WHEELING — The Wheeling Park Patriots are navigating a mixed bag of performances this season. Coach Chris Daugherty describes it as a “roller coaster ride.” After a significant win against Spring Mills, who ranked among the top teams in the state, they faced some tough lessons in their recent loss to Musselman.
“We’ve shown we can play well, but we also need to cut down on mistakes,” Daugherty shared. As they prepare to take on the undefeated University Hawks this Friday, currently tied for first in state rankings, the Patriots know this week presents a new challenge.
University boasts a pass-oriented offense, in stark contrast to Musselman, which focused heavily on running plays. During their last game, University quarterback Harrison Helbig passed for 250 yards and three touchdowns, showcased by standout receivers Hayden George and Kyle Weaver.
“The game has changed,” Daugherty noted. “In the past, teams generally ran the same style. Now, we need to adjust quickly.” The Patriots’ defense will need to be flexible as they face this different threat.
This rivalry isn’t new. Wheeling Park and University have played every year since 2011, with the Patriots holding a slight edge in their matchups, 9-7. Daugherty expressed a positive view of this rivalry, saying, “It’s healthy. There’s respect between the teams.” Both schools recognize the significance of this matchup.
In recent years, they’ve exchanged wins, with Wheeling Park winning last year’s encounter. This year, star running back Brennan Wack is on a roll. After earning the Curt Warner Award last season, he’s raising the bar even higher. Wack is averaging 234 rushing yards per game, exceeding his impressive numbers from last year.
“He’s faster and stronger this year,” Daugherty said. But he acknowledges teams will strategy against Wack, emphasizing the need for diverse offensive plays to protect their running game. “It’s about evolving as a team.”
As kickoff approaches at 7 p.m. on Friday, the excitement builds. With strong performances and a friendly rivalry, it’s sure to be an engaging matchup.
