Photo by Kim North Ohio valley’s Justin Prostinak (7) returns a punt during last week’s game against Cincinnati. The Ironmen host the Erie Express Saturday night at John Marshall High School’s Monarch Field in Moundsville. Kickoff is set for 7.

MOUNDSVILLE — The Ohio Valley Ironmen are back in action against Saturday night when the Erie Express invade John Marshall High School’s Monarch Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 7 o’clock.

Ohio Valley head coach/general manager Manny Matsakis expects a tougher test for his talent-ladened squad.

“I think they were looking at us as they didn’t know what to expect, but then they saw the Cincinnati game and said ‘OK.’ Now, for the last two weeks, they’ve been adding some ‘ringers,’ some Division I players that want to get showcased.”

Matsakis isn’t as worried about the Express as he is getting his team ready.

“We need to find out how we can improve our technique so we can execute our assignments,” he said. “I think this week we’ll have less assignment busts just from repping another week, watching videos and making corrections. It should be a little cleaner this week. I can’t guarantee as many explosive plays, but we are pretty explosive.

“Last week we had about 20 percent of our offense in. This week we’ve added a couple of wrinkles, so we’ll probably have about 30 percent of it in,” Matsakis explained.

The Ironmen made their 2025 debut last week with a 45-0 rout of visiting Cincinnati before a crowd of nearly 800 fans.

Quarterback Javonte Howard threw for 238 yards and five touchdowns as the Ironmen scored on seven of their nine possessions. Backup Chris Barrett also threw a TD strike as Ohio Valley was 12-of-17 for 286 yards and half-a-dozen touchdowns.

“Javonte (Howard) did a heck of a job for us. He was our Offensive Player of the Week and Cashid (Raymond) did a nice job of running after catching the ball.”

Raymond was Howard’s favorite target as the two teamed up three times for 126 yards and a trio of touchdowns, including a 65-yard strike on the first offensive play of the season. D’Ago Hunter also caught three passes for 48 yards and a TD.

“You’ll start seeing more of our receivers being showcased, as well,” Matsakis pointed out. “Will Huzzie is the other outside receiver. D’Ago looks great. He’s reall shifty.”

The local squad also ran for 134 yards and a touchdown as three backs did yeoman’s work. Jeremiah Nelson ran for 47 yards on seven carries, while Justin Prostinak added 42 on seven trips. Terelle West carried five times for 35 and the lone six-pointer.

“All three of those guys ran hard,” Matsakis stressed.

The offense racked up 420 yards against the outmanned Dukes.

“We averaged 12 yards a play,” Matsakis offered.

None of those yards would be possible without the play of a very large offensive front line. Aiden Ferguson (6-5, 320) anchors the five at center, with Edward Gatling (6-3, 335) and Deontae Verney (6-5, 300) at right guard and tackle, respectively. The left side is manned by guard Ameer Hollowell (6-5, 340) and tackle Kedonis Haslem (6-4, 290).

“Those guys aren’t only big, they are also athletic,” Matsakis revealed. “They can move really well and are starting to understand (pass) protections.”

Defensively, linebacker Kyle Sapp was all over the field as he charted several tackles, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble. Mylic Ritche and Tai’yon Devers were also disruptive forces in the trenches.

“Sapp is very athletic. He was everywhere last week,” Matsakis continued. “He plays the run as equally as he does the run. He’s a tremendous football player.”

Sapp played collegiately at Kutztown State in Pennsylvania.

Ohio Valley limited Cincinnati to 29 total yards of offense.

“Most of the credit, defensively, has to go to our coordinator Clint Lekanudos. He’s done a tremendous job so far with these guys. He loves coaching professional athletes.”

Jaylin Mack also had an interception.

Matsakis did say starting linebacker Juwan Mitchell, who played at Texas, Tennessee and Colorado will miss several weeks after injuring a hamstring last week.

The Ironmen have added cornerback Kevon Burnett off the Cincinnati Dukes.

“He was their best defensive back last week. The touchdown that he gave up to Raymond in the first quarter was the first one he has allowed in three years,” Matsakis noted.

TWO-POINTERS

-Former River standout player and head coach Terry Snively will do the honors for the opening coin toss.