Wayne v. Bluefield--Game Day articles...

[Bluefield_Rules 46]

http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Sports/2004120255

 

Unfinished business

After agonizing loss last year, Bluefield gets another shot

By Rick Ryan

Assistant Sports Editor

 

The last time Bluefield played in Wheeling, the game ended in shocking, agonizing fashion. Under muddy conditions, the Beavers couldn’t get the placement down for the tying extra point attempt and lost in overtime to Poca 21-20 in last year’s state finals.

 

Well, the Beavers have a chance to wipe out those memories tonight when they meet Wayne for the Class AA championship in a matchup of unbeaten squads. Kickoff at 10,000-seat Island Stadium is set for 7:30.

 

Bluefield coach Fred Simon feels like his team has some unfinished business to take care of tonight.

 

“It would help to erase some hurt,’’ he said. “We’re very fortunate and very happy to get the chance to go back up.’’

 

But it won’t be easy for the top-ranked Beavers, going against a Pioneers squad that has allowed just 22 touchdowns in 13 games. Wayne has outscored three playoff opponents 121-37.

 

Simon has seen some of Wayne’s players before. Bluefield edged the Pioneers 10-0 in the 2002 semifinals, starting what has become a string of three straight trips to the state finals for the Beavers.

 

“Once I saw the brackets, I felt like it was between us, Weir and Wayne,’’ Simon said. “We’ve seen [Wayne] play, and we’ve got a pretty good idea about them.

 

“It’s a typical Wayne team from what I know. They’re really a very physical ballclub, they hustle and they play hard. The running game is their key, but their quarterback can hurt you passing if you fall asleep. He has a nice arm, he’s tall and he can see his receivers.’’

 

Nick Newell, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound junior, has thrown for 1,068 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Pioneers. But Wayne’s ground game is both balanced and versatile, with six players owning more than 440 yards rushing.

 

Bluefield counters with its own reliable quarterback, three-year starter Rusty Coeburn, and gamebreaking players such as receiver Michael Davis and running backs Derrick Steptoe, David Perdue and Quintin Steptoe.

 

Davis averages more than 21 yards a catch with 10 touchdowns and Derrick Steptoe averages 61/2 yards per carry with nine scores.

 

“The first thing they present is outstanding speed,’’ said Wayne coach Tom Harmon. “Their big-play ability is unrivaled. They’ve got five, six kids on their roster that can score regardless of if you’re in the proper position or have the right defense called or the right offense called. Those kids are going to play off blocks and make things happen.

 

“When you get in practice and try to simulate that, it’s impossible without going over to Marshall and asking Coach [bob] Pruett for a few kids for practice. Otherwise, we’re not going to get a feel for the speed of this game. It’s going to be critical early on. The faster we get accustomed to it, the better. You see their kids running [on game tapes] and leaving people behind all the time. And that’s frustrating for a coach.’’

 

Wayne last played in the state finals in 2000, losing to Bridgeport 14-6. Bluefield sports several seniors who will be playing in their third straight championship game.

 

“I think experience helps in anything you do,’’ Simon said, “whether it’s a tough schedule or more time in tough games. That makes it better for the coaches and the players.’’

 

Bluefield has beaten eight teams with winning records and Wayne six. The Beavers also met five Class AAA schools during the regular season. Harmon, however, thinks his team has been tested by its schedule.

 

“It’s probably not quite as good as the one Bluefield played,’’ he said, “but we’ve answered the call each and every time. That’s what you’ve got to do to win in the playoffs.

 

“What I like about our kids is that  even when they were younger and faced with situations that were pressure-packed  they usually played up to their abilities. On the surface, it’s not very likely our abilities and physicality are as good as what Bluefield’s are. But it’s a football game and things happen in football games. They’re going to have to happen our way for us to do well.’’

 

To contact assistant sports editor Rick Ryan, use e-mail or call 348-5175.

 

Bluefield (13-0, ranked No. 1)

# Points scored: 40.7 per game

# Points allowed: 12.5 per game

 

# Rushing leaders: Derrick Steptoe 129 carries, 839 yards, 9 touchdowns; David Perdue 648-9; Quintin Steptoe 537-10

# Passing: Rusty Coeburn 96-158-11, 2,016 yards, 17 TDs

# Receiving: Michael Davis 45-959-10

- advertisement-

# Kick scoring: Lucas Stone 6 field goals, 64 PATs, 82 points

 

Wayne (13-0, ranked No. 2)

# Points scored: 37.9 per game

# Points allowed: 11.8 per game

# Rushing leaders: Garry Roland 85-712-4, Josh Powers 106-712-11, Jason Sanders 78-651-5

# Passing: Nick Newell 56-126-8, 1,068 yards, 16 TDs

# Receiving: Jake Gilliam 15-442-7, Trevor Marcum 13-232-3

# Kick scoring: Travis Thompson 15 PATs, 15 points

[Bluefield_Rules 46]

http://www.bdtonline.com/articles/2004/12/03/news/01beavers.txt

 

Community gives Beavers championship send-off

Posted: Thursday, Dec 02, 2004 - 10:20:30 pm EST

By BOB REDD

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

 

BLUEFIELD - Students, fans and alumni gathered on a cold Thursday morning at Bluefield High School to bid farewell and good luck to the Bluefield Beavers.

 

The BHS football team departed for tonight's West Virginia Class AA championship game at Wheeling Island Stadium and people of all ages were on hand to wish the home team well.

 

As the team left its locker room in the school, a group of kindergarten students from Whitethorn Elementary lined the first floor hallway waving banners, pom-poms and cheering support.

 

"Several of the football players have visited us throughout the semester on numerous occasions, so we are here to support them in their send-off to the state championship game," said kindergarten teacher Patricia Taylor.

 

Three classes of the young students from Whitethorn were on hand.

 

Sandy Siers, president of the BHS Athletic Boosters, whose twin sons Josh and Jake play on the team was thrilled to see the driver of one of the buses.

 

"For about three weeks all the boosters have been talking about is, 'All we want for Christmas is a Beaver victory.' And who do we get driving the bus for our boys? Santa Claus."

 

While this is the third consecutive trip to the Island and the state championship for Bluefield, Mark Godfrey, the school's athletic director said nothing is routine or taken for granted.

 

"These kids realize they've got to work hard every year," Godfrey said. "This group, all the way from middle school to now have worked hard for this and we are all proud of them....We've had a good run over the past three years and we've come up short. But I think the cream of the crop is probably this year. We love those guys in the past, but we're really hoping this third year will be more special than the last two."

 

For the complete story, be sure to pick up a copy of today's Bluefield Daily Telegraph. To order this edition, or to subscribe, please contact our circulation department at (800) 763-2459.

[Bluefield_Rules 46]

http://www.bdtonline.com/articles/2004/12/03/sports/01.beavers%201.txt

 

No. 1 Beavers look for elusive win in Wheeling

Posted: Thursday, Dec 02, 2004 - 09:55:30 pm EST

By JOHN RABY

AP Sports Writer

 

WHEELING - Bluefield's Rusty Coeburn is tired of the same old routine.

 

Drive five hours to Wheeling. Play Poca. Lose in the championship game.

 

That's happened the past two seasons. Now, the scenario is slightly different. Bluefield is heading to Wheeling again. This time, the opponent will be Wayne, not three-time defending champion Poca.

 

And this time, Bluefield doesn't plan to drive home disappointed. But it won't be easy. Top-rated Bluefield (13-0) will meet No. 2 Wayne (13-0) for the Class AA championship in a battle of unbeatens Friday night at Wheeling Island Stadium.

 

Bluefield lost in the title game to Poca 27-7 in 2002 and 21-20 in overtime last year. Coeburn, the Beavers' quarterback in both those games, hopes to turn those negatives into something good.

 

"It's probably the longest trip I've ever had to deal with, having to look at my teammates and my coaches," he said. "It's going to be a big factor for us, having been up there so many times. It will help calm our nerves down a little bit and help us play."

 

Wayne knows all about facing an unbeaten opponent for the championship. Bridgeport beat Wayne in 2000, the last time two undefeated teams met for the title.

 

That was Wayne's first title-game appearance. That team had four seniors. This year's squad has 21.

 

"The experience factor is definitely a lot bigger this year," said Wayne coach Tom Harmon. "Our kids have been in some tough situations. We hope we'll be able to compete with one of the best teams ever in AA. Anytime you go through a season unbeaten with the schedule they've played, that speaks volumes."

 

Bluefield outscored opponents this season by an average of 37-12. The Beavers beat three Class AAA teams during the regular season, including finalist Martinsburg.

 

"Last year on the Monday after the championship game, we had a meeting," Coeburn said. "We just looked at each other and said we were going to do whatever it takes to get back to Wheeling and win."

 

But Bluefield had to come back from being down 14 points in the final three minutes last week against Weir, getting a 75-yard interception return from Mike Davis and a 1-yard TD run from Derrick Steptoe as time ran out. The Beavers won it in overtime when Weir missed an extra-point kick.

 

Bluefield and Wayne have been 1-2 in the state high school computer ratings since the third week of the regular season. Both balanced offenses are operated by committee.

 

Wayne's Nick Newell has thrown for five scores in the playoffs, while five players have more than 500 yards rushing this season, led by Garry Roland and Joshua Powers with 712 apiece.

 

"To finger one top weapon would be a problem for us," Harmon said. "We don't depend too heavily on any one person."

 

Coeburn has thrown for 2,011 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Three running backs - David Perdue and brothers Derrick and Quintin Steptoe - have rushed for more than 550 yards apiece.

 

The Beavers have surpassed 200 yards rushing in seven games this season and 200 yards passing four times.

 

"If you try to stop everything, you'll end up driving yourself crazy," Harmon said. "They're a football team that's able to win in the air and they're a football team that's able to win on the ground. You have to get in the game, see how the flow is going and play your cards. They're certainly a nightmare to contain. Everybody can score."

 

Bluefield is making its sixth championship appearance since 1994 and has seven titles, the last in 1997.

[Bluefield_Rules 46]

http://www.bdtonline.com/articles/2004/12/03/sports/02.beavers%202.txt

 

Bluefield defense ready for No. 2 Wayne

Posted: Thursday, Dec 02, 2004 - 09:55:30 pm EST

By DUSTY HARMAN

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

 

BLUEFIELD - The Bluefield Beavers's defense has seen everything. At least they hope so.

 

The Class AA No. 1 Beavers (13-0), returning to the state championship game for the third straight year, will have their experience put to the test tonight as they play No. 2 Wayne (13-0) in the Super Six at Wheeling Island Stadium.

 

The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m., with coverage on 100.9 FM and 1440 AM beginning at 7:06 p.m. CBS 59 will broadcast the game on tape delay at 11:30 p.m.

 

The Beavers hope their defense, which has allowed just 12.5 points per game, can overcome a talented Pioneer offense scoring nearly 38 points per contest.

 

"We've seen just about everything," said Bluefield coach Fred Simon, whose Beavers lost the 2002 and 2003 championship tilts to Poca - the final two of a record three straight titles for the Dots.

 

Bluefield's last state title came in 1997, when the Beavers downed Grafton 42-14.

 

"I'm sure Wayne will bring a few new formations that they've added in the playoffs," Simon said. "... But we've seen the play action and we've seen the misdirection. It's just a matter of whether we're going to be ready to read and play football or not."

 

The defensive unit, led by seniors Tracy Coppola (114 tackles, 8.77 per game) and Daniel Wells (107.83, 8.29) has not allowed an opponent to reach 100 yards rushing this season.

 

"I think we'll be ready," Simon said. "All I'm asking them to do is to go up, be relaxed and ready, and we'll see what happens."

 

Ryan Albert is third in tackles with 90.83 (6.99 per game), followed by T.J. Morris (83.83,6.99); David Perdue (85, 6.54); and Rusty Coeburn (83, 6.38).

 

The Pioneers will challenge the squad with eight potential rushers, all of which have more than 200 yards on the year, and a combined 50 touchdowns.

 

"They put a lot of players in and let them run the ball," Simon said. "You can't really key on that, but we know some of their main plays, and we'll try to (prepare for them) as best as we can."

 

Garry Roland and Joshua Powers lead the pack with 712 yards rushing apiece. Roland had four scores on 85 carries; Powers leads the team with 106 totes and 11 TDs.

 

"Coach said when they come out, they run and run and run and try to force you to stop it," linebacker Derrick Steptoe said. "We have to focus on the running game, and then get ready to face the passing game."

 

"They're pretty similar to a lot of teams we've played this season," lineman Ryan Albert said. "They mostly like to run, but we have to watch for the play-action pass - they'll kind of lull you to sleep and then throw on you."

 

The Pioneers' Nicholas Newell engineers the offense at quarterback, with 1,068 yards and 16 touchdowns on 56-of-126 passing. He has been intercepted eight times.

 

"He's more a of drop-back quarterback, like Rusty is," Simon said. "He's not really a sprinter, but he's got some speed. If he gets to the outside, he can hurt you some."

 

On the receiving end, Jacob Gilliam is the top target with 15 receptions for 442 yards and seven scores. Trevor Marcum has 232 yards and three TDs, while Tyler Michael has made 10 catches for 167 and three trips to pay dirt.

 

Defensively, the Pioneers are led by Marcum, who has 84 tackles, 23 of them for a loss, and five sacks. He is complemented by Brenick Stumbo, the team's leader with 101 stops along with two interceptions and three sacks, and Michael, who had 86 tackles and four interceptions.

 

In total, Wayne has allowed opponents to rush for 1,488 yards and nine scores, while opposing quarterbacks have completed 89-of-222 for 1,145 yards, 11 TDs and 15 interceptions.

 

"They're aggressive and they get to the ball quickly," Simon said. "(Marcum) is probably the key. He runs the field well, they rally around him. He does a nice job on defense, he's a very good linebacker."

 

THIRD TIME CHARM?: A crew of 15 seniors, most of which have been involved with the two previous title appearances, are ready to lead the Beavers as they try to become just the second team in school history to go 14-0.

 

"No matter what happens, we've got to get this," linebacker T.J. Morris said. "We've missed out two years in a row. Last year it was double-overtime, it was real tight, but we should have had it. We should really get this game."

 

"I think it's the final piece of the puzzle," Coeburn said. "We've worked hard for the past four years to get where we are now. I think it would be just a dream come true to win it."

 

"We've been up there before, and this time I think it's our year," Quintin Steptoe said.

 

Last season's 21-20 overtime loss to Poca has been fresh in the minds of the Beavers all season, Simon said.

 

"We've used it for motivation, and now that we're back, we've got to keep motivated," place-kicker Lucas Stone said. "It's not just getting there, it's winning."

 

TOP TEAMS COLLIDE: The Beavers take no small measure of pride in the fact that the state's two top AA teams will determine the state championship for the first time since 2000.

 

"I bet the WVSSAC is loving this," Perdue said. "It's No. 1 versus No. 2. With two undefeated teams going head-to-head, you can't get better than that on a Friday night."

 

"That's how it's supposed to be, No. 1 against No. 2," said wide receiver Jonathan Repass, a Princeton transfer playing his senior year with the Beavers.

 

"If we win and Martinsburg wins (in the Class AAA title game), there's nobody who can say we're not the best team in the state."

 

Bluefield handed Martinsburg its only loss of the season, 31-28, at Mitchell Stadium.

 

FAMILY TIES: Many of the Bluefield players have come up the ranks together, playing football as a group since middle school.

 

"We've been together since our seventh grade year," senior Tracy Coppola said. "We've just been working together so it's just like a big family."

 

"It's great playing with people I've grown up with and known my whole life," Perdue said. "You can't ask for a better group than this. ... We've got a lot of experience going up to Wheeling."

 

- Contact Dusty Harman

 

dharman@bdtonline.com