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STEUBENVILLE, OH — In an in-conference, out-of-state matchup, Wheeling Central Catholic wasted no time establishing dominance, cruising to a 48-0 shutout over Steubenville Catholic Central on Saturday. The win extended the Maroon Knights’ streak in the series to four while narrowing the all-time record to 19-20-4.
On their very first play from scrimmage, junior quarterback Niko Kusic connected with senior running back Kade Koroneos for a 48-yard touchdown. From there, Wheeling Central never looked back. By the end of the opening quarter, the Knights had rushed to a 28-0 lead behind two Koroneos rushing touchdowns and a 2-yard scoring strike from Kusic to senior receiver Joey Hall.
The second quarter was more of the same. Kusic scrambled for a 32-yard touchdown before Koroneos broke free for a 39-yard score, pushing the halftime margin to 42-0. The final points came early in the fourth quarter when sophomore Rob Sforza punched in a 5-yard touchdown to cap the scoring.
Defensively, Sophomore linebacker Trenton McCardle was flying around the field, posting 13 total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Kade Koroneos dominated, finishing with 189 total yards (125 rushing, 64 receiving) and four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving). Kusic went 4-of-7 passing for 72 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 39 rushing yards and a score.
Game Balls
- Offense: Kade Koroneos, RB
- Defense: Trenton McCardle, LB
Looking Ahead
Wheeling Central Catholic (4-1) returns home next week to face Perry Traditional Academy (Pa.) (0-4), a team the Knights are favored heavily against. Wheeling Central holds a 2-1 edge in the all-time series. The Commodores’ primary threat is junior receiver Deonte Herring, who has already notched multiple touchdowns of 50-plus yards this season.