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Photo by Alex Kozlowski Running back Wyatt Reiman and the Shadyside Tigers have won the last 13 of 14 games against River.
SHADYSIDE – To say that Shadyside has had River’s number since the turn of the century wouldn’t be an understatement.
The Tigers have lost to the Drivers only once in 14 games. They’ll look to maintain that success rate on Friday night at Fleming Field when they celebrate Coming Home – literally and figuratively.
For the first time since the season opener against Martins Ferry, Shadyside will play at home. Since the Tigers have been out they have won four straight wins, including last week’s precious 33-21 win over Wheeling Central.
“We have to maintain our intensity,” said Shadyside head coach Mark Holenka. “My biggest concern is not necessarily disappointment with last week’s victory, but with keeping the children’s minds focused on the game and not getting caught up in the reunion festivities. . Winning on Friday always makes dancing on Saturday much more enjoyable.
The Drivers will make the trip north looking to spoil those plans and also a losing two-game skid that saw decisive nods to Warren and Barnesville by a combined score of 94-45.
“Our kids keep moving away and when you keep doing that something good is going to happen,” said Drivers head coach Mike Flannery. “I wouldn’t trade any of our guys for anyone else. I know what these kids are capable of and I respect the attitudes they come to train with every day.
All in all, the Tigers have a 33-19 advantage over the Drivers in the all-time series. They actually handed River two losses – both at Flannery Field to Hannibal – last season.
After a 27-25 regular season victory, Shadyside returned four weeks later and won 42-9 in the regional semifinals.
Several of the faces are different due to graduation or injury, but a key cog remains for the Tigers by the name of Wyatt Reiman. The senior has played at an exceptionally high level this season, racking up 668 rushing yards, 208 receiving yards and scoring 122 points, the OVAC’s best.
“The best way to defend Reiman is to keep moving the chains and keep him off the pitch,” Flannery said. “If Shadyside has the ball, they are dangerous in all phases of the attack. We still have to consider where it is, but they have other complementary elements that have intensified. “
While Reiman gets a lot of attention, Flannery is right that the Tigers are not a one-man show.
Sophomore Ben Wach returned to quarterback and threw for 357 yards and six touchdowns. Korey Beckett is a big play threat to the receiver. He averages better than 30 yards per catch.
River’s defense, on the other hand, has fallen victim to big games each of the past two weeks. Against the Shamrocks, they gave up two touchdowns that measured over 50 yards.
“River quality people defensively so we have to make sure we put our hats on them and hopefully we can move the ball,” said Holenka. “We’ll have to score points and hope we can defend ourselves defensively to try to make sure we can win without making it a shootout. “
The Drivers’ offense moved the ball and scored in multiple ways.
Second-year quarterback Kabel Isaly is off to a brilliant start in his first season as a starter. He leads the zone with 939 passing yards. He threw nine touchdowns and was only selected once.
His favorite targets were junior Brody Lollathin, who caught 22 passes for 440 yards and four touchdowns. River Thompson received 27 receptions for 253 yards, while Brody Longwell caught 14 passes for 150 yards.
On the pitch, Austin Creamer has established himself as the go-to guy. He racked up 443 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
“It’s tough playing against a gray fox (like Coach Flannery),” said Holenka. “They do a good job moving the ball. They can nickle you and take you out on the field, but they pick their points when they want to go deep. It makes them explosive when they put it all together.
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