Steubenville Big Red: 2024 High School Football Preview

Even after 42 years Reno Saccoccia, the all-time winningest coach in Ohio Valley football history is still excited to start a new season.

“I feel like day one I just, I feel energetic, I feel like I’m still helping the program maybe not as much as before cause I don’t coach as much but I feel like I’m still a positive for the program and when I feel like I’m not then that’s when the time comes to quit.”

Reno Saccoccia- Head Coach

One thing that helps keep him energized and excited is the talent that he returns for this year’s team.

Seven two-way starters including his grandson senior Brody Saccoccia at strong safety and split-end. The Purdue wrestling commit has led Big Red in tackles in each of the last two seasons.

Fellow seniors Jaylen Minnefield returns at will linebacker and tailback, Jamier Faulks at corner and flanker, Ky’Leigh Hopkins at inside linebacker and fullback, he was the team’s second-leading tackler last year. Kail Simmons returns at outside linebacker and running back. Chandler Hoffman at tackle and defensive end. Junior Ephy Kelley returns for his third season at tackle and nose guard.

Other returning starters include junior Ca’Juan Bryant at tailback with seniors Noah West at defensive end and Ben Burgey at Guard. Wheeling Park transfer Aiden Davis is in a battle with sophomore Santino Haney at quarterback. Last year at Park, Davis threw for 25-hundred yards and 28 touchdowns with only three interceptions.

“I see a lot of we’s on this team this year and I love that it makes you a really good football team and hard work you saw it today our kids get after it we don’t need to coach effort we need to coach technique and coach fundamentals and were able to do that because of the effort they give.”

Reno Saccoccia- Head Coach

Reno says he uses this time of year to create depth, one of the biggest keys to Big Red’s success they have depth other teams and schools do not have. One major difference for Steubenville this year is the size of their offensive and defensive lineman.

“We’ve never had so many big people not fat and slow our big kids can still run and that’s so important.”

Reno is also a proponent of his players playing multiple sports.

“Of the 70 kids we have on our varsity I think 54 play two sports and I think competition makes you better.”

Reno Saccoccia- Head Coach

Big Red begins their run toward another regional championship when they host Archbishop McNicholas on the 23rd

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