Former Patriots fueling Gannon’s impressive start

September 16, 2016

Former Wheeling Park Patriot Zach Phillips hasn’t needed long to prove that he’s plenty worthy of being a starting quarterback at the Division II level. For the second straight week, Phillips put forth a big game in leading his Gannon Knights to a victory. This week, however, others took notice of his antics. Phillips was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week after he sparked a come-from-behind victory last Saturday at Shippensburg. He finished with 109 yards rushing and 218 yards passing. Plus, he threw his first two collegiate ...

Buckeye 8 games are hard to predict

September 13, 2016

If you’re able to successfully predict games inside the Buckeye 8 South Division you’re a smarter person than I am. Last weekend gave area football fans a taste of what the remainder of the season in the South Division may feel like when Union Local held on to knock off Martins Ferry, while Bellaire rallied to get past Harrison Central. I will eat crow and admit that I missed both of those games in last week’s ‘Pick Parade.’ I would like to point out, however, that both games could have definitely worked out to be victories in my record, but it is what it ...

Chavanak takes reins as Monarchs athletic director

September 11, 2016

GLEN DALE — Casey Storm made a positive impact on the John Marshall athletic landscape during his time as the Monarchs’ athletic director. Storm, however, was recently named assistant principal at John Marshall High School, forcing him to relinquish his A.D. duties he held since May 2014. He was honored this spring at the West Virginia Athletic Directors Association annual conference in Charleston, receiving a distinguished service award. Rob Chavanak was named Tuesday by the Marshall County Board of Education to serve as Storm’s successor. He is a 1996 John Marshall grad ...

OVAC Golf tees off this week at Oglebay Park

September 11, 2016

The Ohio Valley Athletic Conference will crown its first champions of the 2016-17 school year this week. The golf championships are slated to unfold Tuesday and Thursday at Oglebay Park. On Tuesday, the 4A schools will play at Spiedel, while the 1A/2A class will compete down the road at Crispin. On Thursday, the 5A schools will tackle Spiedel, while the 3A field will play at Crispin. Action in each round is slated to begin at 9:30 a.m. and consists of 18-hole stroke play. SANDS ELECTRIC EVENT The 32nd annual Sands Electric Company Golf Classic will be held today ...

McKivitz makes strong first impression for Mountaineers

September 9, 2016

You’d probably be hard pressed to find even the most loyal and knowledgeable West Virginia or Union Local fan who would admit he or she thought Colton McKivitz would end up as the focal point of the Mountaineers’ opening game. After all, McKivitz plays along the offensive line, he was listed a backup entering the Mountaineers’ game against Missouri and he’d never set foot on the field for a live game at the collegiate level. However, the 2015 Union Local High School graduate has shown since the time he first arrived in Morgantown that he’s not just there to be a face ...

Phillips paces Park collegiate grid delegation

September 7, 2016

WHEELING — Chris Daugherty has elevated the Wheeling Park football program to a championship level. He is also turning The Park into fertile recruiting ground for college recruiters. No less than 19 Patriots are currently playing at the next level. “I am very proud that our program has 19 kids playing college football. I think it shows that there is more than just football going on,” Daugherty said. “You must be a good student if you want to become NCAA qualified and get recruited.” One of Daugherty’s products turned in a remarkable season-opening performance ...