Game Details
- Teams: Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights vs. Shady Spring Tigers
- Date: Friday, November 8
- Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Shady Spring High School, Shady Spring, West Virginia
- Watch: Live on NFHS Network
How to Watch
Fans can catch this high school football game live on the NFHS Network, which provides live streaming access to high school sports across the country. The subscription service offers live games, replays, and highlight access, allowing fans to follow this exciting matchup no matter where they are.
Game Preview
This matchup between Wheeling Central Catholic and Shady Spring is expected to be one of the season’s highlights, as both teams bring a strong combination of talent, resilience, and ambition. Wheeling Central Catholic has been a dominant force, known for its disciplined and strategic style. Shady Spring, on the other hand, is a team that leverages its balanced offense and solid defensive unit, making this game a fascinating clash of styles.
Team Overview
Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights
- Record: 8-2
- Coach: Mike Young
- Key Players: QB Sam Hilson, RB Jake Fasola, WR Luke Reardon, LB Noah Blackburn
- Strengths: Efficient passing game, physical defense, disciplined special teams
- Weaknesses: Limited depth in secondary
Shady Spring Tigers
- Record: 7-3
- Coach: Vince Culicerto
- Key Players: QB Drew Clark, RB/DB Alex Martin, WR Hunter Davis, DL Carson Tate
- Strengths: Balanced offense, strong front seven, effective red-zone defense
- Weaknesses: Inconsistency in pass protection
Team Comparisons
- Offense
- Wheeling Central Catholic: The Maroon Knights rely on a well-executed passing game led by QB Sam Hilson, who excels at reading defenses and making quick, accurate throws. He has built solid chemistry with WR Luke Reardon, who serves as a go-to target in critical situations. RB Jake Fasola adds a solid running component, keeping defenses from keying in too heavily on the passing game. Wheeling Central Catholic’s offense is efficient, methodical, and capable of scoring in bunches.
- Shady Spring: The Tigers’ offense is well-rounded, capable of both running the ball and making plays through the air. QB Drew Clark is a steady presence under center, and his connection with WR Hunter Davis has been a key element of Shady Spring’s success. RB Alex Martin provides a strong rushing attack, using his speed and agility to evade defenders and extend plays. Shady Spring’s ability to mix run and pass plays effectively could keep Wheeling Central Catholic’s defense on its toes.
- Defense
- Wheeling Central Catholic: The Maroon Knights’ defense is one of their strongest assets, known for its physical style and disciplined play. LB Noah Blackburn is the leader of the defense, consistently delivering big hits and plugging running lanes. The defensive line is effective at generating pressure, forcing opponents to make quick decisions. While the secondary has held up well overall, depth in this area could be a concern if Shady Spring decides to air it out.
- Shady Spring: Shady Spring’s defense, especially the front seven, has been a force this season. DL Carson Tate is a standout, providing strength and consistency in the trenches. Shady Spring’s secondary, led by DB Alex Martin, is effective at reading plays and making adjustments, although they’ll face a tough test against Wheeling Central’s efficient passing game.
- Special Teams
- Wheeling Central Catholic: The Maroon Knights have a solid special teams unit, with a kicker capable of making field goals from short to medium range. Their coverage teams are disciplined, which helps them maintain field position and avoid giving up big returns. Special teams could play a critical role if this game comes down to field goals and field position.
- Shady Spring: Shady Spring’s special teams are reliable, featuring a kicker who can handle pressure situations and a return game that has shown potential for big plays. Field position and special teams execution could be an advantage for Shady Spring, especially if they need to keep Wheeling Central pinned in their own territory.
Player Matchups to Watch
- Quarterbacks: Wheeling Central’s Sam Hilson vs. Shady Spring’s Drew Clark
- Hilson is a composed and accurate passer, whose quick decision-making will challenge Shady Spring’s secondary. Clark, on the other hand, offers a balanced approach, able to manage the game and lead his team with poise. The outcome of this game could hinge on which quarterback can best manage pressure and make key plays down the stretch.
- Running Backs: Wheeling Central’s Jake Fasola vs. Shady Spring’s Front Seven
- Fasola brings power and vision to the running game, forcing Shady Spring’s defense to focus on the ground game while Hilson airs it out. Shady Spring’s front seven, led by Carson Tate, will need to contain Fasola to keep Wheeling Central from establishing a balanced offense. If Fasola finds success, it could open up opportunities for Hilson in the passing game.
- Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs: Wheeling Central WR Luke Reardon vs. Shady Spring DB Alex Martin
- Reardon is a dynamic threat who can make plays in tight coverage, which will put pressure on Martin and the rest of Shady Spring’s secondary. This matchup will be key in containing Wheeling Central’s passing game, as Reardon’s ability to get open could shift momentum in favor of the Maroon Knights.
- Linebackers: Wheeling Central LB Noah Blackburn vs. Shady Spring’s Offensive Line
- Blackburn’s ability to disrupt plays in the backfield could be crucial for Wheeling Central’s defense. He’ll look to penetrate Shady Spring’s offensive line and force Clark to make quick decisions. If Blackburn can put pressure on the backfield, it could limit Shady Spring’s options on offense.
Odds & Prediction
Odds
Although high school football games do not typically have official betting odds, Wheeling Central Catholic could be seen as a slight favorite due to their offensive efficiency and disciplined defense. Shady Spring, however, has the balance and defensive strength needed to keep this game competitive.
Prediction
Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights 28, Shady Spring Tigers 21
Wheeling Central’s balanced offense and disciplined defense give them the advantage in this matchup. Shady Spring’s balanced attack will keep the game close, but the Maroon Knights’ ability to execute in critical situations, especially in the passing game, may lead to a victory.
Key Factors to Watch
- Tempo Control: Wheeling Central will aim to control the game’s tempo with efficient drives and disciplined execution. If Shady Spring can slow the pace and keep Wheeling Central from developing a rhythm, they’ll have a better chance of keeping the game within reach.
- Turnover Battle: Both teams are capable of forcing turnovers, and any mistakes could be costly. Wheeling Central’s defense has a reputation for causing disruptions, but Shady Spring’s secondary also has the ability to capitalize on poor decisions. Winning the turnover battle will be critical for either team.
- Red Zone Performance: In a game that’s likely to be close, converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns will be essential. Wheeling Central has a slight edge in red zone efficiency, but Shady Spring’s defense will be focused on making stops inside the 20-yard line.
- Special Teams Impact: Both teams have reliable special teams units, which could play a role in determining field position and keeping the game close. A key field goal or successful return could tilt the game in favor of either team.
The game between Wheeling Central Catholic and Shady Spring promises to be a competitive and exciting high school football matchup, featuring two teams with different yet effective strategies. Wheeling Central’s efficient offense and disciplined defense make them a formidable opponent, while Shady Spring’s balanced approach and defensive strength provide a strong counter.
Fans looking forward to this matchup can catch all the action live on the NFHS Network. This game is set to be an entertaining showdown between two well-matched teams, each aiming to finish the season on a high note.
