Ohio is going to bring a lot of offensive firepower into the 63rd annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Charity Football Classic slated for Sunday, July 27 at Wheeling Island Stadium.
It's going to be West Virginia's job to slow down the vaunted and versatile Buckeye attack.
And needless to say Mountaineer head coach B.J. Depew of Linsly took plenty of notes on how last year's West Virginia head man Mark Batton approached the defensive side of the ball.
"I thought what Coach Batton did was great," Depew said. "He came right after Ohio. If you can't defend then you have to attack, and I really like that in an all-star game."
When he sat down to pick his first and second-level players on the defensive side of the ball he was looking for kids with high motors.
"We wanted guys that could run all over the field and make plays," Depew admitted. "We think we can get an up-field surge and then our linebackers are quick and athletic. I think we can put some pressure on (Ohio) which might nullify some of their speed."
Slated to see time either at linebacker or along the defensive lines are: Magnolia's Steven Zajdowicz, Magnolia's Kyle Smith, John Marshall's Taylor Potts, Wheeling Park's Lucas Goodwin, Wheeling Park's Allen Earnest, Wheeling Central's Josh Contraguerro, Brooke's Jesse Campbell, Paden City's Rosh Cain and Linsly's Ian Berry.
Here's a capsule look at the players:
IAN BERRY, Linsly - This former Cadet saw time along the defensive line at a tackle spot for the Cadets and Depew last season.
The 5-ft-10, 240 pounder was a force against the run.
Ian, who is the son of Gloria Thomas of Sebring, Florida, is planning on attending Seton Hall University.
ROSH CAIN, Paden City - This linebacker was a force on the defensive side of the ball for Coach Brent Croasmun and the Wildcats.
The 6-ft, 210 pounder was a three-time all-OVAC player as well as a first-team Mason Dixon and first-team All River Valley along with special mention all-Ohio.
Rosh, who plans on attending West Liberty State College, is the son of Brenda Smith and Doug Smith and the late Terry Cain.
JESSE CAMPBELL, Brooke - This former Bruin anchored both sides of the line for Coach Dave Reitter from his center and defensive tackle spots.
As a defensive lineman, he recorded 102 tackles and as an offensive lineman graded out at 75 percent blocking.
Jesse is the son of Pam and Delbert Campbell of Colliers.
JOSH CONTRAGUERRO, Wheeling Central - This former Maroon Knight played a key role each of the past three seasons for Coach Mike Young's charges.
The 6-ft, 205 pounder wreaked havoc during his career, compiling 305 tackles, 19 sacks, eight interceptions, eight fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and he blocked three punts for good measure.
He was twice a first-team all-state pick, captaining the defensive side as a senioor. He was twice a first-team all-OVAC and all-Valley selection. He was also the Knights' Most Valuable Player and was a Big 22 finalist. He was runnerup for the Huff Award and received special honors at the Dapper Dan.
Along with football, Contraguerro was active in art club and he rean track.
Josh, who plans on attending West Virginia University, is the son of Bob and Jody Contraguerro of Wheeling.
ALLEN EARNEST, Wheeling Park - This two-way standout was a force on both sides of the ball for head coach Mark Nardone.
The 5-ft-10, 210 pounder saw time as a nose guard and as a fullback during his senior year.
Other than football, Earnest took part in Young Life.
Allen, who is the son of Doug and Pam Earnest, plans to attend West Libert State College.
LUCAS GOODWIN, Wheeling Park - This former Patriot was the main man in the middle for Nardone at the linebacker spot.
The 6-ft-1, 195 pounder was one of the Patriots' leading tacklers this season from that spot.
Along with football, Lucas is a member of the National Honor Society, active in Youth Group and Varsity Athletic Club.
Lucas, who is the son of Dr. Joseph and Amy Goodwin, plans on attending WVU in the fall.
TAYLOR POTTS, John Marshall - This former Monarch was a two-way lineman for Coach Mark Hinerman's team last fall, seeing time at center and nose guard.
The 6-ft, 230 pounder recorded eight sacks, three fumble recoveries and 75 tackles during the course of the season.
Potts was a second-team all-state pick, took part in last month's North-South Game and was first-team all-OVAC. He also received the John Marshall Football Scholar Athlete Award.
Along with athletics, Potts is active in FCA, SADD, Ski Club, Leo Club and he serves as the co-director of his church's vacation bible school.
Taylor, who is the son of Patrick Potts and Janie Potts, plans on attending college.
KYLE SMITH, Magnolia - This former Blue Eagle was a mainstay at defensive tackle for Batton's team.
The 5-ft-9, 260 pounder logged 153 tackles his final two prep seasons and also had a sack, a fumble recovery and forced two fumbles.
Smith was a special-mention all-state pick as well as second-team all-Valley and honorable mention all-OVAC.
Along with football, Smith was a member of the Magnolia track team. He's also active in Young Life and is a member of the New Martinsville United Methodist Church.
Kyle, who is the son of Kathi Smith and Joe Smith of New Martinsville, plans on attending Ohio Wesleyan University to play football.
STEVEN ZAJDOWICZ, Magnolia - This former Blue Eagle was a playmaker at the linebacker spot for Batton's defensive unit.
The 5-ft-9, 205 pounder had 95 tackles, including four sacks. He also rushed for 1,432 yards and 18 touchdowns as the Blue Eagles' primary ball carrier.
He was a first-team all-state pick the past two years and all-OVAC the past two years. He was also a Big 22 finalist and received a honor at the Dapper Dan Banquet.
Along with athletics, Zajdowicz volunteers his time to help with kids with disabilities.
Steven, who plans on attending Fairmont State University, is the son of Steve and Cindy Zajdowicz of New Martinsville.
