The Spring Game at Wheeling University tomorrow will see some local talent performing very well at the next level.
It all starts with the Head Coach. Martins Ferry native and former Purple Rider, Zac Burney, leads the Cardinals into their fifth season and his sixth year overall as their Head Coach. Bruney’s total record with the Cardinals is 18-16.
Last season the Cardinals went 5-6. and 5-5 in the MEC. That was good enough to earn them the chance to compete for the MEC North Division Championship against Notre Dame. They also snagged two City Championships against cross town rival West Liberty in the Spring and Fall Seasons 42-19 & 26-20.
Zac played his high school ball for his legendary coach and father, Dave Bruney, at Matins Ferry high school. He continued his football career at Mount Union where he played quarterback. Zac was a part of the 2001-2002 NCAA Division II National Championships teams.
As for some of the local players on Wheeling University’s football team:
Redshirt Freshmen WR Colin Oberdick (8) was a three-sport athlete at St. Clairsville High School playing Football, Basketball, and Track. Oberdick was named a two-time First Team All Ohio and a two-time First Team All Buckeye 8 as well as a two-time First Team All OVAC.
Steubenville’s own QB Javon Davis (9) is a Redshirt Senior that appeared in all 11 varsity games for the 2022 season. Davis ended the season with 2,263 passing yards and 18 touchdowns along with 322 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. Davis averaged 205.73 passing yards a game in 2022. His best game came against West Liberty October 22 as he threw for 313 yards with 5 touchdowns.
Add former Wheeling Park standout, WR/RB and KR Steven Mitchell (24). Last season Mitchell had 4 touchdowns on 16 receptions for 212 yards, with a long of 48 yards. He added another 357 yards on 17 kick returns, with a long of 38 yards. This explosive Redshirt Sophomore will continue to make waves for the Cardinals again this coming season.
Next, we have Wheeling native and former Linsly Cadet, TE/HB Steven Felton (32). Also, a redshirt Sophomore, Felton appeared in all 11 varsity games in the 22 seasons. His stats were unavailable at the time we wrote this article.
Redshirt Senior and former St. Clairsville Red Devil, LS Shane Tomlin (43) even managed to get himself a tackle last season against UNC Pembroke.
There are a pair of Redshirt Freshmen on the team. DL Justin Driscoll (59) who was a three-sport athlete at Buckeye Local playing Football, Baseball, and Wrestling. Justin was named to the First Team OPSWA Eastern District All-Star Team…P.H.C. Award Recipient…HSDT All Area Football 2nd Team…Jefferson County Football All Star Team…First Team All OVAC player…All Ohio Team Honorable Mention…All Times Leader Football team.
The other Redshirt Freshman is OL Peyton Hores (66) was a three sport athlete at Martins Ferry High school playing Football, Basketball, and Track. Peyton was named 2021 OVAC All-Conference, All Ohio Honorable Mention, All Times Leader Football Team, All Buckeye 8 Football 1st team, 1st Team All Eastern District, and Sportsmanship Award.
Redshirt Junior WR Dasyn Hores (80) also of Martins Ferry, and what I would guess is a relative of Peyton, returns after posting a 2022 season we he had 7 receptions for 56 yards with a long of 12 yards.
We have yet another Redshirt Junior and former Bellaire Big Red football player, DL Chase Nolan (99). Nolan appeared had a great 2022 season with 18 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and 1 pass break up.
With all the local talent on this team I am sure there are a lot of us that are rooting for the Cardinals to be successful.
The White vs Red Spring Game is tomorrow April 14th @ 6:30 on Wheeling University’s campus at Bishop Schmitt Field. Come out and cheer on these local guys and their teammates. Besides it might help you get the football fix in.
As for the regular season, you can find the Cardinals schedule here.
Discussion about this post