Wheeling Central Maroon Knights: 2024 High School Football Preview

Last year Wheeling Central missed the playoffs for the 2nd time in 25 years under Coach Mike Young. Most of that team returns a year older this year, and with it comes higher expectations internally.

“You’re a year older, you’re a year more mature, and let’s show that, instead of getting hit let’s go hit, instead of taking one lets go give one.”

Mike Young- Head Coach

Maturity doesn’t just reveal itself between the hashs. In 2024, the Maroon Knights chemistry has reportedly increased as well

“They’ve developed in the weightroom and they get along better, that’s huge on the football field when you’re out there as 11, working as a unit and the house is full and people are chanting and cheering and it’s a great atmosphere and if you have your buddy besides you and trust them, and they can trust you it’s a great oppertunity to have success.”

Mike Young- Head Coach

Two of those buddies are currently in competition at Quarterback. The Senior Seth Cover’s arm talent has turned heads as his shoulder is once again healthy, while the Sophmore Nico Kusic has displayed unique mobility.

“Nobody told them to play QB I tell them that all the time, you chose to play so with it comes the grit and grind of the pressure so I like both these kids they’re both quality, they cheer each other on, Seth’s got a demeanor that’s very lowkey and relaxed and he actually helps Nico because he’s aggressive but, they’re going to push each other and there’s nothing like peer-pressure at the HS level, and that peer pressure is great on a football field.”

Mike Young- Head Coach

Whoever’s under center, will be joined in the backfield by Braden McWreath & Isaac Martin, with a cast of receivers that include Caleb Golden, Joey Hall, Troy Mortakis, and the 6’6 Max Olejasz.
On the line, they bring back Hunter Kerr, Carver Bolon, Luke Wear, and Dom Asbury, who just won our WTRF wing-eating contest.

“It tells me he has energy on and off the field, and that’s good because he gave it everything he had.”

Mike Young- Head Coach

The Maroon Knights open with a gauntlet 3-game stretch, when they travel to James Monroe before returning for 2 home games versus Fort Frye and Williamstown

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.