit their gains and find a way to get a turnover as well.

Impact Players to Watch:

Kaleb Kelly, Boyd County

Kelly was an impact on both sides of the ball last week with his 100 receiving yards & 3 interceptions. He'll be a big challenge for the Redmen on the outside.

Brody Murrell, Rock Hill 

Murrell led the team in rushing last week and will be needed again this Friday to help control the tempo.

South Point Pointers (0-1) @ Racine Southern Tornadoes (0-1)

Time: Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM

Where: Southern HS Football Stadium, Racine, OH

Both team are coming off losses from week one. The Pointers showed a lot resolve to nearly pull off a comeback win over a good Eastern Pike team. As long as the Pointers can carry that momentum over into Friday night again, they should have themselves a win.

Key Matchup to Watch:

South Point run game vs. Southern's defensive front seven

The Pointers should have the advantage up front on Friday. They should be able to use their size and committee of backs to churn out yards and set the tone for the game.

Impact Players to Watch:

Tavarian Cabarrus, South Point

Cabarrus' presence could be a key to the Pointers' success. The Tornadoes struggled last week offensively, which means the senior DE will be called upon to do the same this Friday.

Jake Wickline, Southern

The senior RB will be needed to help establish the run game and set the tempo. He's also a potential weapon in the passing game.

Adena Warriors (0-1) @ Coal Grove Hornets (0-1)

Time: Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM

Where: Lemaster Stadium/Patterson Field, Coal Grove, OH

The Hornets will be looking to bounce back from a hard-fought loss last week. Adena comes into tonight's game on a 6-game regular season skid, dating back to last season. This has the makings of a bad night for the Warriors.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Coal Grove offensive line vs. Adena defensive front seven

The Hornets had success moving the ball last week, but just couldn't finish drives. This week, they should be eager to go out and prove they can finish drives and open the holes for all the backs.

Impact Players to Watch:

Joey Francis, Adena

The senior WR should be a threat on the outside, especially with his speed. He should be a focal point for the Hornet pass defenders.

Caiden Harris, Coal Grove

Harris had a big game inside last week against a physical Russell offensive line. He'll need to make he presence known early on Friday and for the Warriors to change their game plan.

Liberty Christian Acad. Bulldogs (1-0) @ Ironton Fighting Tigers (1-0)

Time: Saturday, August 30, 8:00 PM

Where: Tanks Memorial Stadium, Ironton, OH

After facing an underwhelming opponent last week, business really picks up for Ironton on Saturday night. The Bulldogs should be one of the more athletic teams the Tigers face this season. Which should be a good gauge as to where this 2025 version stands when looking down the road to early November.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Ironton offensive line vs. LCA defensive front seven

Although they have a game under their belt, this will be a major test for an offensive line still trying to gain experience. If they can handle the pressure the Bulldogs will bring, this could open up a lot of possibilities in the play calling.

Impact Players to Watch:

Kayden Edwards, Ironton

This will be key test in the junior QB's early tenure at the starter. Edwards does have plenty of athleticism to get himself out of trouble should any arise when he's in the pocket. Key might be how effective he is in the run game.

Jayden Cowart, Liberty Christian

The senior RB rushed for 134 yards and tallied 3 scores last week. Expect to see Cowart featured a lot in the run game this Saturday. He's also a threat out of the backfield in the passing game.

Game of the Week: McNicholas Rockets (1-0) @ Wheelersburg Pirates (1-0)

Time: Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM

Where: Ed Miller Stadium, Wheelersburg, OH

Both teams are coming into this game in good spirits after winning their opening week games. Each team will try to establish their ground games early, whether its McNicholas using their standout rusher or the Pirates committee of backs. This should be a very physical game and could come down to a final possession.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Wheelersburg offensive line vs. McNicholas defensive front seven 

The offensive line held up pretty well against KIPP's athletic front last week. But the challenge gets much tougher against McNicholas' defensive front. The Pirates will need to get the rushing game going early to open up the offense.

Impact Players to Watch:

Caleb Naumann, McNicholas

Naumann led the GCL in rushing last season for good reason. The Colgate-commit features a good mix of speed and toughness, which should guarantee that his name will be called a lot on Friday.

Braylon Rucker, Wheelersburg

Last week, Rucker didn't have stats that pop off the page, but his contributions go beyond the stat sheet. His dual-threat attributes will be key at moving the chains this week.